Local culture accepts bigotry toward 'haoles'

The attack at Makalawena Beach is nothing new ("Big Isle attack directed against Caucasians, witness says," Star-Bulletin, July 14). There are many "locals" who hate "haoles" simply because they're "haoles"! I wouldn't be surprised if the attackers receive probation or have the charges against them dropped. Why? Because they're "local," and in many parts of the state this is accepted behavior.

This "haole boy" has been away from Hawaii nei for more than five years due to economics. I wasn't born in Hawaii but I consider the islands to be my home. I long to return to my aina and to all of the wonderful, positive, "I no care what color your skin stay" people who always judged me on my deeds and not my complexion or ethnicity.

It is sad to know that this type of anti-haole behavior continues to this day. Let's all hope that it ends soon. Malama pono!

Lopaka Gray
Las Vegas, Nev.

Waipio helped make soccer tourney great

We would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make our recent U.S. Soccer Federation National Veterans Soccer Cup a great success.

The tournament involved more than 2,000 local and mainland players and families. It also brought close to $3 million into the community. Visiting USSF officials have stated that the Waipio Soccer Complex is one of the best, if not the best, in the nation. The local players, volunteers and community have shown their aloha to these visitors. Both the officials and visitors have vowed to return.

None of our acclaimed soccer tourneys could be so successful without this great complex of 23 fields and stadiums. Our thanks to Mayor Jeremy Harris for the vision and to the complex staff for making this jewel of the Pacific a reality.

There will be many more to come, making sports tourism a community-friendly asset for Hawaii.

Donna Fouts
President
Hawaii Soccer Association

Let us see transcripts of Dobelle meetings

Regarding your July 14 editorial "Public has right to know reasons for Dobelle firing": I am sure I am not alone in expressing my indignation surrounding the purported "cause" for firing University of Hawaii President Evan Dobelle.

If there is any justice, the UH Board of Regents' decision must be made accessible to the public. Transcripts of those meetings held both in and out of Dobelle's presence should be available to be read by all. Any other decision would be cowardly. (Disclaimer: My husband is a second cousin of Dobelle's.)

Alexandra Mayes Birnbaum
New York City

Off with your head, they said to Dobelle

When you see a charismatic, popular, personable, exciting, "do good for Hawaii" kind of guy like Evan Dobelle, it makes you feel "lucky you stay in Hawaii." He put sports and Hawaii on the map with his super team of Herman Frazier, June Jones, Riley Wallace, Mike Wilton, Dave Shoji, Vince Goo, Mike Trapasso and all-star soccer player Natasha Kai. Nationwide, top-quality recruits are coming to UH for the sports and academic programs. Unfortunately, the education program has had a financial cutback, which is a step backward for sure.

With several members of the Board of Regents appointed by the governor, always doing the "no-no" instead of having positive cohesiveness, you wonder why they exist. (The tail wagging the dog?) Dobelle has done more than many politicians in Hawaii. That's the scary part for them. He has accepted more donation pledges for UH (from the heart) and many future plans for the state of Hawaii, which is what the BOR should be doing if they choose.

"Off with the head," Julius Caesar says, "that bugga getting too strong." So, the BOR is going to be sued not just for the $2 million to pay Dobelle for the remainder of his contract, but $20 million more from the tax-payers of Hawaii. Thank you.

Hear, hear! Dr. Evan Dobelle for governor, I say. Then maybe, just maybe, he'll drop the $20 million or $200 million lawsuit.

Hymie Asato
Honolulu

Scots have right idea about marriage

In a July 14 letter, Gary Anderson of Waimanalo claims that, "In Scotland as recently as the 19th century, marriages could not be performed unless the bride was verifiably pregnant. The moral, legal and financial privileges of marriage always have been intended to protect dependent mothers and children."

I support that idea of state-sanctioned relationships. Let's change the Constitution to read like that!

Roger I. Sandon
Honolulu