So now competition is a good thing?

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian Airlines' president and chief operating officer, was quoted in the May 7 Star-Bulletin as saying, "I really think it's important that the state of Hawaii have two airlines and there's vibrant competition between them."

I fully agree. But this statement is remarkably different from what both Aloha and Hawaiian were saying just last year, when they were considering a merger.

Bill Hicks
Kailua

The American dream is killing kanaka maoli

For decades, from political campaign to political campaign, promises have been made about bettering the quality of life for our citizens. In reality, what I see is a higher cost of living and our citizens being held in bondage by car payments, inflated house payments, and ever-increasing insurance and medical costs. Whose lives are being improved? Are we just spinning our wheels working for "The Great American Dream" at any cost?

Immigrants have been coming to Hawaii since the early 1800s, digging up our ancestral bones and destroying our sacred sites for corporate greed while separating Hawaiians by creating the Hawaiian Homes Act of 1920 and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, institutionalizing kanaka maoli under foreign jurisdiction.

No matter who you are, if you live in Hawaii you need to be responsible and accountable for your actions. Destroying our environment and disregarding cultural customs is not responsible. This is Hawaii, not China, the Philippines, Japan, Europe or America. We all need to be respectful to the host culture. Let's keep Hawaii unique and work at making our islands an example to the world.

Live aloha.

Oliver Dukelow

Court should bar aide from being foster dad

After reading the article "Children's legal aide becomes a foster dad" (Star-Bulletin, April 28), I am appalled to know that Thomas Haia, being the legal aide who was instrumental in revoking the Joe and Angela Valdezes' parental rights, was then awarded their sons and became their foster parent. It would appear to me that any involvement with the case should prohibit the court from appointing Haia as a foster parent.

I am concerned about the child welfare system if this is an indication of how the Department of Human Services and Family Court are proposing to help Hawaii's families.

Yvonne C.R. Perkins

Ginoza is forceful advocate for teachers

Regarding the story "Ginoza is facing a runoff" in the Hawaii State Teachers Association election (Star-Bulletin, April 30): I have been a teacher in Hawaii for 32 years. I have been an involved participant in HSTA as an elected school and chapter-level leader. I am now the Central Chapter president and a fourth-grade teacher. Every HSTA leader is a teacher.

The majority of HSTA's 12 chapter presidents are very pleased with Karen Ginoza's inclusive, open and collaborative style of leadership.

I had the opportunity to work closely with Ginoza on legislative bills this session. I shadowed her as she lobbied legislators. Legislators have much respect for her because she is an articulate problem-solver and is honest, direct and to the point. She is a most formidable advocate for teachers and education. I am proud that she is my HSTA president.

Jan Y.Turner

Big Isle smoking ban will kill businesses

The proposed smoking ban in the County of Hawaii would raise the unemployment rate and the number of welfare recipients in the county. The County Council committee, which approved the broad smoking ban to be presented before the full Council for a vote, is proud of its decision. However, should the Council pass such a measure, bars, restaurants with bars and nightclubs would be forced out of business. The economy of Hawaii cannot sustain such a loss in revenue.

Hawaii's economic situation is unique and cannot be treated like the other three counties. Supporters of the ban say it is for the health of the community. If this is so, then fireworks also would be completely banned.

Those who support the ban on smoking are likely marijuana smokers. They are people who say that marijuana should be made legal for medicinal purposes. They are parasites Hawaii can do without. The Council's attention is being diverted from what actually should be done -- continuing the raids for the removal and disposal of marijuana with state and federal help.

Drew Kosora

Inhumane standards keep animals crowded

The Fire Department saved many innocent lives last Wednesday at the Villa Marina, and with the combined efforts of the Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Police Department and Hawaiian Humane Society, HRS 711 (our only existing animal cruelty law) might actually be enforced. Unfortunately, this law requires that an animal have "adequate space," with "adequate" to be determined by the investigating officer. The humane society defines adequate as "if the animal can stand up and sit down." By these inhumane standards, those 26 dogs and 2 cats had adequate space.

Let us hope the investigating officer is from an agency that defines "adequate" in a more humane and compassionate manner. By the way, a 911 call requires no coins from a pay phone, and cruelty actually is illegal.

Barbara Ikeda