Akaka bill opposition will lead to dialogue

As chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, Sen. John McCain's opposition to the Akaka bill is the correct position (Star-Bulletin, Jan. 7). He believes in straight talk, and beginning today the people of Hawaii will begin straight talk on the truth that affects all of us in the islands.

We will dialogue to understand why there are legal challenges to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. We will dialogue to understand the truth leading to the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy and the recognition of the Republic of Hawaii. We will dialogue to understand that the United States forgave a large debt owed it by the monarchy to compensate Hawaii for the ceded lands that were later returned to all the people of Hawaii.

Through the process of dialogue, we will understand the truth, who is spinning the truth and who are the true revisionists of Hawaiian history.

Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States. Hawaii is the true example of people of different cultures, religions and ethnicities coming together as one in a free and peaceful world.

We can now find the truth.

Politicians are right to protest Ohio vote

The problems with the electoral process, which included disturbing patterns of voter disenfranchisement and irregularities, were evident in the 2004 presidential election once again.

I applaud the courage of California Sen. Barbara Boxer, Ohio Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones and other congressional leaders who, in the face of a patronizing, hostile and disrespectful Republican majority, did our country a service by speaking out and demanding that we protect each citizen's right to vote.

Young and old should help clean up litter

Something should be done about all the litter lying around beaches and neighborhoods.

If the beach is open to the public, then no one should have a problem about helping to clean up the place. Hawaii is known as "paradise," but with the rubbish on the beaches and around the island, it doesn't look like "paradise" anymore. If we don't solve this problem now, future generations will pick up the habit and it will become worse.

Pollution is already a problem that can't be fixed, it's everywhere. Litter is everywhere, but it's not too late to start. I think it would be very educational to the younger generations as well as the older to help take part and clean up the island so we can all enjoy the natural beauty of the islands. Then "paradise" will be said to be where it really is.

Band can do better with different leader

This is in response to Ulf Burgmann's Jan. 9 letter to the editor supporting the reappointment of Royal Hawaiian Bandmaster, Aaron Mahi. Since when does exercising the right to petition demonstrate a "shameless lack of character"? People have used this civilized method to initiate change for many years.

And let's get this straight -- it is not about some ethnicity attack "against the only Hawaiian in this band." There are many outstanding non-Hawaiian conductors who could do a better job musically.

The Royal Hawaiian Band under the baton of Aaron Mahi has been musically suppressed and artistically unchallenged. I do agree, though, that the band should continue with performances in the old traditions of the band.

However, to not allow the band to be a resource to the younger musicians of this state and to impede expanding the repertoire of very capable musicians is quite dishonorable. Wind Band literature has grown tremendously since the beginnings of the Royal Hawaiian Band, but Mahi has yet to make an honest attempt to expand the repertoire of the band.

One thing that is rather amusing is that Mahi resembles King David Kalakaua standing in front conducting the band, but Kalakaua was never remembered for his outstanding conducting skills, and neither will Mahi.

Local golfer should also be teeing up

With the Sony Open starting, it bothers me that our only local professional on the PGA tour, Dean Wilson, is an alternate. Why was he not granted an exemption like Michelle Wie and Scott Simpson? The rest of the golfers given exemptions are not even from our state!

It's hard to believe that Dean cannot catch a break in his own hometown.

Dean, I wish you all the best and hope you are treated better on the mainland than in Hawaii!