Mayor Hannemann is doing just fine

Regarding "New mayor is off to a dubious start" (Letters, Jan. 12): Dubious start? I don't think so. John Reed was less than forthright when interviewed by Mayor Hannemann, so a mistake was made in hiring him as city director. Our city did not come crashing down because of it. Reed is gone and the search goes on. Let's move on to more important things.

Aaron Mahi is an internationally recognized bandmaster but within the ranks of the Royal Hawaiian Band, members were not happy people. This obviously does not make for an ideal working relationship. Mahi will no doubt go on to bigger and hopefully better things. He is not the entire band. Peace in the family, even the band family, is important for all. Hannemann did not make a mistake in his dismissal of Mahi.

Let's end the nitpicking of Mayor Hannemann and let him get on with the job that we elected him to do.

So that's where those WMDs were hiding

Found! Those pesky weapons of mass destruction.

They weren't in Iraq, after all. They were right here at home in our Social Security system.

President Bush has assured us that, like our invasion of Iraq, privatizing Social Security is the only way to defuse this bomb.

We believed him before. Let's believe him again. After all, our president wouldn't lie to us, now would he?

Dangerous 'traditions' need to be ditched

It is now mid-January and although the story of Cydnee Somera, the little girl seriously injured on New Year's Eve, is mostly forgotten, the sporadic sound of fireworks can still be heard.

Meanwhile, citizens have had time to reflect, and many more are now aware that the "traditional cultural customs" that once stood as the reasons to celebrate the coming of the New Year have become outdated, and even dangerous in today's over-crowded Hawaii. Also, more citizens realize that others increasingly have used the tradition as an excuse for public intoxication on our residential streets, with the loud booming of music to go along with the crackling pops of the fireworks.

And, while the Somera family and the public were clearly interested in finding the guys that set off the home-made bomb that injured Cydnee, most knew that home-made bombs are part of the "tradition" when it comes to some celebrants. The traditional cultural customs, and the mentality of mischief and mayhem that go along with them, need to be seriously reviewed once again by our lawmakers. Otherwise, the story of Cydnee is sure to be repeated.

Bush's environmental policies are harmful

The Bush administration yet again intends to defy the population with another round of a foolish and stubborn pursuit to destroy the Arctic Wildlife Refuge simply to quench America's thirst for oil. This Bush administration, like the one before, simply does not want to admit that for each action there is a reaction and the burning of fossil fuels must produce an effect (Greenhouse), which in turn contributes to a changing climate. Perhaps as long as it does not affect their children or grandchildren's generation, all will be fine. Perhaps if they can squeeze out enough money for special interests, it's OK.

Have they given thought to the immeasurable revenue to earn with investments into technology for consumption of sustainable energy sources? Maybe they should read Al Gore's "Earth In The Balance" for some insightful ideas.

Really, it is disgusting that our government's leaders continually scar the earth's skin. The tide of civilization's global awareness on environmental effects from human lifestyles is starting to sway. With bold and convincing leadership, Bush could again make America the great power it once was. Today, America seems like a thorn in most people's side. Tomorrow, America could be the nectar that many flock to taste.

Natatorium Web site would be helpful

When I visited New Zealand, every tourist spot had a souvenir shop. I propose that, whatever we end up with at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, there be a plaque with a Web site address where you could go to learn the history of the natatorium and buy souvenirs to keep the Web site self-supporting.