Koa Ridge plan a win-win for all

As a lifelong Hawaii resident, I have seen how our islands have changed over the years. What saddens me most is when our young people move to the mainland in search of better opportunities.

I was pleased to learn of Castle & Cooke's plan to build a new community called Koa Ridge near Waipio. In addition to providing housing and jobs, this project will give many young families the opportunity to stay in Hawaii, buy a home and raise their children in a good community.

I know that some people are concerned that agricultural land will be given up for homes. But from what I've read, the farmers will have double the amount of acreage to farm in Wahiawa. This seems like a win-win situation for all. Farmers will be able to produce more local produce, and our young people will have an opportunity to continue living in Hawaii.

Tax refund delay is outrageous

I have never before written a letter to the editor in order for my voice to be heard, but today when logging on to the State Department of Taxation's website to check the status of my state refund, I read something that simply outraged me:

“;Looking for Your Individual Refund Status?

Due to the state's current fiscal situation, the issuance of all 2009 income tax refunds will be delayed until the next fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2010. Refunds will be released on a first-in, first-out basis, so early filers will receive their refunds first. The refund status option on our website and telephone system will be temporarily deactivated, so please wait until July 1st to check on your refund. Mahalo for your understanding!”;

Understanding?!? We filed on time, they provide our refunds in a timely manner; it's that simple! It is our legal obligation and duty to file, so why isn't it theirs to provide a timely refund?

Why should Hawaii taxpayers be penalized for the state's poor financial planning?

Surfing film among the best

After watching “;Fiberglass & Megapixels”; at the Hawaii International Film Festival, I must express my highest regard for the Hoffman brothers. Produced, directed, edited and narrated by the local Kuliouou boys, this film is definitive and enlightening.

If you know nothing about surfing this film is for you. If you thought you knew everything about surfing this film is for you. Oahu's North Shore is surfing's mecca, and the professional cinematographers, photographers and surfers are its pilgrims. The beach-bound masses can't possibly know the death-defying will of these watermen and waterwomen.

If there is one local film you should see this year, this is the one.

No refusing Inouye's offer

U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye, concerned that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee might support Ed Case over Colleen Hanabusa in the special U.S. House election campaign, has donated $100,000 from his own campaign funds with the unstated but clear message: Don't.

Inouye has never forgiven Case for running against his buddy and fellow octogenarian Daniel Akaka and is openly backing Hanabusa, obviously the party establishment candidate.

The senator has made the DCCC an offer it can't refuse. When the most powerful Democrat in Hawaii (and one of the most powerful in the Senate) offers you $100,000, you take it and do his bidding. Just like the Godfather.

I have long thought of the Democratic Party as Hawaii's version of New York City's political machine, Tammany Hall. Now it looks like the Mafia.