Abolish useless House, save cash

As the Legislature dithers along, our keiki are being deprived of their rightful educational periods. Why was legislative discussion regarding the restoration of Friday instruction shelved, and the Legislature going on to much less important subjects such as fireworks or casinos? Bring back Fridays — just get it done!

Since the Legislature simply dodges or postpones decisions on important “;hot button”; issues (except to expeditiously vote themselves a handsome pay raise), why do we need them? Has anyone calculated the cost to the state (we citizens) for maintaining the Legislature? A pretty penny, for sure.

I propose that we abolish the House of Representatives and rent out the vacant infrastructure. This should go a long way toward reducing the budget, and I believe we can do just fine with a unicameral government — the Senate.

Turtle Bay issue delayed yet again

The Land Use Commission met for the sixth time in two years last Thursday to hear Defend Oahu Coalition's motion for an “;Issuance to Show Cause for Failure to Perform”; to Kuilima Resort Co. It once again hid from the issue and moved to continue the case.

The disappointment was thick on both sides. The developer would love to see this go away. The coalition only wants the commission to order the motion so a hearing can be held on why 236 acres at Turtle Bay that hasn't been developed in over 24 years shouldn't be reverted from its urban reclassification back to ag land.

It's not asking the commission to stop the development; it just wants answers.

This hearing would enable the public to hear first-hand what the developers have in mind for the resort, and why it hasn't complied with conditions set forth 24 years ago.

Do your job, Land Use Commission!

Flag restrictions need to be eased

It is a sad day in Hawaii after hearing of the deferment of House Bill 2311, which would allow for the use of flagpoles to display the U.S. or state flag on the premise of one's home in a planned community. To many veterans and citizens living in these large planned communities throughout Hawaii, it is disheartening that a small gesture such as the flying of our U.S. or state flag will continue to be restricted to fly only on selected holidays, as currently allowed. How sad that a measure to permit the airing of one's laundry on an open clothesline in a planned community association was passed last year, yet a fabric symbolizing our nation and our state was relegated to various restrictions set forth by these associations.

It is a sad day when the main symbol of our freedom cannot be honored and displayed to the rightful level it is due by a home grateful for the sacrifice and symbol for which it stands.

Eating foie gras is like eating pain

I support Senate Bill 2170, which would prohibit the sales and distribution of food products resulting from force-feeding of ducks or geese to enlarge their livers beyond the normal size.

Foie gras is basically unhealthy food that has been genetically manipulated. The way the ducks and geese are force-fed is cruel and inhumane. How would you like a metal pipe stuck 5 inches down your throat and four pounds of grain poured directly into your stomach at one time?

Eating foie gras is like eating misery and pain, and I would never eat it.