When it comes to politics, should we rename the Pacific Basin the "Pacific Sink?"
Even after this corrupt practice has been brought to light, the legislators have the audacity to make no reforms - even in an election year! How can we ask other state workers to make sacrifices in their salaries and benefits as long as the politicians negotiating those contracts write themselves such sweetheart deals as "high three?"
It seems our legislators may realize our disapproval only when they find themselves out of office.
BEVERLY G. KATZ
Kailua
The bitter truth is this: In Hawaii, the majority of legislators do not have to be responsive to the people, do not have to perform particularly well, and do not have to worry about getting re-elected.
If you run as a Democrat, you will be elected and re-elected no matter what. It doesn't matter if one of them beats up his wife; it doesn't matter if one of them contacts a major bidder for the convention center site just prior to a crucial vote on the center and seeks his investment in a private business transaction.
This means (1) the majority of the voters in their districts consider this acceptable behavior, or (2) they consider this unacceptable behavior, but voted for them anyway because they are Democrats.
Until people begin voting for the person and stop blindly voting a straight party ticket, we will continue to have the same legislators for many years to come.
During the debate on the "high three," one Democrat had the audacity to state on television that the reform bill was just "a knee-jerk reaction to public sentiment." As if public sentiment shouldn't mean anything to them.
When are the people of Hawaii going to say enough is enough? When will they to send a message to legislators that they will be voted out of office if they do not produce results and are not responsive to the people?
DONALD F. ADAMS
Aiea
RON BOYER
The patients endured years of frustration: More than a decade since the state bulldozed its buildings in Pearl City, years of dispute with the state Board of Land and Natural Resources, a battle with the Pearl City Youth Complex Association, which wanted to use the 11-acre site for a community sports facility, and the opposition of some top local politicians.
Credit for achieving this goal is due a number of individuals, organizations and governments. The outstanding individual is Bernard Punikaia.
Others are Clarence Naia, Mary Duarte, "Uncle" George Liwai and Sanford Smith. The Hawaii Council of Churches that created the Coalition of Special Housing, under its executive director Patricia Mumford and the Rev. William Turbeck, head of the coalition, was responsible for developing the project with the help of its consultant, CBM Group.
Federal, state and city funds were tapped for the $18-million project.
The spirit of Father Damien lives!
HOW TIM CHANG