Legislators save Kupuna Care

Our Legislature, save one dissenting vote, stepped up to preserve senior safety net services by passing Senate Bill 2469 (tapping the rainy day fund). Without adequate funding, Kupuna Care, the statewide program that allows frail homebound elderly to remain in their homes safely, was in jeopardy. Many would have been denied the basics—food, transportation to the doctor and a bath.

Kupuna Care services are more critical than ever given increased demand and rising costs. Yet the program has struggled without a base budget increase since 2002.

Confronted with the worst budget shortfall since statehood, legislators had the wisdom and courage to use the rainy day fund for its intended purpose—public health and safety—despite pressure to divert it for other uses. AARP commends the leadership of Sen. Donna Mercado Kim and Rep. Marcus Oshiro and the legislative Kupuna Caucus, especially Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland.

We urge Gov. Linda Lingle to sign the bill and release the funds.

Nobody teaches to get rich

This is in response to R. Gnolda's letter (”;Teachers' greed is unbelievable,”; Star-Bulletin, April 30). It's best to check out the facts before accusing others.

Simply put, teachers get pay based on work days over 10 months, and then the money is spread out over 12 months so insurance payments are covered. The state benefits by getting to hold onto money longer.

If there is a pay increase in January, pay drops during the summer because it is averaged from both semesters.

An average teacher spends more than $1,000 out of pocket annually. I believe I spent that much in the first semester.

I've never met any greedy teachers; wrong field. Nobody goes into teaching to get rich.

Civil unions law overdue

I want to commend the legislators who supported, fought and finally voted for same-sex partnership and/or a civil union law to be enacted in Hawaii. It's been long overdue - and with all due respect and

understanding to the more conservative-minded people, religions and organizations of Hawaii, I'm glad that enough legislators had the courage to see this bill passed.

The bigotry of so many so-called Christians astounds me; it's unfortunate that they come from such a “;fear place”; instead of a “;loving one.”;

I rejoice in this news.

Enjoy Hawaii's fresh air

Before I moved to Hawaii and used to visit every February from Alaska, I was fascinated when exiting and arriving inside the open-walled terminals at Honolulu International Airport, with the wonderful smells of the plumeria flowers mixed with fresh air.

Now that I am a resident of 12 years in Hawaii, I still enjoy the fresh ocean air with the smell of tropical flowers.

Ironically, most restaurants, retail stores, public transportation and office buildings all run air-conditioning at the coldest possible settings.

We have some of the freshest and best-smelling air in the world - and most people choose to breathe recycled cold air.

Why not just enjoy the fresh air?