Noisy renters made Kailua unbearable

Kalana Best's column on the scourge of vacation rentals at Lanikai ("Gathering Place," Star-Bulletin, Oct. 8) prompted me to recall my own disastrous time living in Kailua.

I purchased what I thought was to be my home for the rest of my life. As soon at the ink was dry on the purchase contract and the woman who had lived in the house for many years moved out, my neighbor's guest cottage became a vacation rental. The new structure was so close to my lanai that the guests were almost in my living room; I could hear every conversation, phone, baby scream, even the toilet flush. The single wall is no protection from noise and more noise.

Then the vacation rental became a long-term rental, only to house a young couple who fought incessantly and felt the need to share their woes with everyone in earshot.

It broke my heart, but I had to realize the Oahu I knew in the past is gone. A good night's sleep is a necessity. I am happy to just be a visitor again.

Gubernatorial debate a study in contrasts

The Randy Iwase-Linda Lingle gubernatorial debate of Oct. 6 was an interesting portrayal of contrasts.

Both candidates did a good job of presenting divergent views that would be accepted or rejected depending to a large extent on viewers' preconceived beliefs. But there was a marked difference in presentation. Lingle for the most part limited her time to a straightforward and unbiased discussion of the issues, her accomplishments as governor and pressing needs of the state.

Iwase also showed due concern for the issues, but spent an undue amount of time questioning the accomplishments of the governor and too little on how he would improve the administration of state affairs. He belittled the governor for what I consider a positive action of developing an association with the president.

Iwase indicated that he has a major responsibility to serve the Democratic Party as well as the state at large. In contrast, Lingle responded that the governor's job should be to serve the people regardless of political affiliation.

A bit of contention was added to the debate when Iwase alluded to the "local boy" advantage. Such a designation might gain votes, but it is questionable as a qualification for serving as governor of a diverse society.

Vote for Lingle will show support for Bush

If Hawaii wants to send a message of support for President Bush, the Iraq war and the Republican right-wing agenda, vote for Gov. Linda Lingle.

I won't.

Anti-Bush Democrats weaken America

I really could not believe our Democratic leadership together with voters who supported them during the primary election have acrimonious feeling against the Bush administration and those who support the president's policies. Even gubernatorial candidate Randy Iwase challenged our good governor to pick up a phone to tell the president to cut and run out of Iraq.

This kind of remark against our elected president makes the world insecure, dangerous and divisive. The mentality of Hawaii's Democratic candidates for governor and Congress contributes to instability, hatred and lack of trust amongst us in paradise. We should support our troops who are dying in order for us to live in freedom, success and prosperity.

Airline's tactics are not welcome in Hawaii

I am quite disappointed to read of Judge Robert Faris' ruling allowing Mesa's subsidiary go! Airlines to continue its practice of predatory pricing in Hawaii's interisland market (Star-Bulletin, Oct. 6). This comes in light of evidence that clearly suggests the intentions of go! to put an established local carrier out of business and damage other local airlines in their quest for a desirable share of the market. These business practices might be acceptable on the mainland, but in Hawaii we are different. We are an ohana based on a different set of values and principals, not merely profits.

Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines have provided jobs for local families for decades, and this is important to us as a community. They are part of us, unlike the kolea birds that come here to get fat, then fly home with their money.