Reader response
to 'Price of Paradise'

Put casinos way out where the sun sets

Jim Boersema's "Price of Paradise" article, "If it's done right, gambling can benefit Hawaii" (Star-Bulletin, Nov. 17), gives credence to the old saying, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies and statistics."

Case in point: Boersema uses the same report that Ira Rohter, who wrote the opposing piece, uses -- the National Gambling Impact Study Commission report -- and quotes from it: "Casino gambling has demonstrated the ability to generate economic development through creation of quality jobs. ... (D)estination resorts create more and better quality jobs than casinos catering to a local clientele."

Are we talking about the same report, or is Boersema taking a point out of context? And if these casinos are not meant for the local clientele, how does it help to keep Hawaii dollars in Hawaii?

Boersema writes, "There is no reason to travel to Hawaii to gamble. Visitors will still come for our weather, culture and natural beauty." Then why introduce casinos?

I would like to make a modest proposal: Scrap the idea of lottery and shipboard gambling. How about on-site casinos way out West, beyond Midway, in the trust territories? This compromise would provide a "laboratory" to test Boersema's theories, and if it indirectly benefits Hawaii's economy, he just might have a winner. But there will be and should be no legalized gambling in state of Hawaii jurisdictions.

Arvid T. Youngquist

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Attracting families will help revitalize Waikiki

The article "Retailers decry the death of nightclubs" (Star-Bulletin, Nov. 9) is something that people in Hawaii's entertainment industry have brainstormed about for too long. No one can seem to come up with a solution, or someone has a great idea but it falls on deaf ears.

During my recent CD release party at the Sheraton Waikiki, I was adamant that the show be family friendly. I think that is a big key.

When you think about the entertainment in Waikiki for people under 21 years old, the choices seem limited to late-afternoon entertainment, usually by small groups performing Hawaiian music. As for shows, there's the Society of Seven at the Outrigger and Tihati Productions' "Creation" show at the Sheraton Princess Ka'iulani Hotel. The Sheraton Waikiki allows those under 21 to sit in the patio of the Esprit, but that doesn't let them actually see any of the show, just hear it. The number of places that allow those under 21 to watch, listen, dance, and mingle is close to zero.

How do we revitalize Waikiki? Add family-friendly shows to the entertainment we already have in place. The hotels do a fantastic job of screening those who are and are not of legal age to drink. Unfortunately, because the existing entertainment is under the scrutiny of the liquor commission, if you're not 21 or older, you don't have an option.

Waikiki's nightlife needs to be lit up again. The Legislature and/or City Council can make it easier for venues to allow those under 21 feel welcome, and offer more choices to visitors and residents alike.

Let's work on revitalizing Waikiki from the inside out.

Jeff Kino

Business etiquette is reason to give thanks

At this time of year I would like to give thanks to those executives who have developed the strength of character to answer or return every phone call made to them. They are in possession of a high level of ideals and principles, and a sensitivity that makes them realize that if a caller feels that the nature of his or her call is important enough to initiate, then they themselves must in turn show a sense of responsibility in answering such calls.

Such exemplary executives do not use their assistants as pawns for telling the public that they are not available, when indeed they are. And they certainly are not stuck in the pitiful realm of self-importance.

Such evolved men and women never use trite excuses such as being too busy or not having enough time to answer a call. They have developed a sense of self-mastery that makes them realize that you don't "find" time to receive a call; rather, you make the time by having the desire to treat each individual with the highest level of dignity and respect.

Carlino Giampolo

Let all UPW members vote for their leader

As a nine-year member of the United Public Workers, I am disgusted with the conduct of the former senior ranking individual of my union. Not only did Gary Rodrigues deceive the membership with his phony dealings with the insurers, which increased his net worth, but he also ensured that only his voice would be heard.

Only the bargaining unit stewards are allowed to vote for a new union head. This is similar to having only senators and representatives vote for a governor or U.S. president. The catch is that all stewards are elected not in their work areas, but at the union hall. Thus, whoever brings the most people to the meeting wins the vote. If only three people show up and one supports the current steward, he is re-elected to another term. It was by this and similar shenanigans that Rodrigues was able to keep the voices of the union muffled so only his was heard.

Bring the vote back to the members and the members will ensure accountability. Bring the vote back to the members to ensure proper representation for all UPW workers and their families.

Chris Murphy
Wahiawa

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The Price of Paradise appears each week in the Sunday Insight section. The mission of POP is to contribute lively and informed dialog about public issues, particularly those having to do with our pocketbooks. Reader responses appear later in the week. If you have thoughts to share about today's POP articles, please send them, with your name and daytime phone number, to pop@starbulletin.com, or write to Price of Paradise, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana, Honolulu, HI 96813. John Flanagan Contributing Editor

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How to write us The Star-Bulletin welcomes letters that are crisp and to the point (150 to 200 words). The Star-Bulletin reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Please direct comments to the issues; personal attacks will not be published. Letters must be signed and include a daytime telephone number. Letter form: Online form, click here E-mail: letters@starbulletin.com Fax: (808) 529-4750 Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813