Baseball field lights outshine the stars
When astronomy professor Richard Wainscoat gave his lecture on light pollution Wednesday night at the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy, he needed only to step outside to see a prime example. The lights on the baseball field, frequently on until 11 p.m., light up all of Manoa Valley. Why they have to project so much of the light upwards is beyond me.
Stars? What are they?
Arthur Sprague
Honolulu
Boaters must unite for better harbors
I recently resigned as administrator of the state's small boat harbors division and want to set the record straight. I left because of a long-running disagreement over certain financial policies that were being imposed on the boating division, which I believe are contrary to the best interest of the harbors and Hawaii's boaters.
The boating public soon will be able to review the finances for 2005 and 2006 and can decide whether they support the Department of Land and Natural Resources' policies. The comparative data is available on line or by OIP request, and recent state audits and federal program reviews will provide useful background information. All are part of the public record.
Hawaii's boaters and harbor users must find a common voice to lobby for the basic improvements they desire or they will continue to see the small boat harbors diminished by ignorance and the ongoing diversion of resources. Boaters often express their concerns but seldom speak with a united voice.
Change can start with a simple word to your legislator. Let them know how much you value our harbors.
Richard Rice
Kailua
Peace department could save the world
"Violence does not cease by violence, but by love alone is healed," Buddha said. Each of us knows that to be truth in our personal lives. Why does killing and violence remain the foreign policy of our nation? Why are we financing a killing spree in Iraq when native peoples and our own children remain locked in poverty in America?
Imagine if we supported Iraqi civilians with good food, water, energy and shelter. Imagine what good will be generated by these expressions of connection. Then what support would terrorism and murder have? Instead, failed policies are making new enemies and financing militarism across the globe.
Isn't now the time to create a Department of Peace to explore solutions that engender good will and sustainability in our planetary relationships?
Robert Kinslow
Honolulu
Both parties fail to pass the torch
Auwe to both Democrats and Republicans. By pushing forward the oldest of the old, each party is clinging to the past with no vision of the future. Being a party stalwart should mean passing the torch, not waiting till it burns out. The lack of secession plans by both parties is disturbing and will certainly bring another round of apathy from Hawaii voters.
Steve Kaiser
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Former Hawaii resident
Bounty hunter must pay for breaking law
I've been amused to no ends of this earthly life with the amount of support for Dwayne "Dog" Chapman. What I find strange is the manner in which people have chosen to support him, even if what he has done is against the laws of another nation. Do we now allow those who come into the United States to do the same as he? Would these same individuals support that? I think not. The laws, whether we agree or not, are the laws, and to call this a democratic nation and not adhere to the principle of law throws the whole askew. It makes a mockery of what we believe to be an important function of life and individual responsibility.
The Dog's decision to enter a foreign country and break their law is indisputable, and he should face the consequences. His celebrity is the direct result of that action. I cannot see him as a hero. He is not a benefit to these islands, and neither is there anything to be proud of. Yikes, I can't begin to imagine what constitutes a hero today if that word is mentioned in the same breath and sentence with Dog Chapman.
Charles K. Kaupu Jr.
Lahaina, Maui