Olympics are chance to appreciate Mink

This summer we have witnessed the extraordinary ability of U.S. women athletes at the Olympic Games. Let’s take a moment to recognize a woman whose actions 40 years ago paved the way for our joy this summer.

Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink was the principal author of the Education Amendments of 1972 known as the Title IX Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act.

In every phase of her life Mink endured racial and gender discrimination but became the first Asian- American woman and first woman of color to serve in Congress.

Through challenging work to garner support from both sides of the aisle, Mink ensured the passage of Title IX. As a result, equity in education and athletic training for women are part of the American fabric.

We as a nation have certainly benefited from Mink’s courage and commitment to ensure equity and opportunity for all.

Lorna Takehara Strand
Aiea

City has been doing a lot to help homeless

Sachi Kaulukukui’s commentary on homelessness seeks concrete examples of action ("Mayoral candidates need to be clear about homeless issue," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, July 30).

Here’s what is happening now. The city supports a system of services operated by nonprofits that served over 11,000 individuals who were homeless or at risk in 2011.

The Carlisle administration launched the Pathways Project, a transitional housing initiative to serve individuals who, because of disabilities or chronic conditions, cannot participate in traditional shelter programs.

The city also vigorously used the stored property ordinance, which was introduced and passed in 2011, to clear large encampments in Iwilei, Aala, Moiliili, Waikiki and Keaau Beach Park in Waianae.

Having served the city in community services for 25 years, I can say this administration experiences an unprecedented level of collaboration between Mayor Peter Carlisle’s Office of Housing and Department of Community Services, the state Interagency Council on Homelessness, the business community, nonprofits and concerned citizens to address homelessness.

Keith Ishida
Executive director, Mayor’s Office of Housing

Deduction for giving to charities is too low

Why did the Legislature and governor pass an amendment in 2011 limiting the deductions to charities?

My son and I each filed our taxes for 2011 and found since we have federal gross incomes of more than $200,000, we were limited to $50,000 of deductions on mortgage, charities and miscellaneous income combined.

My charitable deductions are more than double the $50,000 limit. Both of us were not able to deduct our full charitable deductions.

Doesn’t the state want the more fortunate to provide to charities that help the less fortunate?

Ed Buck
Kaneohe

Cartoonist’s family appreciates support

We want to express our family’s gratitude for all the wonderful support since the July 22 death of our father, artist David Thorne of "Thorney’s Zoo."

We would like to thank Gary Chun and the Star-Advertiser for the tremendous article on July 23; then to be mentioned on KSSK’s "Perry and Price" show was a bonus.

Also, a big thank you to Linda Coble for acknowledging our father’s contribution to Kids Voting Hawaii ("Cartoonist inspired kids to cast ballots," Star-Advertiser, Letters, July 24). Dave always lived his life spreading the aloha spirit and doing whatever he could for the keiki and Hawaii.

Much gratitude, too, to "Calabash" cartoonist Jon Murakami, who was like another son to our dad, and Alan Low, another excellent cartoonist.

Thanks to those who have been his spiritual guides, and his good friend Alfred Bloom.

Finally, mahalo to staffers at Castle Hospital, Kaiser Moanalua Hospital and Avalon Care Facility.

The Thorne Ohana
Enchanted Lake

People failing to plan for their golden years

More depressing, even shocking, economic news was recently reported in the Star-Advertiser that 50 percent of retired households have no savings and rely solely on Social Security or pensions or both.

How can any reasonable adult go through 50 to 60 years without the plan-ahead smarts to put a little away for the rainy days of old age?

I’d judge that much of this casual indifference to our futures has to do with the entitlement attitude that the "government" will always take care of me when I’m old. Social Security is already running in the red. Private and public pensions are being severly reduced, if not disappearing.

So what, or who, can we really rely on to help take care of us when we get old? Ourselves, that’s who!

For those of us already well into retirement, it’s too late.

For you who are still employed, you’d better start planning now.

Art Todd
Kaneohe

North Shore residents happy about repaving

On behalf of the residents and visitors of the North Shore, I want to thank the road crew for resurfacing Kamehameha Highway near Sunset Beach.

Our roadway was in horrendous condition; the potholed potholes caused grief for many years.

While long overdue, the new road surface is very welcome. Mahalo to the state Department of Transportation and the hard-working crew that so quickly improved our highway!

Rep. Gil Riviere
Waialua-Kahuku-Waiahole

Limit political money from out of Hawaii

I thank the Star-Advertiser for its breakdown on the candidates’ finances.

I found it interesting that some of the candidates saw fit to accept money in rather large amounts from mainland supporters. Doesn’t that kind of skew what the local voters want?

I wish we had a law or regulation that kept candidates from accepting outside money. Let the people of Hawaii decide whom to support by their own efforts.

Wendy Pollitt
Kaneohe