Haleiwa Hotel idea may have some merit

I’m an old country boy and all for keeping the country country, but there are some developments that may have some merit in terms of improving the area while still maintaining the country atmosphere.

The proposed replica of the elegant 1899 Haleiwa Hotel that was there long before any of the tourist surf shops, shave ice stands, shrimp trucks and bed & breakfasts may just be such a development to complement the community. Haleiwa is billed as a historic plantation town and what better way to perpetuate that lifestyle than with a hotel in the old historic style?

What has thrived under the "keep the country country" radar are hundreds of bed and breakfasts, (many operating illegally) that contribute very little to the area except increasing traffic and taxing our infrastructure.

Tea party folks ignore blunders by businesses

The tea party folks and the tag-along Republicans blame the government and the Democrats for the serious state of the economy. Not one word about the private sector, let alone the massive deficits run up by the previous administration. Even with the recent massive oil spill in the Gulf continuing to cause economic havoc, all we hear is that Washington must be punished for its profligate and irresponsible ways. It’s really quite remarkable.

Many nonprofits could lose tax-exempt status

We at the Internal Revenue Service are concerned because as many as 1,700 small community-based nonprofits in Hawaii are in jeopardy of losing their tax-exempt status. This loss could greatly impact the organizations’ charitable work and their donors’ potential tax deductions.

Among the organizations that could lose their tax-exempt status are local sports associations and community support groups, volunteer fire and ambulance associations, social clubs, educational societies, veteran groups, church-affiliated groups, groups that assist people with special needs and a variety of others.

The organizations at risk failed to file required tax returns for 2007, 2008 and 2009 after a 2006 law change. Many small organizations can comply with the new law by completing a simple 10-minute form online. They can preserve their exempt status under a one-time relief program, but only if they file by Oct. 15. A list of the organizations that were at risk as of the end of July is posted at IRS.gov along with instructions on how to comply with the new law.

Support for farming much appreciated

I am a commercial farmer and I just wanted to applaud your editorial in last Sunday’s Insight section ("Koa Ridge project needs traffic, farm mitigations," Star-Advertiser, Sept. 26).

Why would anyone in their right mind cover up some of the most productive land in our state with asphalt and concrete? Some of the largest landowners are ag land owners who have made the quantum leap into real estate development conglomerates driven by profits rather than feeding a community.

Between dwindling land for crops, one of the worst droughts in years, mainland competition in the markets and a national and state energy initiative that is so ambitious in its goals and mandates, ag for energy will compete against ag for food for the same prime resources — land and water.

Why do we continue to farm? Because it matters. We care about what our community eats. So as you can see, we are grateful for any support we can get.