HMA for reform, with conditions

With the continuing debate concerning health care reform in Congress, it might be of interest to your readers to know of a resolution adopted at the Council of the Hawaii Medical Association in the fall of 2009.

The Hawaii Medical Association supports the concept of health care reform to increase health insurance coverage, protect the patient-physician relationship, improve quality and wellness, reform the Medicare payment system, implement medical liability reforms and reduce administrative waste.

HMA resolves to reserve support of specific legislation until the following concerns are addressed: medical liability reform, commissions and committees that lead to limiting medical innovation, universal access, and factors that increase overall costs.

Robbing tourists exacts high toll

The other day, I walked the trail to the Makapuu Lighthouse. The parking lot was full, and I was glad to see all the tourists enjoying the walk and trying to spot the whales.

Unfortunately, when I returned to my car, I discovered broken glass all over the pavement next to my car because the rental car next to mine had been broken into. I asked the tourist, who was calling her rental car agency, if she had anything in plain sight that might have encouraged the thief. She said no, that her purse was hidden. As I drove out, I noticed at least three other cars that had their glass broken.

A few months ago my car was parked at Kailua Beach Park, and the same thing happened. Someone had broken the window in the car next to mine, and the car next to mine just happened to be a rental car.

I have also heard from some friends visiting here from the mainland that their rental car was ticketed for parking in the wrong direction—the only one ticketed—although there were many cars parked in the same direction. They then realized theirs was the only rental car.

It seems that targeting tourist cars is a moneymaker for the thieves and our parking enforcement police. Our island depends on tourists. When your car is burgled or ticketed seemingly unjustly, it can ruin a vacation that people save very hard for. If this is the way we welcome our tourists, especially in this downturn, we had better prepare ourselves for more hard times ahead. Or, instead, we can make efforts to change this situation.

Homeless series valuable service

Thank you so much, Star-Bulletin, for your series on the huge homeless problem we face here in Hawaii. We just cannot put off “;real”; solutions any longer. Hopefully this good information and these shocking photos of folks living in squalor will have a profound impact on our lawmakers. Maybe they will finally figure out the math and come to the understanding that it costs more to leave folks on the streets than provide a place called home, where they can put their lives back on track. Then the rest will follow.

U.S. must end its warring ways

The number of U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan has now passed 1,000.

The civilian casualties are rising horribly in this ninth year of American aggression. War has never been the best answer to settle conflict. Former Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson's recent death reminded me that it was his efforts with the CIA that funded the Taliban. Isn't it time that our country stopped these foolish games that show so little regard for human life? A child should be able to be born into a peaceful society. Not one more death! Not one more dollar for war and weapons of mass destruction.

Governor right about rail delay

The governor's stock has gone up with me with her insistence on revisiting the rail idea. In these depressed financial times, it's the more sensible way to go, as well as not as intrusive on our landscape. A land rail will still create a lot of construction jobs. Has the maintenance issue been something the elevated rail supporters have dodged? Other questions for the mayor:

» Does the land idea negate so many jobs, or is that a lame argument for elevated rail?

» Does the maintenance issue not concern you?

» Doesn't the elevated rail budget made in much better times concern you, or are you saying “;Full speed ahead, forget the future financial problems”;?

Scott's columns are wonderful

I love hearing about Susan Scott and so do many other “;Ocean Watch”; readers. She brings us into the natural life around us, sometimes via personal experience, which is the best way to communicate Hawaii's ocean story. Prominent nature writers do combine a personal journey with scientific information, making what's around us come alive so we can participate in the discoveries, too. Full sail ahead, Susan.