Candidate used quote to her advantage

To his credit, Charles Memminger found it necessary to correct the impression that he had endorsed a particular candidate for the City Council from the Windward side ("Honolulu Lite," Star-Bulletin, July 14). Although the favorable statement appears in the candidate's brochure and is attributed to him in his capacity as a columnist for the Star-Bulletin, Memminger explained in his column that he does not endorse political candidates and the statement was used, unbeknownst to him, out of context.

The candidate in question has a background in TV news reporting and should be well versed in the consequence of reporting things out of context. Although she espouses "integrity" as a desired value in public office-holders -- indeed it is printed in large letters on the front of her brochure -- she exhibits a questionable grasp of its meaning. This sort of behavior is all too familiar on our Council.

This is more than an oversight, it is clearly an attempt to mislead voters and I, as a Windward voter, am looking for someone with a better approach to integrity, honor and personal values in public life.

Chip Fletcher
Kailua

Surcharges could help fund Sunset events

As a visitor to Honolulu, I would not mind paying a small surcharge on my hotel and rental car bills if the money were used only for Sunset on the Beach. Other cities have used surcharges on car rentals to fund baseball fields. I know we are all taxed to death, but a small surcharge -- and I mean small -- would not be felt.

Vendors like the Outrigger Hotels and others should continue to give grants for the program, which is a service to their guests and locals alike.

Sunset on the Beach should be a weekly event. If that cannot be done, how about every other weekend?

Pamela Tempel
Sacramento, Calif.

One Kalakaua offers small-town character

Rob Perez completely missed the spirit of One Kalakaua ("Complaints fly at condo for seniors," Raising Cane, Star-Bulletin, July 14). For both good and ill, it is more like a small town than a condo and, despite considerable difficulties, its residents and staff have built a caring ohana. Had Perez spoken to more than a few people there, he would have gotten a more accurate picture.

I'm thankful that my parents, who were among One Kalakaua's first residents, have made so many friends in their old age, while enjoying excellent meals and great exercise and social programs. Remarkably, a wonderful staff has enhanced these services in a time of administrative turmoil.

During my father's recent illness and death I was deeply grateful not only for the care given by One Kalakaua's registered nurse and her aides, but also by the concern and love shown by the community, including residents, receptionists, kitchen staff, housekeepers and maintenance workers. I would recommend the facility to anyone.

Kathleen Norris

Three parties offer solid candidates

A forum with eight candidates for lieutenant governor was held July 17, and all were questioned on issues that confront Hawaii. The clear winners for each party were Democrat Matt Matsunaga, Libertarian Mike Medeiros and Republican Dalton Tanonaka. Each represented his own and his party's positions concisely and competently.

The event clearly showed the differences between the candidates in each party. I look forward to more forums such as this.

Alexis Skigen

Candidates should debate state subsidies

I strongly support your editorial calling for a statewide electoral campaign debate on the continuation of state tax credits for the installation of solar-energy equipment (Star-Bulletin, July 17).

But why stop there? Let's have a full debate on the use of state subsidies to promote economic growth and development. Twice this year, events have indicated that when it comes to expansion of urban growth into the margins of Honolulu's developed areas, the free market may be the best judge of development's appropriateness.

>> Governor Cayetano vetoed the Legislature's tax credits to Ko Olina resort developers, suggesting that viable developments should compete first for private capital.

>> The state Land Use Commission's decision on the Koa Ridge residential project requires school construction prior to occupancy of new homes.

Honolulu's General Plan calls for the city to require new developments to provide or pay the cost of all essential community services, including schools, that are intended to directly serve the development. But the city fails to enforce its policy, resulting in 95 percent of school construction being subsidized by state government.

Let's debate all government subsidies. Do candidates support government stimulus to diversify our economy, or to promote more urban sprawl?

Richard Weigel
Aiea

Democrats' glory days are in the past

Professional, "keep my job at all costs" politicians have replaced the genuine idealists of the old Democratic Party. Why else would so many of them be in jail today, or under investigation? While you may shed crocodile tears when a Democratic Party member betrays the public trust, I don't see the party doing anything to correct the problem. In almost every case, the party stands by its man until the handcuffs are put in place.

In the early days, the Democrats, with help from the union leadership, accomplished many great things for the citizens of Hawaii. But over the years, idealism changed to greed. The Democratic Party and the union leadership have failed our state.

I refuse to live in the past. I thank the Democrats sincerely for what they've done, but not for what they are doing now. The future is not in the past. The future should be in a vibrant economy for the entire state. The future should be in the education of our keiki. And as far as I'm concerned, the future is not the Democratic Party.

Jim Fromm
Waipahu

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