Overrides show Dems still don't get it

The six veto overrides from the Legislature's Democrats should prove once and for all that they really don't get it. At the beginning of the 2003 legislative session, I distinctly remember the House majority leader, Rep. Scott Saiki, saying, "We get it." Everyone assumed that with statements like that we really were on our way to restructuring and cutting out the wasteful practices of the past.

Overriding Governor Lingle's vetoes, particularly the veto that now requires the more expensive means of solving public worker pay-raise demands through binding arbitration, will leave the state millions -- if not hundreds of millions -- of dollars further in debt. The Democrats would do well to remember the old saying, "When you find yourself in a hole, quit digging."

Fred Gartley
Kaneohe

Lingle should resign over KITV flap

Governor Lingle's agreement to allow KITV-4 to travel with her to Japan using taxpayers money ("KITV faulted for trip," Star-Bulletin, July 10) is one of the most egregious ethical violations of the public trust of any governor during any administration in the history of Hawaii, and even the nation. To allow just one major national TV news affiliate (ABC News) to travel with a sitting governor to record a trip to promote Hawaii tourism -- with taxpayers picking up the tab -- is a slap in the face to all journalists.

One would expect this type of flagrant unethical behavior in a Third World dictatorship, but to have it occur in our state is a humiliation of tremendous potential national ramifications. Is KITV Lingle's personal broadcasting company? Sen. Donna Mercado Kim's investigation should not just focus on the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau's role in this debacle. It was the governor who gave the final OK for this bizarre journalistic boondoggle. The governor should be the first to go, and if she truly believes in honest government she will resign. The next should be the senior management at KITV. Hawaii deserves better.

Becky Johnson
Waipahu

Lingle's Japan trip is a case of bad timing

Governor Lingle's visit to Japan to boost tourism at this time is a total waste. Before you invite people to your house, you make it shine to show it off. Hawaii is not yet ready to be shown off. There is no aloha spirit in Waikiki or the airports. Crimes against visitors are reported daily. Japanese travel is changing; people are going to more natural and exotic destinations. That is not Hawaii anymore. And is Lingle's trip going to improve the sluggish Japanese economy? That's another major reason why travel from Japan is in decline.

Dieter Thate

All drivers can help enforce speed limit

The state should enforce the speed limit to ensure safety. I drive constantly and I want to get home safely. When I drive I see only one car driving the speed limit.

Enforcing the speed limit can prevent accidents. In addition, drivers' tempers are high. For example, if you are going too slowly the guy behind you usually has a couple of words to say.

I am a part-time delivery driver for a Chinese restaurant and I see a lot of angry, speeding drivers. The only thing I can do is prevent myself from causing an accident. I do not speed, so I am starting the process of ensuring safety.

I help reinforce the speed limit for the benefit of us all. I know you are using the same roads as I am. We should enforce the speed limit together.

Alvin Jay Ganitano

Smokers ruined Sunset on the Beach

Our family's first Sunset on the Beach experience would have been better if there were more public restrooms, less alcohol and fewer smokers.

Smokers have no consideration for the majority who don't smoke. One male smoker even took his lit cigarette into the public restroom. Another used the beach as his personal ashtray.

Because everyone came to have a good time, why complain? I'll just stay away and wait until public smoking is outlawed.

Alvin Wong
Pearl City

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