Writers conference loss is lamented

I served as the publicist for the Hawaii Writers Conference in 2009 and am saddened by the news about the end of the event as we know it ("Hawaii Writers Conference shuts down after 17 years," Star-Advertiser, June 22).

Through the years, the conference built a loyal following among established and aspiring writers throughout the country, becoming one of the most well-attended events of its kind. It inspired many hopefuls to follow their dreams of writing professionally. We were lucky enough to have the support of many media organizations, public officials and local businesses.

I hope that the conference will be back someday and will flourish in a stronger economy. Its presence will certainly be missed in Hawaii.

Funding of art is worthy goal

Hawaii should strive to be a city with stimulating and unique artwork and artists. It is always an enjoyment to see a sculpture or painting, or to hear music in public or private surrounding.

Why have pottery, music and art classes in schools or at the university if no public support occurs afterward? Learning and appreciation of art can continue only if we experience it in our lives.

To enjoy art while we wait for a train will make the wait rewarding.

Spending 1 percent of a construction budget on art or enhancements is a valuable investment in maintaining Honolulu as a great city.

Djou has liberals in a frenzy

I suppose all the vitriol about U.S. Rep. Charles Djou has something to do with the perceived threat posed by one — count ’em, one — conservative representing our state. Presenting this opposing view has thrown certain readers into a frenzy as the hammerlock that the Democrat Party has had on this state for decades is eased, at least for a few months. Unlike U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, it appears that Djou is actually taking the time to read bills (and their cowardly amendments) before he votes on them responsibly. Should state Sen. Colleen Hanabusa replace him in the fall you can bet the farm that she’ll be in lockstep with the tax-and-spend crowd that exists today in Democrat-controlled Washington.

Hang on to your wallet.

Djou mailer adds to our trash

In response to Rep. Charles Djou’s mailouts, which are taxpayer funded:

» The mailouts are glossy, multicolored and huge. One was 20 by 8 inches and the tear-away survey portion was only 3 1/2 by 8 inches. Excessive, expensive and best use of our taxpayer dollars?

» As a recent member of the City Council, Rep. Djou must be aware of our trash problem here on Oahu, yet these huge fliers are not even recyclable.

It’s hard to believe the sole purpose of these fliers was to survey his constituents. Can you put lipstick on a pig?

Lad’s father deserves a pat

Last Sunday I misplaced my money clip holding some cash, credit cards and driver’s license as I parked my car on the way to the Nanakuli canoe regatta. During the races I heard my name called to report to the stand, where an official presented me my money clip intact. An anonymous boy had turned it in. This was an undeserved Father’s Day gift to me, but the real gift must go to this lad’s father, who has imbued his son with the priceless virtues of honesty and integrity. Whoever you may be, good job, Dad. Well done!

Homelessness here is a disgrace

My friends from the mainland will never return to Hawaii. They cut short their stay in Waikiki by one week because it was so unpleasant. We could not take our coffee and children to any of the beach pavilions in the morning because they were full of homeless occupying every table and bench. The smell, the noise with loud talking and radios blasting, was intolerable. Even on the beach during the day an apparently stoned homeless man was talking loudly on his cell phone using every kind of profanity. It seems no matter where we went around the island, all the beaches were occupied by the homeless, with the children watching as the adults smoked pot and used other drugs. It was hideous.

Latest encampment along Ala Wai

With all of the recent public attention focused on the homeless campers in our various city parks and beaches, is anyone in our government paying attention to the growing numbers of people camping along the Ewa side of the Ala Wai Canal adjacent to the Ala Moana Bridge? Their numbers have grown from just two or three to nearly 20 in the past couple of weeks.

The images of these folks bedding down day and night along the Convention Center Promenade can’t be something that will favorably impress our visitors. Must they, as well as the surrounding residents, wait until the area resembles parts of the Waianae Coast before there is any action taken?