Oversized phone book requires heavy lifting

I understand the new phone book is the result of some "inspired" folks who wanted to improve the white and yellow pages. From listening to the receptionist at Paradise Media Group, LCC, this so-called improvement was based on input from the general public to have the books combined!

Well, I seriously doubt any of those requesters has osteoporosis or arthritis.

In the past, I had concerns about my 81-year-old mother being unable to use the books because of the small size of the type. This will no longer be a concern as she can't even pick up the bloody thing now!

New ship is testament to Hawaii statehood

Governor Lingle's inscribing her initials on a metal plate that will become a permanent part of the keel of the Navy's new submarine, USS Hawaii, is timely. Lingle's participation at the keel-laying ceremony in Rhode Island came within a week of the 45th anniversary of Hawaii's statehood.

Although neither the governor nor any of our elected officials made any proclamations celebrating statehood on Aug. 21 -- Admission Day -- I consider the news of the construction of USS Hawaii a proud moment to celebrate Hawaii's statehood.

Unions should support workers' comp reform

Union members should support workers' compensation reform. Injured workers do not have adequate access to medical care, particularly specialty care, because of inadequate reimbursement to doctors. The amount of money that health-care professionals receive for services and procedures is less than half that of nine years ago, while the cost of business has increased 50 percent.

Hawaii had 68 orthopedic surgeons in full-time private practice nine years ago; today there are only 48. Most do not take care of injured workers because they would lose money. When patients cannot get the timely care they need, the result is longer time off from work and higher overall costs.

Injured workers deserve the best care. This is not happening in Hawaii. Reform is critical to ensure that patient have access to quality medical care.

Workers must vote to preserve rights

I came from a working family, and all the members of my family are still workers. Workers' rights must be strengthened, not diminished. These rights were fought for and earned by our forefathers. These are their legacy to us, and we must continue to fight and work for them. We can only do this by going to the polls and voting for candidates who have a proven record of supporting workers' rights and new candidates who are for workers' rights.

Don't ever believe those who say that labor unions that fight for working people are a part of political party. Anyone who says that is anti-labor and believes that workers are mere peons or just follow what labor leaders tell them. These are the kind of politicians we must reject. Workers are intelligent people who vote in accordance with their conscience and vote for candidates who are for workers and businesses.

I appeal to workers to exercise their privilege by voting in the Sept. 18 primary election.

Test scores prove value of charter schools

Mahalo to the Star-Bulletin for highlighting the success of the charter school movement in Hawaii (Editorial, Sept. 5). Although underfunded, charter schools provide better education than regular schools, as evidenced by a comparison of the average test scores of students in both types of schools.

Despite the test score data, the Star-Bulletin is hesitant to fully endorse charter schools because low test scores have been associated with two charter schools in particular. These charter schools target students who have been alienated by regular schools, and they now provide educational alternatives that were not previously available.

Charter schools have created a vast array of alternatives that the stodgy Department of Education had not even seriously considered. Moreover, unlike regular schools, charter schools have a built-in mechanism that ensures that only the successful schools will be allowed to continue. Attendance at any charter school is optional, and the funding of each school depends upon enrollment. If not enough parents choose to enroll their children in a particular charter school, the school won't have enough money to operate, and it will be forced to close.

Despite the success of charter schools, there are no plans for expansion. Since charter schools are independent, they pose a threat to the authority and control of the Department of Education. Only about 2 percent of public school students attend charter schools. The remaining 98 percent are being denied a better education.

Let Clinton's bypass inspire healthier diet

President Clinton's coronary bypass surgery should be a wake-up call for the millions of Americans whose lifestyles elevate their risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, more than 60 million Americans suffer from heart disease and nearly 500,000 die each year. The lifestyle risk factors are a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol, smoking and lack of exercise.

Choosing a wholesome plant-based diet is a snap these days. Every supermarket carries a rich variety of veggie burgers, soy dogs, soy-based lunch "meats," microwave-ready dinners, dairy-free ice cream and a huge selection of vegetables and fruits. All we need is the will to live.