Mahalo for supporting Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Enjoy this free story!
Votes for Okino betrayed trust
"There is no place for discrimination of any kind in city government," Mayor Kirk Caldwell said when withdrawing Gary Okino’s nomination to the Ethics Board of Appeals.
The mayor acted because seven City Council members had already approved the appointment — even after hearing Okino’s anti-gay remarks. In committee, Okino proudly stated his intolerance for homosexuals, calling them "immoral," "deviant" and diseased.
Kymberly Pine claimed she could not deny Okino the appointment based on his religious beliefs.
Ron Menor argued that Okino’s anti-gay stance had nothing to do with his duties on the ethics board.
Breene Harimoto agreed and proclaimed Okino has "the highest standard of ethics and moral character."
Ernie Martin urged members to support Okino because "he is a man of integrity."
By voting in favor of his nomination, these Council members indicated approval of Okino’s ignorant statements. They let professional courtesy and their personal relationships override their duty to act in the best interest of the public.
Holly Huber
Nuuanu
Okino stood up for what is right
It is with great respect that I applaud Gary Okino for courageously standing up for what he knows is right.
He honors God and God’s laws above man and his conforming and ever-changing laws.The angels are rejoicing and so am I!
Patty Rubio
Waipahu
Missing man left a void in hearts
I read Gordon Pang’s article, "Man still hopes to learn missing brother’s fate after 36 years" (Star-Advertiser, Jan. 27), with great interest.
David Porter was a very popular Kailua High School classmate of mine. We called him "Boogie." I know I speak for many when I say he was a beloved friend to whom everyone naturally gravitated when he was around. He was generous, funny and vibrant.
Our friend’s disappearance changed the chemistry of our cohort. We were left with a void that has never been filled and sadness that has endured 36 years.
For some, it was a defining moment in our coming of age. We were a bunch of kids on the cusp of adulthood. We were not prepared to consider the possibility that our friend’s disappearance could be the result of malice. Our innocence was disrupted and we were left to our own imaginings.
I miss "Boogie" greatly.
I hope my friends Lee and Scott find the resolution, and hopefully, peace, that has eluded them all these years.
Jackie Longsdorf-Graessle
Kaneohe
Limit president to 6-year term
I see several benefits in limiting the term of the president of the United States to one six-year term.
For one thing, right now we lose the services of presidents during the last year of their first four-year terms, as they are involved in re-election and distracted from presidential duties.Second, the costs and disruptions across the country from a president out campaigning are enormous.
There is also the second inauguration. However, Washingtonians love a party.
It should be noted that the framers of the constitution of the Confederate States limited their president to just one six-year term.Thankfully, this never became an issue, but it does reflect some serious thought on presidential terms.
Paul Funkhouser
Wahiawa
Put social issues to popular vote
There must not be very much we need in ourcommunities besides more potheads on our streets, gambling and gay marriages.
Most of our legislators must either not have children or their children have grown up and left home.
I think these are community decisions that should be voted on by the community as a whole because we, our families, have to live with the results.
I know we have a Democratic majority that thinks alike, so how do you think voting in the Legislature will go?
This should be left to the people to choose. We’re old enough. Legalizing marijuana? Legalize Hawaiian medicines and repeal Act 55.
Henry Kahula Jr.
Paia, Maui
How to write us
The Star-Advertiser welcomes letters that are crisp and to the point (~150 words). The Star-Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Please direct comments to the issues; personal attacks will not be published. Letters must be signed and include a daytime telephone number.
Letter form: Online form, click here E-mail: letters@staradvertiser.com Fax: (808) 529-4750 Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813
|