Brainstorm! Challenge

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Heiau deserves better than junky car parts

I am visiting Oahu from the mainland. I am impressed with the multiculturalism and heritage of Hawaii, something the other states do not have. On Monday I visited the north coast and Puu o Mahuka Heiau. I took TheBus and hiked from the bus stop up the hill to the sacred site. When I turned onto the access road the first thing that caught my eye was a stolen car that was stripped and destroyed. As I walked I saw another car stripped and pushed off the side of the hill. There also were numerous car parts, engine parts and car seats along side the road.

I know that some in Hawaii treat this site with the respect it deserves, as there were fresh flowers and offerings at the site. My question is, why isn't this site better treated by the government? It is poorly marked, poorly treated and, if nothing else, it is a heritage site deserving more care and protection. The view here is outstanding and awe-inspiring. The history and sacredness needs to be protected.

Donald G Lancaster
Indiana, Penn.

Kubo fudges the facts to bolster his agenda

It appears that the U.S. Attorney for Hawaii, Edward Kubo, has a full-blown case of "George Bush syndrome." Kubo claims that one out of every 10 Hawaii residents uses methamphetamines (Star-Bulletin, Aug. 6). His remedy includes changing the state Constitution to ease wiretapping and search-and-seizure laws.

The researcher at the University of Hawaii who had been cited as the source for the claim disavowed it. But the affair certainly revealed the authoritarian tendencies of some of our government officials. Instead of proposing treatment and counseling for ice users -- methods which have been proven to work -- Kubo proposes radical changes to our Constitution.

Like Bush and his war-mongering cabinet, Kubo and other "drug warriors" know that the public cherishes the freedoms granted under the Constitution, so they lie and exaggerate to scare us into going to war or giving up our civil rights. We are in year 30 of the "war on drugs" as declared by President Nixon, and further from our goal than ever before.

It's time to stop believing the hype. This is a complex problem that requires deft handling. We need politicians who aren't lying when they put their hands on the Bible and vow to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." There are far too many who want to subvert, ignore and suspend it.

Matt Binder
Kealakekua, Hawaii

Unions are greater danger than terrorism

Terrorism is not the biggest threat to America. Our country is being destroyed by unions.

The unions have destroyed more companies and state and local governments than any group of terrorists could ever imagine. Unions complain about the loss of jobs to foreign countries and its effect on our economy. They are right. But why are we losing those jobs? Because of unions' greed and stupidity.

Over and over, unions shoot themselves in the foot. Products can be made overseas cheaper and better than by union employees.

Health and pension benefits are bankrupting businesses and governments all over the country. But unions keep on asking for more benefits, and fight attempts to cut back employees.

So watch out, fellow Americans -- not for terrorists, but for unions.

Donald Allen
Honolulu

Listen here, Coach, you work for us

My heart and wallet just bleed for University of Hawaii football coach June Jones. My head says he is a civil servant who is paid, at least partially, by my taxes, so that makes his contract public.

I am an avid Rainbow football fan. I cannot buy into this Warrior kick the university has. If we can kick some okole, then who cares what we are called? Yes, I know, the new logo and name sold lots of T-shirts, but that was from new fans who wouldn't dare show up with a Rainbow green shirt. I sit behind Jones and wear my Rainbow logo shirt every game. Guess what? The team still wins.

Coach Jones, get off of your high horse and remember you work for me. Yes, a UH athletic donor, a Koa Anuenue member, a Na Koa member, alumna, season-ticket holder and taxpayer. If you don't like the terms, go back to San Diego where I am sure that supposed contract is still waiting for you.

Suzanne Dykeman
Aiea

Apply diet principles to government bloat

Our governments -- federal, state and city/county -- are dangerously obese. I'm no doctor, but I can tell them what my doctor tells me: Diet and exercise are essential to good health. DIET is a new acronym for "defer -- improved economic times." Every bill and budget must be carefully weighed, and only those that are absolutely necessary should be funded. Defer all the nice stuff and pork until better economic times.

With an aging population on fixed incomes and high rates of unemployment with no income, this is not the time for any increased or new taxes, or increased service fees or bus fares. All levels of government must EXERCISE restraint and good judgment.

With DIET and EXERCISE we can survive these difficult times. Maybe they can even cut taxes so people can use their own discretion in spending, which will help business increase production, employment and profits. More income for governments will result.

Better times are coming. Let's shape up for a better future.

Alfred L. Rogers
Honolulu

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