Government should investigate gouging

When are Hawaii residents going to see we are being screwed by the major gas companies? We are paying higher prices for gasoline because of a hurricane that hit the southern coast of the mainland. But Hawaii imports crude oil from Asia, and it is processed into gasoline here.

Hawaii has always gotten the dirty end of the stick so far as gasoline prices go. The gasoline companies that refine crude oil into the fuel that keeps Hawaii drivers on the road have decided that they can gouge the users here so that they can show a much larger profit and get even fatter.

The state and county governments should really take an in-depth look into the gasoline prices, since we do not import fuel from the mainland, but from Asia.

Precious commodity needs special

Maybe I wasn't paying attention to the flashing lights when the ambulance pulled into the gas station. I thought the ambulance driver was going to refuel. Instead, he came to rescue another motorist who was overwhelmed not by gas fumes, but by the high gas prices.

You don't want to pay more for gas than is necessary, and here is one way to ensure that. All you need is this one item. It may help your car get better mileage, whether or not the dealer or wholesaler raises his prices. You might even consider this superior to the gas cap created by your Legislature, which many motorists have complained doesn't work.

This gas cap has a lock on it and will resist midnight marauders who would borrow (siphon ) your gas, so you won't have to fill the tank again. See your favorite auto parts store for a gas cap that really works!

Bush's whiney fans should take his lead

Bernardo Benigno (Letters, Sept. 21) needs to heed his own advice and "shut up" regarding critics of President Bush's handling of the Katrina hurricane disaster. Within a span of four weeks, Bush praised his Federal Emergency Management Agency director, then fired him for his inept response to the disaster. Bush left himself wide open to just public criticism.

FEMA's slow response caused added hardship for the victims and the press had a field day, demanding Bush exert a more direct leadership role in managing this disaster. I'm glad our president took it on the chin, accepted responsibility, cut through the red tape and brought the various federal resources to bear upon this huge task.

It would do well for his supporters to do likewise and not simply diffuse criticism into the muck of political rhetoric. National disasters require the nation to pull together.

Event brought aloha to Katrina victims

The Kokua for Katrina fund-raiser, shown on most of our local TV stations Sunday, was a terrific show. Thanks to all who participated, the entertainers and the tech folks. It isn't often that all of our finest are on the tube for a couple of hours. The residents of the Gulf Coast will know that the aloha spirit overflowed for their sake.

Don't let charges cloud image of Realtors

As CEO of the Honolulu Board of Realtors, I read the article "Realtors face state penalties over taxes" (Star-Bulletin, Sept. 15) with interest.

The public should be assured that the state's allegations against a handful of individuals do not reflect the Realtor community as a whole. Since becoming the CEO of the Honolulu Board of Realtors earlier this year, I have been impressed by the competency, fairness and integrity of our members.

This is a group of hard-working professionals who not only help make homeownership dreams come true but also consistently give back to the communities in which they work and live. For example, earlier this year, real estate professionals helped put the finishing touches on a new home in Waimanalo as participants in Honolulu Habitat for Humanity's Build-A-Thon. In addition, in August, a group of Realtors from East Oahu donated more than $5,500 worth of digital cameras and computer equipment to area schools.

Our members also take great strides to identify and eliminate practices that might hurt the public or discredit the real estate profession. Toward that end, the Honolulu Board of Realtors encourages its members to become and remain informed about issues affecting real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals, to share their experiences with others.

Potential homebuyers and sellers can trust a Realtor to protect and promote the interests for all parties involved in the real estate transaction. A Realtor will be with you every step of the way in making your dreams of homeownership come true.

There was kindness even during Iniki

As I read about the Katrina hurricane and its destruction, an incident from Hurricane Iniki came to mind.

On Kauai there was much destruction everywhere, including no electricity for cooking meals. One grocery store owner left his store door open and a note: "Help yourself." Later, when he checked the store, he saw that some of the groceries were gone. But to his amazement he found money left on the shelves! He had wanted to help his customers, and his customers wanted to help the store owner. What a wonderful spirit.

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