Protect Big Isle beach from commercialism
Some matters in the Keaukaha and Leleiwi area need the attention of the Hawaii County Council and the mayor.Spearfishermen and surfcasters endanger keiki and everyone at Richardson's Bay. Snorkelers enjoy watching the fish. Keeping this small bay as a preserve will maintain the diverse, colorful fish life and ensure that no toddlers or tourists will be impaled by a spear or hooked by a surfcaster.
Commercial activities interfere with enjoyment of the beach by residents and tourists alike. Tour companies disgorge busloads of tourists who walk across your towel, stare at you from 30 inches away, take pictures of your kid and overrun Richardson's small sandy area.
Company officials told me they take tourists to Richardson's to show them black sand. The wide and wonderful Hilo Bay Beach has a lot more black sand. Tourists could wander at leisure and not disturb others.
Snorkel tours from cruise ships invade tiny Richardson's beach every Monday morning. The sheltered water area is 32 feet wide, which must accommodate everyone -- old ladies in beach caps, tiny toddlers and, yes, snorkelers who pay $45 a head for this exciting experience. These snorkelers should be directed to Hilo Bay as well.
Lynn Nakkim
Keaukaha, Hawaii
Fantasia's screech gets a thumbs down
As former music majors at the University of Hawaii and Columbia, let us throw in our two cents regarding "American Idol." Fantasia Barrino may be a good performer, working the crowd, but she has a nasal, strident voice, which has an edge to it. If she wins, we will not buy her CD. We love Jasmine Trias' voice, which has a wonderful, mellow tone.There's a difference between screeching a song and singing it.
David and Glenda Hinchey
Foster Village
We all must repair nation's reputation
I reluctantly join the world's people in their fear of the United States, and I urge each of us to take responsibility for what we have become.In three short years we have entered into a war that the people of the world strongly opposed. We entered that war justified by information that our leaders knew to be inaccurate.
We now discover prison atrocities committed by our troops that our leaders knew about and ignored for more than a year, further tarnishing our reputation.
Through the Patriot Act, our government has increasingly gained access to the most personal aspects of our lives.
We have gone from a budget surplus to a national debt that threatens the financial stability of the entire world.
Within three years, we have gone from being a respected leader to the most feared and hated country in the world.
Individually and collectively, we are responsible. Our leaders reflect us. Individually and collectively, we have the power to reverse the course we are on. We must search deep within ourselves as individuals and as a society to discover the values and ideals that will once again make us a great nation. We must ask ourselves, "What does the world require of us?"
Laura Crites
Honolulu
Find a better way to question prisoners
All's fair in love and war. Kerry Lewis' remarks in his May 15 letter to the editor further the comparison. Using sarcasm and hyperbole, he attempts to illustrate how ludicrous he thinks it would be to take a humane approach to Iraqi prisoners. "Love thy enemy," it seems, is a fine maxim as long as it stays in church and doesn't enter into the real world. I've never been a soldier. Tell me, is he right?What is the goal over there? Is it victory or is it peace? How should the enemy be treated? Ovens were used in a previous war. Wanton slaughter has been attempted, chemical fires and now perverse humiliation and dishonor. Isn't there a better way? At this rate, how will we know if we've won?
Gerald Altwies
Honolulu
Americans in uniform still need our support
I was a college instructor teaching on all the military bases for three schools for more than 12 years. My military students were fine, educated, ambitious individuals who were kind and compassionate human beings. I am proud to have taught them and learned from them during my years as an instructor.In spite of the scandal involving prisoners' treatment in Iraq, the majority of our servicemen and servicewomen are decent, hard-working individuals.
I hope that everyone will continue to support our men and women who fight for America in our stead. I pray for them daily and thank them for doing what I cannot do. It is the hardest job in the world to be a soldier or a Marine. Please support them and when they return, welcome them home with open arms.
Lynne Fukuda
Biology instructor
Hawaii Pacific University
Former anthropology instructor, Chaminade University
Former biology instructor,
Central Texas College
Public ed has much to offer isle students
It is a refreshing to read about Aina Haina Elementary Principal Justin Mew being proud of a public school education for himself, his wife and his son (Letters, Star-Bulletin, May 13). Many residents of Hawaii find public schools to be just fine for educating their children. I would like to add my name to that list.My older son went through Hawaii public schools and is a recent graduate of the University of Hawaii-Manoa College of Engineering. He turned down lucrative job offers in California and now works for a large aerospace company on Maui.
My younger son, also a Hawaii public school graduate, excelled at a private mainland university and now works as a professional video/graphics artist in Los Angeles.
Many parents believe public education has not failed them, yet they don't necessarily speak out. A motivated and responsible student can get an excellent public school education.
Jim Wolfe
Nuuanu
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[ BRAINSTORM! ]
The ponds at the state Capitol are full of icky green stuff. What, besides holding an election, can we do to get rid of all that scum at the Big Square Building? Or should we just replace the ponds with something else?Tell us what you think, whether you know of a way to clean the ponds or if you'd rather see a remodel of the Capitol grounds. Anything would be an improvement.
Send your ideas by June 16 to:
Or by mail:
Brainstorm!
c/o Nancy Christenson
Star-Bulletin
500 Ala Moana
7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813Or by fax:
Brainstorm!
c/o Nancy Christenson
529-4750
