Brainstorm! Challenge

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Licensing could help restore fish stock

I am writing in regards the article about how some recreational fishers oppose having to get licenses ("Recreational fishermen criticize license plan," June 24, Star-Bulletin).

I have pictures of my grandpa standing next to his old truck holding a 76-pound ulua with two more on the hood of the car after one night of fishing in Hawaii Kai. Nowadays, the fishing is terrible. There used to be a lot more fish out there, and if it takes some licensing to help bring back the fish, then so be it.

Maybe Hawaiians should get free licenses because of their heritage; there is nothing wrong with that.

Anything-goes fishing does not help the aina and deep down everybody knows it. The Hawaiians had many strict rules on fishing and because of that there was enough to go around. We need to go back to the old ways, and if some better regulation helps, we should give it a try.

Kimo Marion
Kailua

Audit left wrong idea about UH Foundation

I wish to address any misconceptions about the University of Hawaii medical school that a UH Foundation audit report may have created ("Audit questions UH fund raising," Star-Bulletin, May 6).

The $4,000 reserved table at the Symphony Ball was purchased in 2002. Beginning in 2003 I have paid for my own tables on behalf of the medical school at all fund-raising events, or my guests have generously paid for themselves. Those invited to the 2002 event subsequently contributed $7,270 to the UH Foundation for the medical school.

Even so, I apologize for the oversight. I have written a check to the UH Foundation for $4,000. In addition, though I am reluctant to call attention to my own contributions, I feel it is relevant in this case. Since becoming dean in November 1999 until Feb. 1, 2004, I have personally contributed $31,494 to the foundation for our medical school.

Ed Cadman, M.D.
Dean, John A. Burns School of Medicine
University of Hawaii

Athletes want to be tested against the best

Dave Reardon's June 6 "Press Box" column, "Shedding private school competition would insult public school athletes," was an awesome article. I enjoyed it and totally agree.

I hope it puts a solid lid on those dinosaurs attempting to do the unthinkable of hurting all student athletes in Hawaii. Championships are great but, more importantly, all good athletes have the passion to compete with the best. They know that it brings out the best in them.

Herb Yoshimura
Honolulu

Film reminds audience of soldiers' sacrifice

I am shocked that many critics have denounced Michael Moore's new movie, "Fahrenheit 9/11," as unpatriotic and anti-soldier. For me, the movie served as a powerful and painful reminder of the costs of war and of my obligation as a citizen to hold our leaders accountable for making wise decisions about when to send our troops into combat.

Near the end of the movie, Moore provides a voice-over with images of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. He reminds us: "They serve so that we don't have to. They offer to give up their lives so that we can be free. It is, remarkably, their gift to us. And all they ask for in return is that we never send them into harm's way unless it is absolutely necessary. Will they ever trust us again?"

"Fahrenheit 9/11" highlights crucial questions about the necessity of the Iraq war. Engaging these questions and holding our leaders accountable for their decisions is the best way we can support our troops.

Rev. Sue Blocki-McKenna
Waianae

Movie demonstrates U.S. freedom to debate

The upcoming Fourth of July weekend is an opportunity for us to celebrate our freedoms as Americans. Watching Michael Moore's new movie, "Fahrenheit 9/11," is a perfect way to practice some of our most important freedoms.

When we watch and talk about the film, we exercise our freedom to be informed, to debate freely and to form our own opinions of the actions of our government.

Moore and many of the subjects in his movie clearly love our country, but are deeply troubled by George Bush's leadership. Moore's movie raises extremely troublesome questions that deserve our attention as we move toward the November elections and as U.S. soldiers continue to die in Iraq. To be American means to engage, rather than passively accept, the actions of our leaders.

We should all celebrate the Fourth by engaging in the major issues that face our country. One way to start is by seeing "Fahrenheit 9/11."

Michelle R. Hite
Kaneohe

Moore's critics should debate, not attack him

I find it interesting that the most fervent critics of the movie "Fahrenheit 9/11" seem more obsessed with attacking filmmaker Michael Moore than in taking on the points he makes in his film.

The film offers a dramatic and unapologetic critique of President Bush and his administration. But the facts that serve as the basis for Moore's critique have yet to be disputed. In fact, most, if not all, of the claims he makes are well-known and part of the public record.

If people think the case Moore makes is flawed, then they should debate the merits of that case. The failure of many right-wing critics to do so makes me wonder if they're more interested in playing politics than engaging in a genuine debate about the issues the film raises.

Suzi Fellows
Honolulu

Isle leaders misplace their trust in Israel

On June 24, Hawaii's Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case shamefully voted to give financial aid to Israel to continue its suppressive and brutal policies.

They chose to defy their own Democratic Party's policy approved at the recent state convention to "make any further U.S. financial aid to Israel contingent upon Israel's cooperation in this peace process and press for international enforcement and guarantees."

Pat Blair
Kailua

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[ BRAINSTORM! ] The city owns a large, underground facility at Fort Barrette in Kapolei that is sitting empty. What could it be used for? Some sort of archive? A place to stash gigantic holiday decorations? A temporary storage site for Evan Dobelle’s ego? Send your ideas -- include your name, address and phone number -- by July 16 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.com Or by mail: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Or by fax: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson 529-4750