Do not ignore civil union issue

Gov. Linda Lingle argues that Hawaii, in this time of economic crisis, cannot afford to address discrimination against LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) residents (”;Jobs, not civil unions, is focus, says Lingle,”; Star-Bulletin, Jan. 9).

Contrary to what the governor says, the economic crisis only increases the urgent need for the Legislature to pass the civil unions bill. Families headed by same-sex couples need the same legal and economic protections as those headed by heterosexuals. Imagine losing one's job and health benefits and not being able to access your spouse's benefits. Or what a same-sex family faces when one partner is ill and the other can't even take family leave to provide care.

Hawaii should support all the state's families by ensuring that same-sex couples have the same rights and benefits as married couples.

Gay marriage issue is divisive

Proponents of civil unions and same-sex marriage succeeded in passing HB444 through the state House of Representatives last year. The bill currently sits in the Senate for final reading.

Consider two pieces of information:

» HB444, passed by the House, would give same-sex couples every right that marriage confers. In Connecticut, that form was determined by the state court in 2008 to discriminate on the basis of equal rights and required same-sex marriage to remedy the discrimination.

» The proponents of HB444 claim discrimination under equal protection as the basis for HB444. However, the Hawaii Supreme Court in Baehr v. Miike held that due to the marriage amendment that was ratified on November 1998:

“;The marriage amendment validated HRS S 572-1 by taking the statute out of the ambit of the equal protection clause of the Hawaii Constitution. ... Accordingly, whether or not in the past it was violative of the equal protection clause in the foregoing respect, HRS S 572-1 no longer is. In light of the marriage amendment, HRS S 572-1 must be given full force and effect.”;

Our economic problems should cause the Legislature to focus on jobs rather than the divisive same-sex marriage issues.

Civil unions have economic benefit

As a father and the long-time partner of another man, I am incensed by Gov. Linda Lingle's statement that Hawaii cannot afford to address discrimination against its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents. My children deserve the same legal rights and benefits that protect children in heterosexual families. By granting civil unions, the state will strengthen my family—and those of other same-sex couples—making it easier for our families to survive the current economic downturn.

Leave McKinley High's name as is

I am appalled that it was even considered to rename McKinley High School to Barack Hussein Obama High School. President Obama has no ties to McKinley High School.

I am proud that he was born and raised on Oahu. If someone wants to rename a place that is meaningful to the president, how about Kapiolani Women's and Children Hospital, since this is where he was born, or Punahou School, which he attended and graduated from in 1979?

William H. McKinley High School is the oldest public high school in Hawaii. It was established in 1865 and was named after President William McKinley, who helped to bring about the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands to the United States.

McKinley High School with its well-manicured lawn is a landmark along one of the main streets in Honolulu. President McKinley's bronze statue stands in the circle in front of the administration building. Will they also replace this statue with one of President Obama?

Many outstanding citizens graduated from McKinley High School and are recognized in its Hall of Honor. Sens. Hiram Fong and Daniel Inouye, Gov. George Ariyoshi, Duke Kahanamoku, the Rev. Abraham Akaka and Maj. Tammy Duckworth, just to name a few.

Leave our beloved McKinley High School's name as is.

Pedestrian could be your mother

Mahalo to all drivers who stop for my mother when she tries to cross Hobron Lane to get to Food Pantry. She's 86 years old and pushes a walker, so it takes her a little bit longer than most people to get across the road.

She now has an orange flag that she can wave to get drivers' attention; hopefully that will get more people to slow down. Remember, it could be your mother in the crosswalk.

New Orleans fond of UH fans

Tourists stopped years ago making an impression on me, a New Orleanian living in the French Quarter. However, as I walked through the recent Sugar Bowl crowd, I got surprisingly nostalgic about the University of Hawaii fans from the 2007 Sugar Bowl. Sentimental even. Like missing an old friend.

People from Hawaii were different than the other Sugar Bowl crowds. They were honestly grateful to have been invited to the bowl. They didn't act jaded or entitled and they spared us the over-amped aggression that often pops out of football crowds.

New Orleanians are known for ignoring even national celebrities, so it was surprising that so many locals not only noticed but also generated a fondness for the Hawaii fans. We felt we had more in common with them than we do with the Americans of the mainland.

We both define ourselves based on qualitative factors. We measure the good life by maintaining enjoyable experiences instead of collecting commercial assets. Efficiency, productivity and sacrifice aren't higher virtues than giving to strangers. We use beads; Hawaii people use leis.

We miss you.

Fireworks need to be banned

Enough!

We lost a 13-year member of our family this New Year's. Our cat Shadow, already frail, could not deal with the bombs and smoke. We miss her beyond words.

It's time to ban all personal aerial fireworks and explosive percussive devices in Hawaii. My wife and I went through the “;celebration”; and the Windward side looked and sounded like World War II. My lungs, eyes and ears still hurt! The problem is not just on Oahu. I'm all for celebration, but how much longer will we allow a lawless few to harm the air and peace of mind for the rest of us? Where are those who say they care about the aina and kai?

Today's modern fireworks are a threat to public safety, the environment and our health. Please contact your representatives and let your voice be heard. Never again should the citizens of Hawaii and Oahu have to put up with this. I look forward to actively campaigning against any public official who refuses to see the wisdom of this course.