Teachers urged to teach for free

Most predicaments in life do not come with easy solutions. There comes a time when leadership is paramount. I believe this is true in the Furlough Fridays dilemma.

Teachers are taking a pay cut with the current situation, though adding a day of downtime to their schedule. This results in most parents of students having to find, often at an exorbitant cost, care for their children. The teachers are not faced with this dilemma with their own children as they now are home to take care of them. I am putting in a plea to public school teachers: Step up to the plate and offer to teach on those remaining Fridays. Yes, without pay. In doing so, you would instantly have the praise of all parents and students, and indeed a rush of self-satisfaction. It is your time. Someone has to solve this quandary; you are in the perfect position to do so. Do the right thing, the noble thing: Tackle the problem head-on. The public would hold you in unbelievably high esteem. Please.

Isle bank getting back on its feet

In response to D. Fujii's letter (”;Why is stock price low at Central Pacific Bank?”; Star-Bulletin, Letters, Nov. 24), Central Pacific Bank has been working closely with state and federal regulatory agencies for several quarters. They have given us clear guidelines and benchmarks.

The decline of the California real estate market affected CPB's loan portfolio, but we have been reducing our exposure in this area. The overall deterioration of economic conditions on the local, national and international levels has extended and complicated the recovery process.

Despite these challenges, Central Pacific Bank remains an important economic engine in Hawaii. In fact, CPB has originated more U.S. Small Business Administration loans in 2009 than any other bank in the history of the state.

As one of the top mortgage originators in the state we have helped thousands of Hawaii home owners with their home loan needs.

And in the midst of this economic turbulence, our core deposits have actually increased.

Our full focus is on the Hawaii market as we continue to provide full service to our customers on each of the major islands.

Screening edicts a scary portent

Concerning the Star-Bulletin's Nov. 23 Insight piece, “;Testing, testing ... Whom to trust?”;, the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force, appointed and paid for by the taxpayers' federal government, recommends delaying the start and frequency of screening for breast and cervical cancer. It made the same recommendation for prostate cancer about six months ago.

I am for health reform, but this is scary. The government is saying that health care reform will be paid for, in part, by savings in Medicare and Medicaid. How many women ages 40-50 are on Medicare/Medicaid, disabled or low-income federal assistance? The same goes for men and prostate testing. What's next? If these and future recommendations by this federal advisory panel are adopted by private insurers, BIG savings for them.

Question: Who are these people on this advisory panel? Freedom of Information Act! According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's own figures, it found that one cancer death is prevented for every 1,904 women ages 40-50 who are screened for 10 years. Using its figures and recommendations, 75,000 will die from breast and cervical cancer if not screened.

In essence this panel is putting a price tag on human life.

Reform support based on money

Many people have written letters supporting the health bill now going through the Senate by pointing to various organizations that have given their endorsement to the bill. Like most political issues, one must simply follow the money.

AARP was bought off so it can sell more insurance. The American Medical Association was bought off by the promise not to drop the standard fees for doctors. Now watch as each senator gets bought off for a vote: $100 million to this state, another $100 million to that state.

Hawaii doesn't need this bill, because we already have a better health system than what is being proposed.

Do you think Hawaii's senators will make a stand to protect Hawaii's health system? I suggest you follow the money to find out.

AARP's position misrepresented

A Nov. 22 letter to the editor mischaracterized why AARP supports health care reform (”;AARP's position mischaracterized,”; Star-Bulletin).

AARP is fighting to protect and improve guaranteed Medicare benefits, lower prescription drug costs for seniors, and prevent insurance companies from charging unaffordable premiums.

Health care reform will help all Americans—including more than 150,000 AARP members in Hawaii—get the affordable, quality health care we need.