Debate evokes sense of futility

I can’t help but wonder if the Mililani Mauka Clearwire cell antenna brouhaha is a local manifestation of a larger sense I feel is spreading across the country.

In Mililani, the fact that our town association is not heeding residents’ health, aesthetic and home value concerns — and that people do not want a cell antenna disguised as an 80-foot tree in their backyard — has left at least this resident with a sense of helplessness. The fact that residents’ concerns have been voiced — and summarily dismissed — reinforces my perception that I am, once again, being told what is in my best interest. For contentious issues, both locally and nationally, put it to a vote. Let us decide.

Find middle way on school board

According to a recent survey, about half the people believe we need an elected school board and the other half believes we should have the governor appoint the board. Both positions have very compelling arguments.

I would like to propose we have the best of both worlds. How about if each county elects a school board member, and each county’s mayor, with their respective city or county council’s approval, appoints one?

Volunteers go where needed

Pat Kelly said the slain members of the International Assistance Mission providing medical services in Afghanistan should have been more concerned with themselves ("Volunteer care workers should be more careful of own safety," Letters, Aug. 10). Unfortunately, many people in dire need of humanitarian aid, such as the medical services provided by the IAM, don’t live in secured, safe areas of the world.

These volunteers should be revered and remembered for their extraordinary contributions to those less fortunate.

Fortunately for Pat Kelly and the rest of the world, those who dedicate their lives to help others live for something larger than themselves.

Schools can do only so much

There is continual coverage about the reasons for the inadequacies of the public school system. One thing that is too often overlooked is the parental involvement in the child’s education. Why else would some students not be able to read at the eighth-grade level and achieve marginal progress?

The high dropout rates reflect a careless attitude by the parents. Disrespect for traffic laws, graffiti and similar behaviors are also indicative of this lack of parental involvement.

Parents who actively care help their children succeed. The school system can do only so much.

 

Judge Leonard is a class act

Judge Katherine Leonard commented, "I just want to say my overwhelming reaction is a sense of gratitude, and I’m just deeply honored."

This comment was such a positive, professional response in the face of adversity.

Judge Leonard, mahalo for serving as a role model to your community, family, and peers.

APEC meeting just a year away and we better make it count

With the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation organizing committees in place, the event’s leadership had better throw planning into high gear. Hawaii’s turn in the global spotlight is barely a year away and we had better be ready.

I urge local organizers, city leadership and state government to do much more than simply pretty-up our state’s already gorgeous beaches. That won’t impress the international political and business elites of APEC, and won’t inspire them to invest in our state.

To earn credibility in their eyes, we have to show that Hawaii is investing in the educational, economic and physical infrastructure. The University of Hawaii system should be front and center as the state’s idea engine. Construction of the city’s new rail transit line will demonstrate our commitment to modernizing our transportation system and creating jobs for residents. The vibrant arts scene centered in Chinatown can showcase our creativity and how we integrate modern 21st century lifestyles with Hawaii’s traditional multi-ethnic cultures.

Our state gets only one shot at APEC. We have to make it count.