Letters to the Editor
Monday, August 26, 1996


Bishop Estate cares more about
hotel than the aina

A lot of attention is being paid to the federal suit brought against the Army Corps of Engineers and Hualalai Development for destroying the shoreline in front of the Four Seasons Resort in Kaupulehu. In all of the controversy about this case, there is one participant that has not been mentioned: Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate owns the land on which the Four Seasons is located.

Is it true that KS/BE has supported Hualalai Development in every way, in every permit process? Why didn't it ever do anything to preserve the shore and the cultural assets?

Through its silence, it has aligned itself with "culturally insensitive" government agencies and developers who have destroyed our shoreline.

As an alii trust, what is KS/BE's moral responsibility to the Hawaiian people, especially since it owns so much land on the island of Hawaii?

Luana Solomon
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii



Business rejection
wasn't due to a 'lack of aloha'

Lloyd Larue's Aug. 20 letter, "Aloha is sadly lacking in so-called Aloha State," was very misleading. Larue had approached the airport asking that concessionaires sponsor a live music program in the arrivals area. In addition, he wanted the state to provide a free stage and sound equipment.

The concessionaires turned down his request due to the cost, and because the state DOT already has a contract with the Musicians Union to provide music on Aloha Fridays.

We have plenty of aloha at the airport, as demonstrated earlier this month by music and hula performances by senior citizens and other community groups.

Although Larue claims that "aloha is not a marketable commodity," he has been trying to sell his entertainers at the airport. We can't fault him for being an entrepreneur. But to blame his rejection on "the lack of aloha" insults thousands of airport workers who try to make sure that the aloha spirit is every visitor's first and last impression of Hawaii.

Kazu Hayashida
Director
State Department of Transportation



Unlike others,
Bob Dole will keep his promises

I was heartened to read Diane Chang's Aug. 19 "prediction" that Bob Dole could take Hawaii (Changing Hawaii, "Campaign promises and other fairy tales").

Dole's promises to cut taxes, balance the budget, and stimulate the economy are principles that the public needs and deserves. His promise to build up America's military strength also will mean more jobs at Pearl Harbor and our other military installations.

However, I beg to differ with Chang's characterization of "guilt by association" of Dole's pledge as nothing more than a Ben Cayetano "fairy tale." Her comparison of Dole to Governor Cayetano, who may have failed to keep campaign promises, is misplaced.

Dole's record in the U.S. Senate as a person of integrity and one who keeps his word is without equal. Hawaii's voters now have an opportunity - in the name of Bob Dole and Jack Kemp - to achieve such fundamental things as bigger paychecks, less crime and less government.

The question is whether the voters have the courage to look beyond political rhetoric and know that Ben Cayetano is no Bob Dole.

Rep. Gene Ward
State House Minority Leader



Union should take bow
for ignoring its PAC

One must applaud the members of the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly for rejecting Milton Holt's bid for re-election.

By not acting as sheep led to slaughter, UHPA members have demonstrated that unions need not abide by the endorsements of their political action committees. They are thinking for themselves.

Holt's private life has left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. His overbearing attitude in the Senate left us without hearings on vital bills and unresolved problems in the islands.

To the members of UHPA, I say, "congratulations."

Elsie Hollingsworth
Pearl City



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