Brainstorm with Burl Burlingame

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Please restore funds for at-risk teens

I hope that the Legislature has the courage to correct the travesty created by Governor Lingle's veto of funds to help troubled teens.

With one swoop of her pen, Lingle has assured that virtually no service for at-risk teens will occur in the Kalihi area. Money that was earmarked for the Kalihi area is now lying on the cutting room floor. If we continue to ignore the needs of at-risk teens, will it take another teenager being killed in a gang-related incident to once again find the will to allocate money in an area that is in dire need of programs?

That's what happened in the early 1990s. Are we so ignorant that we have to repeat history? Maybe we are. Legislators, do the right thing: Override the veto!

Dave Endo
Waipahu

Why can't Democrats just do the right thing?

I can't help but wonder why the Democrats can't figure it out. Their recent comments concerning the bills the governor vetoed and her TV address says it all ("Democrats push for veto overrides," Star-Bulletin, June 27). Sen. Willie Espero claims Governor Lingle's speech was "spin" and he was going to educate the people.

Since when is it "spin" to tell it like it is? The state is out of money! Senate President Robert Bunda is going to hold public hearings to "find out if there is a groundswell of support out there" to hold a special session and override the vetoes. Never mind doing the right thing and not spending money we don't have, just find out if you can get enough votes to make it worth the trouble of trying to override a veto.

Who is spinning who?

John Stewart
Mililani

Racism motivates Kamehameha suit

Another lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiians, this time against a trust created before the illegal overthrow of the kingdom of Hawaii. This lawsuit is against Bernice Pauahi Bishop's personal will creating Kamehameha Schools for the betterment of disadvantaged children.

Let us put this into proper perspective, if not for truth, then for the sake of this unnamed non-Hawaiian child (plaintiff) who is being used and manipulated for what is no more than propaganda by those with no shame and a racist agenda.

So the non-Hawaiian child is not admitted into the Kamehameha Schools because of its admissions policy. Does this mean the child is denied an education? How many Hawaiian children were not admitted to the Kamehameha Schools in the past 100 years? We just went to other schools for our education. Lahainaluna, Maui High, Wailua, Pahoa, Hana. Good Hawaiian schools.

The abuse and misuse of laws in this case is not surprising. The abuse and misuse of this child to promote such misleading ideas is appalling. Is it really the children who are being harmed by this admissions policy or is it adults behind this suit who cannot accept the fact Hawaiians are benefitting?

If one wonders about my less- than-diplomatic tone, it is because children are being used as pawns. I take offense to this. To the parent of the unnamed plaintiff, have a heart for your child. Have a heart for all our children. Don't let them be used. Respect the personal will of a great human being, Princess Pauahi, as you would want us to respect your personal will.

Foster Ampong
Lahaina, Maui

Akaka bill won't be Hawaiians' salvation

I object to the use of the term "sovereignty" in connection with the Akaka bill in the June 27 editorial, "Hawaiian recognition needed to thwart suit."

Nothing in the Akaka bill offers sovereignty for Hawaii. Instead, it offers a ward status for Hawaiians similar to that foisted upon American Indians. The sad history of American Indians is the most successful genocide in history. Surely Hawaiians would not like to be treated as badly as American Indians have been.

Please don't try to sell the Akaka bill as Hawaiian sovereignty.

Rolf Nordahl

'Sunset' programs leave odor and debris

I am concerned about the problems that the Sunset on the Beach program by the City & County of Honolulu has created. The amount of litter on the beach and in the water has increased since the start of the Sunset on the Beach. And anyone who goes down to the area will notice the hideous "temporary" structure erected on the beach with the odor of used cooking grease in the sand.

I am writing this letter as a regular beachgoer with young children and am concerned since I have stepped on skewers, metal twist ties and forks. As a father I am looking out for my children and other children's safety while using this beach.

Scott Ginoza

Photo caption implies it's OK to be violent

On the front page of the June 24 Star-Bulletin, there was an story headlined, "WB execs say surfing show could be a new wave in TV." With the story was a photo of pro surfer Sunny Garcia with the caption: "His antics are violent but balanced by his stunning surfing skills."

Nonsense! The caption implies that it's OK to be violent if you are a top athlete. What a horrible message to send, especially to Hawaii's keiki.

In the premiere episode of the show, Sunny got into two fights, which were shown repeatedly. Advance notices of the two upcoming episodes also feature fights involving Sunny.

The show is being seen across America and perhaps beyond, and the highlight is the Hawaiian man who constantly fights with anyone and everyone and who obviously needs anger-management counseling. This show is a sad situation for Hawaii and Hawaiians and for the sport of surfing as well. Shame on the Star-Bulletin for adding fuel to the fire with your photo caption.

Rick Ermshar

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Brainstorm!

What should be done about those triangle-shaped concrete islands created when the city makes two-way streets one way?

Send your ideas and solutions by July 14 to:

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Or mail them to:
Brainstorm!
c/o Burl Burlingame
Star-Bulletin
500 Ala Moana
7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Fax:
Brainstorm!
c/o Burl Burlingame
529-4750