Feral pigs a problem on the Big Island, too

I noticed you had some information that the state was considering ways to eradicate the feral pigs from neighborhoods and subdivisions.

I was pleased to know that because Waimea, on Hawaii island, is having a major feral pig problem as well. In fact, we are hearing of big problems -- five acres of commercial cornfields being dug up by pigs, local commercial farmers' crops being wiped out, cemeteries, schoolyards, private homeowners' yards, etc., and big car accidents caused by feral pigs running around on the public highways -- all on the island of Hawaii. Trying to find available traps is nearly impossible -- they are all in use. Teaching us how to make traps would be most beneficial.

Help! This is a big, statewide problem -- it doesn't belong only to Oahu. Our island is having major feral pig problems. Our neighbor said he's lived in his Waimea home for more than 30 years, and never has he seen the pigs this destructive and bold before this year. Currently we have a 300-pound sow and her 11 40-pound babies rooting up our yards.

We need help, too.

Exxon merits award for making zillions

Yes, $10,710,000,000 seems like a lot of money. But keep in mind that it took Exxon three whole months to make that profit, and mainly on the piddling amounts that you and I pay at the pump.

Granted that that's the biggest profit ever made by any company in all of the world's history, the multimillion-dollar executives of Exxon had to work hard delivering gasoline to all of us at very reasonable prices.

Rather than criticizing this publicly devoted corporation, President Bush should award Exxon the Medal of Freedom for having so well served him and our national interests.

Maui really needs a second hospital

I am a resident of the Legends at Maui Lani and am writing to ask for support for the Malulani hospital proposal. The more current the equipment and facility are, the more medical staff will be attracted. This hospital is a necessity here on the Valley Isle.

Arrr, mateys, here's what ye didn't know

In all of the hoopla about the "Pirates" movie, I have noticed that a few exciting pirate facts were not mentioned. One is that there is only one currently licensed privateer in the United States, Capt. Horatio Sinbad of the Meka II, who hails from the port of Beaufort, N.C.

In the same county, marine archaeologists recently discovered what is widely believed to be the wreck of Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's ship.

Also, I think that new pirate enthusiasts should be informed that Sept. 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, a tradition begun by syndicated columnist Dave Barry.

Arrr.

Signing statements let Bush act like dictator

The headline of one of your July 28 editorials states that "Signing statements undermine rule of law." In these statements the president pretty much picks and chooses which parts of a law he dislikes and therefore is going to refrain from enforcing.

In last Tuesday evening's paper, in an article regarding "the president's signing statements," White House spokesman Tony Snow is quoted as saying such statements never say, "We're not going to enact the law." One might say that Snow's statement says more than he meant it to say; but be that as it may, he missed the point.

Laws are enacted by the legislative branch. The executive branch's duty is to enforce the laws. If, as Tony said, the president believes parts of a bill presented for his signature "are unconstitutional or might violate national security," the president's job is to veto the bill, not allow it to become law and then say he's going to ignore it. For the president to do otherwise verges on a dictatorial act of dubious constitutionality -- if it is not flat-out unconstitutional.

U.S., Israel must stop fighting immediately

I add my name to the many others who demand an immediate cease-fire by American and Israeli militaries in the Middle East. The inventions of the atom bomb and chemical warfare have given birth to a neoconservative agenda and "war without end." The murder, horror and cruelty being perpetrated by civilized Christians is absolutely unbelievable.

The acts committed in our names with our tax dollars by the Bush administration make all Americans forced participants in the neoconservative racist ideology of man's inhumanity to man to achieve their goals. I refuse to vote for anyone who describes these evil acts as "patriotic," and demand that our elected officials bring an immediate end to the atrocities.