Economy is getting better thanks in part to governor
In response to Quentin Kawananakoa's Oct. 14 letter, "Yet one more publication blasts Hawaii," anyone paying serious attention knows there are many signs of a modest but steady improvement in Hawaii's economy. Two recent examples:
The valuation of Hawaii exports during the first quarter of 1997 showed a remarkable 45.7 percent increase over the same period in 1996 (U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division data).
Governor Cayetano does not try to "explain away" negative national exposure. He is taking strong positions and performing the decisive actions necessary to stimulate Hawaii's economy.
The positive results of his three-year effort are now beginning to appear.
Randy Obata
Director of Communications
Office of the Governor
Don't bring children to R-rated movies
I was extremely incensed by something that occurred on a recent Saturday evening. My husband and I went to see a movie, which started at 10 p.m., at a local theater.Shortly after we sat down, two families with small children, ages three or four, sat down behind us. What kind of irresponsible and ignorant parents bring their young children to see an R-rated movie, and one that began so late in the evening?
I thought surely that they would leave once they realized this was not a movie to be seen by children. It was, after all, rated R.
Unfortunately, I was incorrect. When the young woman on the screen plunged a piece of glass into her throat, thereby ending her life, I heard a small voice behind me ask, "Daddy, why did that lady do that?" Shortly after, there was a fully frontal naked woman on the screen about to have intercourse with the main character, who was her brother. The act was being supervised by the devil.
Is this what we want our young, impressionable minds subjected to? What messages does this send? Do they, at such a young age, have the ability to distinguish reality from pretend?
When that child grows up and is standing on top of a tower picking people off with an AK-47, will his parents be on the evening news proclaiming that they have no idea how their child could commit such a heinous act?
Let me explain that I am not for censorship in any way. I believe that, as a 30-year old adult, I have the right to view films that have disturbing scenes such as this, if I so choose. But is it American to expect our small children to be subjected to these violent and depraved scenes and not be warped in some way?
After the movie, I spoke to the manager of the theater. He stated that he has no control over parents bringing small children to R-rated movies. Why bother rating movies if we as a society are going to allow these sick individuals to bring their children?
Hey, Mom and Dad, get a brain -- and get a babysitter!
Theresa Enos
Ewa Beach
(Via the Internet)
Increasing price of gas raises intriguing questions
This pay at the pump idea really needs to be hashed out. What would happen to the people who use this gas for their lawnmowers or weed-whackers? What would be the impact on the weekend boater, jet-skier or motorcycle racer?Does this mean that our health insurance will no longer have to pay if I cut my foot with my lawnmower, or if some jet-skier hits me while I'm swimming?
I hope this means that our medical insurance will be decreased because now they won't have to pay for these incidents.
And since the auto insurers want to raise the rate for liability on those big vehicles, and I'll pay at the pump for my no-fault, does this mean the collision coverage rate will be lowered on my smaller 40 mpg, death-trap car?
I got rear-ended by an uninsured driver and was injured only slightly, but my vehicle was totaled. Luckily, this person had money and was able to settle out of court.
What I fear, though, is people who don't get insured because they can't afford it in the first place.
If they can't afford the insurance, how are they going to afford being sued?
Lance C.K. Wong
Waimanalo
Hilton played major part in hosting dignitary
Diane Chang's Oct. 31 column, "Behind the scenes of Jiang Zemin's visit," omitted the large role that the Hilton Hawaiian Village played as hosts.Jiang's brief stay required weeks of coordination between the Chinese, Secret Service and hotel personnel, and the around-the-clock availability of Lisa Chang, catering manager, and her staff.
Mayor Harris also hosted a luncheon for the Chinese president there.
H. Woo
U.S. gave everything, and Jiang took it all
Yes, China's Jiang Zemin got a cool reception in the United States. However, that did not faze him -- because our government still gave him everything he wanted. We call this diplomatic negotiation?Jiang gives zero, and we give away everything. The Chinese people and Tibetans get screwed!
Glenn Matsuki
Los Angeles, Calif.
(Via the Internet)
Bishop Estate Archive
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