Long-term care plan would tax everyone

I disagree with letter writer R. Miller's opinion (Star-Bulletin, April 21) that the long-term care premium is not a tax. He uses auto insurance as an example of a premium. When I buy auto insurance, I have the choice of who I purchase from, and I have some degree of hope that I can get some savings.

Not so with the long-term care tax. This is a mandatory contribution (deduction) from my wages. I have no option but to participate. And you must participate for 10 years in order to receive a paltry $70 a day. Ten years from now, $70 will be meaningless.

Once the fund is put in place, it will become a target for our money-hungry Legislature. All one has to do is look at how they raided the state Employment Retirement System of so-called excess funds to realize that this fund won't be a hands-off fund for long.

Bill Nelson
Haleiwa

Isle students can meet 'No Child' challenge

Our legislative leaders are saying that we should opt out of the No Child Left Behind Act because it is "impossible" for our students to master basic reading and math skills and reduce the drop-out rate by the year 2014. This is the attitude that put Hawaii in the bottom quarter of the 50 states in most measures of public school achievement.

Other districts facing issues of poverty, special education and English as a second language have done wonders in response to No Child Left Behind. For example, students at one school, 80 percent of whom are eligible for free or reduced lunches, have improved their reading, math and science scores to outperform more affluent neighboring schools.

Some of Hawaii's educators have raised the performance of these "impossible" kids. The JROTC teacher at Nanakuli High School prepared his students for a rigorous federal test. Eighty-three percent passed the exam, compared to only 57 percent of students who did not have this teacher.

It is distressing enough to have people in the Department of Education repeatedly state that our public schools can't compete because of socioeconomic factors. To have state lawmakers join this chorus will crush our educators' initiative and condemn our students to a continued substandard system.

Laura H. Thielen
Member, Board of Education

Community shone during fugitive search

The people of Oahu breathed a collective sigh of relief with the capture of the three prisoners who recently escaped from Halawa High Security Facility. For one week, the community was on edge as our state and city law enforcement personnel worked diligently to apprehend the fugitives while protecting the public from potential harm.

While our attention now turns to preventing another escape, I want to express my personal gratitude to the Department of Public Safety and the state sheriff's and the Honolulu Police departments for their tremendous effort to bring this serious matter to a safe resolution.

The men and women who have dedicated their lives to law enforcement and to protecting the people of Hawaii deserve the public's deepest appreciation and respect for their outstanding work in capturing the fugitives and keeping the public safe in the process.

In addition, the entire Hauula community should be commended for the hospitality and aloha it extended to our sheriffs and police officers. Despite the concern Hauula residents had for their families' safety and the disruption to their daily lives during the search, they remained calm and showed their resilient spirit.

Residents turned out in full force to show their concern for the well-being of the search teams, with many generously feeding the officers and sheriffs, as well as opening their homes for rest and comfort. The strong display of community solidarity is a true testament to the wonderful spirit of the people of Hauula and of our state.

James "Duke" Aiona Jr.
Lieutenant governor

Everyone made Sunset film premiere special

On the evening of April 12 we were invited to premiere our documentary, "Courage to Live," the story of Charlie and Lucy Wedemeyer, at Sunset on the Beach. I want to thank Mayor Harris, Malcolm Tom, Janet Maduli and their staff. They were delightful, friendly and helpful every step of the way. Our thanks also to Mike Jones of Schuler Homes as our sponsor.

Everyone was so friendly and upbeat. The setting was spectacular, right on Waikiki Beach; the food selection and tastes were excellent; and the music was exceptional. The best part was the standing ovation of thousands of people!

This was our first experience with Sunset on the Beach and our eyes were opened to the exceptional venue this offers both residents and tourists. We are so blessed to have Sunset on the Beach. Let's keep them going!

Suzanne Maurer
Producer

Bat Moi, her manapua will be missed

So sorry to read of the passing of Bat Moi Kam Mau of Char Hung Sut restaurant (Star-Bulletin, April 20). Oh, how I love those char siu pork manapua! I live in Pennsylvania, and I have one manapua left in my freezer that my sister brought me when she visited in November. She lives in Honolulu and must bring manapua when visiting. That is only about every three years so my longings are great when she arrives with them.

I hope the family will continue to prosper. I will always think of Bat Moi with each manapua.

Rosemary Geldof
West Chester, Penn.