Columnist blowing smoke at energy issue

Rowland Nethaway's "Wisdom from Waco" column would be more aptly titled Wacky from Waco. His "Renewable energy is still a nice fantasy" (Sept. 6) is so far off base it's not even in the ball park. For beginners, he calls Saudi Arabia a "developed nation" just months after school girls were cremated inside a locked, burning building because they didn't have head coverings, and so were not allowed outside.

Nethaway says, "Windmills, solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells and other sources of renewable energy ... cannot compete unless they are propped up by subsidies."

He's in Texas and he doesn't know that the fossil-fuel industries receive tax subsidies so gargantuan they exceed the gross national product of most nations? Without corporate welfare, oil would be so expensive as to be viewed as a precious natural resource.

In stark contrast, wind energy produces a kilowatt-hour of electricity for as little as three cents -- with no federal feather-bedding. The only cheaper source of energy is Nethaway's hot air.

Howard C. Wiig

Italian ship's crew shared isle aloha

After an 8-day docking at Aloha Tower pier, the Italian tall ship Amerigo Vespucci left Honolulu to continue its voyage around the world. The Vespucci, one of the oldest sailing ships in the world, brought to Hawaii its crew of 390 Italian sailors, including 120 cadets from the Italian Naval Academy.

During its visit, the people of our state extended our internationally recognized spirit of aloha to the crew. The Royal Hawaiian Band played at both the ship's arrival and its departure on Sept. 4. Just prior to its departure, the band offered its rendition of the Italian national anthem while the crew sang along. During their stay in Honolulu Harbor, the crew sponsored a variety of events for those who visited Aloha Tower.

The visit to our islands was the highlight of the voyage for the Italian sailors. Crew members often remarked about the warmth of the welcome they received from so many they met, the leis they were all presented with upon their formal departure and the natural beauty of our islands.

As an Italian American, I want to thank all of our citizens for making their stay in Honolulu so memorable. We have so much to be proud of living here in such a special place. There are 390 Italian sailors on their way to Papeete who would second that observation. Grazie.

Victor Geminiani
President
Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii

Race shouldn't be a campaign issue

I am quite shocked by the poster I saw hanging in the window of Mazie Hirono's headquarters.

It read, "Let's make sure Asian Pacific American voices are heard. Vote Democrat."

Is Hirono implying that someone who does not share her ethnic background cannot possibly represent "Asian Pacific Americans?" Is she implying that "Asian Pacific Americans" somehow have different "voices" and needs from other voters in Hawaii?

By logical extension, she cannot properly represent Hawaiians or people of European ancestry.

I am quite tired of this divisive attitude and language in our state and country. We are all Americans. Why does Hirono feel the need to racially divide us? What if another candidate used the slogan, "Make sure all Caucasian voices are heard. Vote Democrat"?

Please, Mazie, run your campaign on the issues, not on race.

Brad Piontkowski

Anderson won televised debate

Recently, I watched a televised debate hosted by Leslie Wilcox. Participating were Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Ed Case and well-known politician and businessman Andy Anderson.

The debate was revealing in that Case and Hirono seemed to be rather lukewarm in their various statements, comments and responses to Wilcox's questions. When Andy Anderson was asked questions, the debate took on a life of its own. He was friendly, humorous, professional and truly answered all questions in an honest and direct way. I've been around the block a few times myself and I know a winner when I see one.

When a candidate talks like a governor, looks like a governor and has the experience to be a good governor, believe it or not, that candidate should be the next governor. Andy Anderson took first prize in this fine political debate.

Robert M. Lowe
Waikiki

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