Hannemann’s ‘direction’ is fine

Derrick DePledge concluded Mufi Hannemann’s personal loan for his congressional bid was over concern of the "direction of the campaign" ("Hannemann lends himself $150,000 to combat Gabbard," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 1).

This is not the case. Our only concern is the influx of $480,000 from mainland-based special interest groups. Ironically, Gabbard is accepting the support of these special interest groups while criticizing this practice in her campaign commercials.

These groups have taken on an increasingly negative tone filled with falsehoods and half-truths about Mufi.

At a Kauai Chamber of Commerce-sponsored forum on July 31, other candidates in this race also voiced displeasure at the misinformation and innuendos that have been disseminated by Gabbard and her supporters.

These independent expenditures required Mufi to personally borrow money in order to stay on message about his qualifications for the job, given his experience and accomplishments — a fact noted with the endorsements of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Maui News and West Hawaii Today.

Justin Gruenstein
Campaign manager, Hannemann for Congress

Gabbard is best for progressives

In the 2nd Congressional District election, we have three candidates who are similarly progressive on the issues — Tulsi Gabbard, Bob Marx and Esther Kia‘aina. Hannemann is consistently on the opposite end of the spectrum, which makes sense, given all the Republican support he has.

From the polls, it’s clear most voters want a progressive candidate in office. Gabbard, Kia‘aina and Marx have more support combined than Hannemann. With Kia‘aina and Marx polling below 10 percent, it’s time for progressive voters to pull for the candidate who can really win — Tulsi Gabbard.

Given the Star-Advertiser’s overestimation of Hannemann’s support and underestimation of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s support in 2010, this race is very close.

Gabbard has many years ahead of her to serve Hawaii in Congress, just as Patsy Mink and Daniel Inouye did when they were elected to Congress in their 30s.

Michael Bernard
Kailua

Unions should support GOP

Rep. Marcus Oshiro ignores the result of the Wisconsin governor’s efforts to reduce all costs ("Unions must get out the vote," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 1).

As a result of his efforts, which were approved by a majority of voters, more than 1,000 union teachers jobs were saved, property taxes were reduced and the state budget was balanced.

Labor union membership is declining because of wages and fringe benefits that are greatly in excess of private-sector employees whose taxes support them. States and cities can no longer afford these union contract costs, as we know from the three California cities that declared bankruptcy.

Labor union members should vote for politicians who support capitalism rather than socialism, namely Republicans.

Capitalism provides the financial success for companies to afford to pay living wages for both union and non-union workers.

Edwin Newton
Scottsville, N.Y.

Hawaiian Air growing too fast

Hawaiian Airlines’ expansion is fantastic for us living here as well as our tourist industry, although I am a bit dubious about the company’sinter-islandexpansion.

The current Hawaiian Air infrastructure apparently cannot support this rapid growth.

If you’ve traveled recently in the Hawaiian Airlines terminal, you’ll notice the congestion of travelers. Long lines persist at agriculture, check-in and security stations.

When asked, a security officer said that it’s due to the rapid growth of the airline.

I’m all for this expansion, but please explain how the airline plans to handle this.

Just a head’s up to those who plan on traveling — get there at least two hours before departure. It’s a madhouse.

John MacDonald
Diamond Head