Brainstorm! Challenge

---

Church loses respect for not facing abuse

After so many years, the local Catholic Diocese has not yet learned to take the priest/ pedophile scandal seriously ("Isle diocese fails to meet all directives," Star-Bulletin, Jan. 7).

This is amazing in an institution that calls itself the ultimate arbiter of morality, not only for its own members but for all of society. This same institution, which refuses to clean its own house, is responsible for the suffering of millions of people who are forced to follow its teachings relative to birth control, abortion and gay rights.

It also has the nerve to fight for an unconstitutional cut of the tax pie in the guise of "faith-based charities" and support for parochial education.

I recall some biblical statement about taking care of the log in your own eye before being concerned about the mote in your neighbor's.

Hank Kocol
Honolulu

Privatization best for Ala Wai marina

Supposedly we need to spend public funds carefully, yet the state continues to ignore privatizing the marina facility at the Ala Wai Harbor and now has to have its long-neglected docks replaced at considerable public expense (Star-Bulletin, Jan. 14).

Since efficiency is nearly unknown in the public sector, it sure seems to me that it would be best for all (except for those with boat slips that are subsidized by everyone reading this) that the government should not be doing things the private sector can do just fine. What did the excellent new docks at Ko Olina cost us taxpayers? Nothing, yet that marina is successful despite its remote location.

It is time for the Republican administration to stop acting like last generation's Democrats. Let's get the state out of money-losing roles that (tax-paying) business can do better. Yes, some harbors need public moneys -- they are a much-neglected resource and many are not viable business locales, but the Ala Wai, for Pete's sake! It could be making money for us if we got the public sector out of the marina business.

Dan Weyant
Kaaawa

Gen. Franks wouldn't vote for Clark

I was interested in Tuesday's article featuring retired Gen. Tommy Franks, who was in charge during the main combat phase of the Iraq war ("Retired general backs war effort," Star-Bulletin, Jan. 13). Although he seemed to have steered carefully away from political commentary, I was reminded of his reaction in November to retired Gen. Wesley Clark's entrance into the presidential campaign. I'm surprised no one took him to task about this exchange then: Asked whether he thought Clark would make a good commander in chief, Franks told the New Yorker, "Absolutely not."

Mike Rohrer
Mililani

Let's just celebrate Wie's good fortune

Should she? Some caution no: she's too young, women shouldn't play with the men, she should follow Tiger's path, sponsors are taking advantage of her, she's not good enough.

Neither age nor women's rights is an issue. Michelle Wie's parents have her best interest in mind. Shouldn't we credit them for raising a decent young lady? She is smart, articulate, vivacious and has good values.

Sure, the sponsors have an agenda in offering an exemption -- TV ratings, nickels and dimes. However, Wie benefits from the exposure and her endorsement future is secure. More important, she has the opportunity to compete and the game of golf benefits.

The most valid question is whether she is good enough to compete with the men without an exemption. That's a question the future will answer.

Perhaps we should stop the debate, enjoy the moment and appreciate this talented young lady. Let's also thank Sony and Governor Lingle for the exemption. Wie certainly has the potential to be a world role model.

Russell Stephen Pang
Kaneohe

Who will take care of all the graffiti?

Concerned about rampant graffiti vandalism I saw throughout Waikiki and Oahu, I called the offices of the governor, mayor, a local environmental club and the graffiti hotline. Not one returned my telephone call.

The state is taking a huge step backwards in losing control of this cowardly vandalism. Elected representatives are taking two steps backward with their ignorance and lack of service.

Paul Merritt
Laguna, Calif.

Civil Defense should take action earlier

So goes another storm, only to find hundreds of people stranded around Oahu, trees blocking roads and delayed school closings. The National Weather Service had warned residents for three days about expected high winds, yet what was done to plan for the possible impact on driving and school closings?

Consequently it wasn't until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, after the winds had been blowing for hours earlier during the night, that schools started closing and reports of road closures were announced. This was at least an hour after parents dropped children off at school.

I am continually amazed after living in Hawaii for more than 21 years that the state Civil Defense has yet to implement plans to preclude possible injuries by encouraging people to stay home and off the roads during terrible weather. When will we learn?

John Toillion
Mililani

More cops are needed to nail reckless drivers

I enjoyed reading the Jan. 8 letter to the editor about ticketing tailgaters and other reckless drivers to generate revenue in addition to the vehicle weight tax. While this may appear to be a logical approach on the surface, it is not likely to happen until more police officers are added to the payroll.

With the budget shortfall in the police department, it is obvious that the officers will tend to a more urgent call such as domestic violence or an accident, which is more life threatening, and leave the moving vehicle violating on the back burner.

Michael Nomura Kailua

---

BACK TO TOP
|

[ BRAINSTORM! ] What should the city do with the elegant old sewage pump station? It's empty and fading, and now it's taking a beating from all the construction going on around it. The O.G. Traphagen-designed sewage pump station on Ala Moana Boulevard, more than a century old, is a monument to the glory days of municipal architecture, when city fathers took such pride in their community that even a humble sewage station became a landmark structure. Millions of tourists drive by it every year, and it's an embarrassing reminder of how poorly Honolulu treats its historic landmarks. Over the years, dozens of uses and excuses and blue-sky speculations have been suggested for the striking structure. Now we're asking you, Mr. and Mrs. Kimo Q. Publique, what should the city do with the elegant old pump building? Send your ideas and solutions by Jan. 15 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.com Or mail them to: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Fax: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson 529-4750