East-West Center still about multiculturalism

It is obvious that Joel Fischer does not understand that the heart of the East-West Center is still the multicultural education of students in the Asia-Pacific region, a continuation of former center president Everett Kleinjan’s vision ("East-West Center’s mission changes from peace to nationalistic militarism," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, May 13).

Some 70,000 people have participated in EWC programs and continue their connection to the center as alumni. Through alumni chapters and various networking links, individual development builds upon the foundation begun at the center.

Every day we alumni thank the EWC for having given us the opportunity to interact with peace-minded people globally. We pursue our careers both nationally and internationally but particularly cherish the individual connections we made andcontinue to make, with other EWC participants.

I just concluded a six-month trip to India in which I volunteered to teach in a remote Indian village for a foundation established by an EWC alumnus. I also met with alumni chapters and individuals, occasions in which serious discussions on economics and social issues were the focus. I am not unique.

The values of humanity inculcated by the center are alive and well.

Daniel Berman
Former East-West Center alumni president
Waikiki

Sewage tunnel design carefully thought out

As the officer-in-charge for the Windward sewage tunnel, I’d like to respond to Rudy Yap ("Aikahi sewage plant beyond its capacity," Star-Advertiser, Letters, May 15).

The existing force-main and pumping facility that transmits sewage from Kaneohe to the Kailua treatment plant is aged, with associated maintenance and future reliability concerns.

The Kaneohe-Kailua sewage conveyance tunnel is a responsible way to fulfill requirements of the consent decree between the city and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It has support from state regulators and environmental groups.

Rather than installing a force-main under Class AAA Kaneohe Bay, the tunnel will run mostly under Oneawa Hills. This gravity tunnel is a greener alternative to the pumping facility that could be decommissioned, saving operating, maintenance and energy costs and emissions.

By making the tunnel large enough to store flows, we avoid above-ground sewage tanks, visual impact and spills. Odor control systems will be installed at each end of the tunnel.

The city has begun public outreach to elected officials, neighborhood boards and organizations for two-way information flow. We will meet with stakeholders throughout the project.

Wesley T. Yokoyama
Honolulu Department of Design and Construction, Wastewater Division

Not just principals should be rewarded

Let’s remember the adage, "It takes a village to raise a child."

No one person raises or educates children.

So it smacks against reason to think that only the school principal might be rewarded for the success of children. A leader is as good as those who participate in collaborating with the vision.

Findings from the 2011 RAND study showed that teacher bonuses were not related to standardized test performance. The study also showed that participatory motivation was compromised by teachers not understanding how the program worked, perceiving little value in the bonuses and feelings that too much relied on test scores.

It might behoove the state Department of Education to use research to figure out a well-designed incentive program to boost student achievement.

Rebecca Kang
Foster Village

Math doesn’t pan out for food landscaping

Thank you to Andrew Gomes for the article, "Eggplant Optional" (Star-Advertiser, May 16).

Is this a satire? At first I was impressed with the idea of edible plant landscaping options for Schuler’s last phase of houses going up in Makakilo. There is a worldwide permaculture movement, and we even have a local Transition Oahu group working for sustainable communities.

Then I started to wonder: Why strawberries and blueberries for fruits? Did Schuler offer papaya and mango as options, too?

Finally, I read the details of FarmRoof’s raised planter with drip irrigation system costing $2,120 and "capable of producing 104 pounds (of greens) per year."

I did the math. Adding another $100 for state general excise tax equals $2,220, divided by 104 pounds of greens a year, equals $21.35 a pound!

It would take 20 years, 2,080 pounds later, for the greens to average out to $1 a pound, if the system lasted that long and the gardener was conscientious.

I busted out laughing. You almost got me.

Wynnie Hee
Mililani

Isle beef plan not really that sensible

The "Fresh Tips" article concerning beef states that shipping local calves to Oregon is "sensible" ("Beef with local connection matures on Oregon ranch," Star-Advertiser, Fresh Tips, May 16).

In reality, it is simply economical rather than sensible.

For too long we have allowed local calves to be fattened, polished and finished on the mainland, consequently decreasing local jobs and overall proceeds kept within the islands.

While this beef may be hormone- and antibiotic-free, the finishing diet of corn and potato stated in the article is simply not appropriate for cattle. Naturally, these ruminants degrade and ferment cellulose material (grasses, not grains or tubers) for energy. However, modern finishing practices such as corn promote acidosis and bloating within the cattle. Acid-resistant (and often drug-resistant) E. coli passed from cows to our food stream have a greater chance of surviving our acidic stomach, and may ultimately cause downstream gastrointestinal illness in humans.

While I appreciate the initial efforts of preserving local livestock culture, jobs and open land, a consortium of ranchers, leaders, grocers and consumers can provide a more cultural, ethical, humane and environmental solution.

Matthew Tuthill
Honolulu

Top 3 dos and don’ts to help scooter riders

I’m a Honolulu scooter rider.Even though we scooter riders aren’t perfect, I’d like to offer my Top 3 "dos and don’ts" to the car and truck drivers in the city to help us two-wheelers stay safe:

» Do use your turn signal even when you think no one is around.

» Do give us space.You’ve got metal around your body.We don’t.

» Do look for us in traffic, in turn lanes, and when we slow down for steel plates in the road around construction sites.

» Don’t wash your windshields when we’re behind you. I’ve gotten christened many times from oblivious drivers.

» Don’t make a left turn from a right lane. This is dangerous for everyone.

» Don’t race us. You’re bigger. You win.

Just a friendly reminder in honor of those injured or killed on the roads we all share.

Matt Meko
Manoa