Hawaii could use more like Patsy Mink

I was proud to be a resident of the City and County of Honolulu on Aug. 30 when the city named the Central Oahu Regional Park after the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink, author of Title IX, which provided educational and athletic opportunities for countless women. Mink is the only national representative from Hawaii who has had such a far-reaching effect on the lives of not only Hawaii residents, but those across the nation. I commend the city for taking such a long-overdue action.

Too bad the University of Hawaii couldn't see fit to name its softball stadium after Mink, as was suggested several years ago.

Hawaii deserves more people like Patsy Mink.

Coast Guard failed to enforce federal law

Federal Security Zone laws (35CFR Part 165) have been in effect since Jan. 18, 2006. They simply state that no person is allowed within 100 yards of a large cruise ship (Superferry included) whenever and wherever it is in a designated harbor (Nawiliwili) or in the area three nautical miles seaward of the harbor entrance. The penalties: civil: up to $25,000 per violation per day, and criminal: up to 10 years' imprisonment and $10,000 fine and seizure and forfeiture of the offending vessel.

The failure of the Coast Guard to correct the well-documented (photographed) and publicized (national TV) violations of the Superferry Security Zone violations on Aug. 27 resulted in blocking the docking of the Superferry at Nawiliwili and forcing it to return to Oahu. This made a mockery of Hawaii's law enforcement reputation and serves to reinforce and increase unlawful conduct. Newspapers report that the Kauai groups responsible for the blockade are now holding public "victory" parties. They are advertising that in Hawaii the end justifies the means even when it is illegal.

This open violation of the Superferry Security Zone with no consequences was the "flash point" of this sad scenario. The prescribed penalties must be swiftly administered if we are to mitigate the stigma of "mob rule." Then we can concentrate on the basic environmental/socioeconomic issues more appropriately conducted in our courts.

Beware of bogus get-rich seminars

It seems like every month or so a free investment seminar comes to town with a get-rich scheme.

Before anyone hands over thousands of dollars, I suggest they go online and look up the complaints on these companies.

Also, find out just how difficult it can be to get a refund even when promised and on paper!

Lack of unity evident during Bush stopover

I watched and read about President Bush's arrival in Hawaii with great interest but was so saddened to note an influx of Republicans and not one member of the Democratic Party there to welcome the president of the United States of America.

Are we not one nation, united? Or did Saturday's nationally televised arrival of President Bush in Hawaii affirm what we as Americans already know: that the nation remains divided between Republicans and Democrats?

What a great example of ignorance by both parties. Wonder why citizens of the United States are so divided and we cannot pull together as a nation? Look at the leaders we elected. Take a good look and look again, then think.

The Democratic Party is a good example of why reform is needed. Look at what they did to oust Ed Case -- another great example of party unity. There remains one candidate I do believe can make a difference, and that one man for president and he so happens to be a Democrat, and he is black.

We need to all look at who we are placing in office to run our nation and state of Hawaii, Republican or Democrat. Each person elected should have the ability to bring unity among the people.

Think before you vote next year, and if you don't vote, don't grumble or offer a voice of opinion.

This is Hawaii, folks. Democrat or Republican, Bush is our president and again, auwe.

Price of PPV Warriors so high, it's insulting

I guess it's time for me to say goodbye to University of Hawaii football. I can see paying to watch via pay-per-view for home games, but charging $60 for Saturday's game on the mainland is an insult to the longtime fans who can't afford it. Yes, we'll probably tune in for a few glances 24 hours later when it's rebroadcast here in the islands, but it's not the same.

I feel UH owes me at least the ability to watch games, when traveling, free as a slight compensation for making my commute to work 40 minutes longer after they went back to school.