Letters to the Editor

‘Ainokea’ claim points to bias

In response to Peter Easterling ("If you care, keep our streets clean," Letters, July 22), it must be said that the mocking use of "ainokea" belies the truth that Southern California is no paragon of cleanliness (never mind the Utah comparison), and Hawaii is no worse, if not better, in some regards. Just consider the state of the Los Angeles River or the infamous Skid Row district.

The reality is that Easterling is trying to slander the political progress made by the Hawaiian community to justify his own prejudices — who is it he really is claiming this trashy "cultural tradition of ‘ainokea’" belongs to?

No reasonable person denies that litter and illegal encampments are islandwide problems; but they are not the fabric of our community. Instead, problems are in part a product of the recent economic recession, ongoing inequality and the shortfalls of city and state authorities in aggressively tackling this problem. The solution requires more than castigation and contempt; it requires understanding, compassion and, most of all, commitment.

Extended jobless pay has unintended effect

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said if she borrows $33 billion of our money — which we can’t afford — and pays it to her army of people who are two years unemployed to stay unemployed, they will spend it immediately and stimulate the economy.

A more economically intelligent person — outside D.C.’s fantasy world — would also note that most of the stuff they immediately buy will be produced in countries whose tyranny (China) and corruption (Mexico) keep their workers desperately cheap.

Therefore, the economies Pelosi most stimulates will be those of other nations to further break the backs of still-employed Americans. It will force the still-employed to take less pay so their employers can stay in business while competing with foreign companies that enjoy a desperately cheap workforce and much of this borrowed money.

Real common union based on Jesus’ gospel

I am writing in response to those who have written regarding what Jesus would do in light of those who oppose civil unions.

God’s love is all-encompassing, and when Jesus came, it was not to condemn the world, but to seek and save lost souls so that they can be reconciled to God. Because of his compassion, he healed the sick and forgave many of their transgressions, but he also never countenanced sin.

Many have voiced their opinions against those of us who oppose civil unions, declaring us to be bigots who promote hatred and discrimination. As a Christian, it was never my intention to incite hostility or to create division, but rather, to preserve the normalcy and sanctity of marriage, and to avert the devastating consequences of legitimizing a union that goes contrary to God’s precepts. I believe that the real common union we share is in the gospel of Jesus Christ, who died for all mankind’s sins and whose sacrificial love bridges the chasm between man and a holy God.

Recreational facilities should be open Fridays

Closing city recreational facilities on furlough Fridays is misguided. Demands for pool, gyms and golf courses will be higher than ever with more people not working.

Close these facilities some other slow days, like Mondays or Wednesdays, and the city work force will be equal in their time off. Just because the city can’t budget correctly is no reason to deny the taxpayers the things they enjoy and have paid for.

Honolulu needs more public toilets

Your article on toilets planned for rail stations raises the larger issue of public toilets in Honolulu. I doubt I am the only one to find myself occasionally "all dressed up with nowhere to go."

In Europe, particularly France, the public urinal is a time-honored sight on city streets. Granted, this solution meets the needs of only half the population, though in my experience it is the half with the least bladder control.

A few of these at the Waikiki Shell and similar venues during concerts or in discreet alleys during street parties, parades and the like would be a big relief. It would make Honolulu a much more livable city.

Hannemann limiting his appeal to voters

So Mufi Hanneman gave a speech to the members of the Hawaii Carpenters Union, pointing to his Samoan, German and English ancestry as a reason to vote for him. Then he claimed that he also looked like them.

The only conclusion that can be drawn is that all carpenters who think they look like Mufi and are of Samoan, German, and English ancestry should consider voting for him. All others should vote for someone else.

Political signs should have some restrictions

Every election year there is concern about the many campaign signs going up. I understand that it is difficult to enforce any kind of law about the many signs. The law should make it illegal to post signs until the candidate has filed for office.