Airport cafe scams diners out of ham

My wife and I recently spent almost three weeks in Hawaii and loved it. On the last day, July 15, something happened that tainted our great experience, and we believe it happens often at the Honolulu airport.

Just before our return flight from Gate 18, I purchased two ham sandwiches and chips for more than $22 at an airport cafe to eat on the flight back. About an hour after take-off we opened our sandwiches and to our dismay discovered there was no ham, only lettuce, cheese and tomatoes. We believe this scam reflects poorly on Honolulu. It was very disappointing and I hope that Honolulu can do something about such a crooked establishment.

Hawaii is beautiful and we hope you can keep it that way.

Putin offers a jab at Bush-style democracy

A New York Times story in the July 16 Star-Bulletin reports, "Bush and Putin play down friction at summit." The following is too good not to be read by all:

"In the sharpest exchange, Bush said he had told Putin during a private dinner here (Strelna, Russia) Friday night about 'my desire to promote institutional change in parts of the world like Iraq -- where there is a free press and free religion -- and I told him that a lot of people in our country would hope Russia would do the same thing.'

"Putin responded dryly, 'We certainly would not want to have the same kind of democracy as they have in Iraq, I will tell you quite honestly' -- a clear dig at the challenges still facing the American-supported government there."

Boy, did I need this laugh!

Israel has no right to attack Lebanon

Israel's attacks on Lebanon and the civilians in Lebanon make no sense whatsoever! There is absolutely no excuse for such behavior. They should be corrected in their behavior and their assistance should be drastically reduced!

Lingle, Maui mayor support improved care

I would like to thank Gov. Lingle and Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa for their recent testimonies endorsing the proposed Malulani Health and Medical Center. Their support has been invaluable in the effort to bring improved medical care to Maui County.

They recognize the need for an alternative to the current and only choice for Maui residents when hospital care is indicated: receive care at Maui Memorial or travel away from home.

I am impressed by their willingness to take a stand and to speak out on this controversial matter when it may not be in their political best interests to do so. This is an admirable trait in politics these days, especially in an election year. For this reason, they have each earned my vote this November.

Kim might just need a shoulder to cry on

I believe that Kim Jong Il will not use his weapons to start a war because he knows that he will lose in the end. We need to help him by giving him a chance to express his concerns or dissatisfaction at a conference with whomever he is trying to impress with his missiles. He might just want some economic help since his people are starving. If this is the case, we should help him.

Is greed behind Bush's stem-cell stance?

Money can't buy love, but it sure can buy lust! It can even sway politicians' thoughts. With all the money that the pharmaceutical companies have, they can sway a lot of politicians, even President Bush. I wonder if they are behind this push for President Bush to veto this bill for stem-cell research. I think they stand to lose a lot of money in their drug sales if stem cell is successful in correcting many health problems like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and others. Do the pharmaceutical companies, Bush and other politicians want to help others or keep their pockets full?

Let's not be hypocritical. Let's not let money sway our minds for greed -- let's do the right thing to help others.