With family to support, job-hunting isn’t simple

I’d like to respond to Colin Kau regarding unemployment ("Jobless benefits should not be like welfare," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 5). I was an executive for a major company for more than 20 years. When it was bought out, I lost my position. I went to work for another industry and that industry has almost shut down. I, along with many others, was laid off. I found a temporary two-year job that is ending soon.

I have looked steadily for another more permanent position and have not found one in two years. I have an MBA and many years of experience and I find I am either overqualified or considered too old. Many of those jobs Kau mentioned, like Wal-Mart and McDonald’s, are looking for part-time workers and no medical is provided. I and many others will work for less, but give us time to find a position that will support our families and provide them with medical care. 

Biases of city’s rail analysts need look, too

As rail proponents criticize the involvement of one anti-rail analyst in the recently released cost analysis report, city officials should also clarify what the pro- or anti-rail views are of the analysts hired by the city to provide the original justification for the project. If they are all pro-rail, perhaps that should give the mayor pause as well. The city should provide an objective response that outlines why the report is flawed and why the original analysis is still reliable.

Kaena Point fence needed, proven to protect wildlife

I was initially impressed to read about the predator-proof fence being installed out at Kaena Point, but was left amazed, and honestly a bit saddened, after reading the negative and sometimes asinine comments left online. There were complaints about the cost, the effectiveness and the aesthetics of the fence. This fencing design is something that has already been proven effective in New Zealand, and as someone who has seen the fence, I can assure you that it is not nearly as much of an eyesore as one would expect. The installation of the fence and the subsequent removal of the invasive species will lead to the improvement of habitat for native wildlife species, as well as endangered plant species. I had expected that residents of a state known as the endangered species capital of the world would applaud this action being taken to protect these species. Unfortunately, that seems not to be the case.

More parking needed for Honolulu City Lights

This year’s Honolulu City Lights Parade was not merry for many local residents who were trying to find any public parking. Why couldn’t we use the Board of Water Supply parking lot like in years past? If you didn’t have a permit, you were denied entry. Why weren’t any of the unused surrounding city and county parking spaces available?

To protect pedestrians, buy them a safety light

Pedestrian fatalities have been making the news all too frequently this year. We need to make it our responsibility to keep ourselves and those we love safe.

I propose a "Get a Light" campaign. When you are doing your holiday shopping this year, buy something reflective or a light to give to family and friends who walk or jog in the hours of darkness.

Get a light and you may save a life.

Principal’s behavior casts cloud on charters

Myron B. Thompson Academy is a public charter school paid for and supported by Hawaii taxpayers. The behavior of the principal and board responsible for the school is appalling ("Charter school stands accused of nepotism," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 5).

Principal Diana Oshiro speaks of "blind loyalty" when hiring her family members and placing them in positions for which they are not qualified. Perhaps Oshiro’s "blind loyalty" should have been to her students and the taxpayers.

There is no non-charter public school principal in the state who would or could behave in the manner that Oshiro has. Her behavior puts charter schools under a dark cloud.That’s a real shame, because many charter schools provide their students with a fine education and are managed with professionalism.

The Thompson board should remove Oshiro and her unqualified family members. Then, the Thompson board should step down for failing to safeguard its students and be good custodians of the public trust and funds. 

School provides quality education for child

I was not aware of the staffing issues, but I have been very aware of the quality of education that my son is receiving from Myron B. Thompson Academy. The quality is very good, if not excellent.

My son has had a chronic health condition that caused excessive absenteeism. He could not receive a quality education in public school or at another public charter school. It took me more than a year to find MBTA and I am so grateful that I did. MBTA offers quality and personalized education for students — and it is mostly online. I think that is remarkable!

Entering MBTA in the seventh grade was tough for my son. The standards at MBTA are high and he struggled with his health. Nevertheless, he has grown academically. He is now in the eighth grade. Although he continues to struggle in math, his health has dramatically improved and I think we will see a big improvement soon.