We appreciated the energetic efforts Thorburn made as a prison doctor to improve mental health services in the prison system. She also supported the development of alternative support services in the community to help people rebuild their lives and decrease the need for prison services.
Our prison system and state cannot afford to lose the kind of critical support, knowledge and understanding that Thorburn has regarding individuals in prison who suffer from mental illnesses. Hawaii's jails, like jails everywhere in the United States, have become the dumping grounds for people with mental illnesses. There are now more people suffering from depression and schizophrenia incarcerated in our nation's jails than are receiving treatment in public hospitals.
We urge the Department of Public Safety to find a replacement who understands how to meet the needs of inmates with serious mental health problems. The department's planned salary cut for this position will hinder efforts to find someone to fill this important position.
Brian K. Martin, M.D.
President
Lisa T. Maruyama
Executive Director
Mental Health Association in Hawaii
High School Hikers, the activity section of the Sierra Club's Hawaii chapter, has for over 25 years provided students the chance to learn about these distinctive and pristine islands we call home.
Many of our "graduates" have gone on to careers in the National Park Service, Hawaii Nature Center, Nature Conservancy of Hawaii and other related fields.
If we are to foster and secure our fragile ecological future, then the inspiration and education must begin with our young people. Parents or teachers interested in learning about this unique program should call 538-6616.
John M. Cummings III
Hike Leader/Former Chairman
High School Hikers
This sailing opportunity introduced us to the Kailana experiential residential treatment program administered by the Marimed Foundation. At-risk youths are referred to the program for rehabilitation. The crew and cadets impressed us with their skills.
There should be more programs like this. Some young people today just don't do well in traditional classrooms. Since they can't cooperate or get along in school, they need educational alternatives like the Tole Mour.
Youths like the terrific young cadets we met don't belong locked in jails. Why should the state pay for their food, clothes and safety in prison when they could be leading productive lives in the community?
Tole Mour is a beautiful example of real life learning and is deserving of public support.
Danielle Demata,
Lisa Konno,
Lindsay Rodrigues,
Justin Takamoto
Sacred Hearts Academy, Grade 6
In January 1995, the estate's trustees sold a small tract of land of approximately 21 acres to Castle & Cooke to develop the nearby Lelea at Hawaii Kai townhouse complex.
With a total sales price of $11 million and construction well under way, Castle & Cooke was willing to pay approximately $45,000 for each townhouse lot to Bishop Estate.
Furthermore, Bishop Estate was willing to sell the land for that price.
Why would the trustees sell the Lelea lots at $45,000 apiece to Castle & Cooke, but command $190,000 for my leasehold lot, when the same-size pieces of land are within walking distance of each other?
Are the Bishop Estate trustees attempting to demonstrate that they are so powerful that they can command whatever leasehold price they want, without regard to the actual market value of the land?
If so, trustees, I concede to your power without question.
Leroy A. Brown