Power brokers silence independent voice

After his latest defeat by Mazie Hirono in the Democratic senatorial primary, it istempting to conclude that Ed Case’s political career has run its course.

If so, that would recall the career of another Hawaii Democratic maverick half a century ago — Tom Gill.

Gill was a rising starin the-then newly empowered Democratic Party, but he had an independent streak that proved his downfall. He challengedJack Burns for the leadership of the party and lost, subsequently abandoning elective politics at an age when he could have servedproductively for yearsto come. The party regulars revered Burns and considered Gill’s challenge to be virtually treasonous.

Case’s downfall began six years ago when he challenged another establishment stalwart, Daniel Akaka, who wasseeking re-election to the U.S. Senate.

Thatchallenge produced a fierce response from the party chieftains, notably U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, whopulled out all the stops to defend Akaka against Case.

To all appearances, another independent Democratic voice, like Tom Gill’s, has been silenced.

Carl H. Zimmerman
Salt Lake

Only Gabbard spoke of helping the people

I was disappointed to watch U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye and Gov. Neil Abercrombie speak after the Aug. 11 primary election.

All were touting the idea of protecting and keeping the Democratic Party in power, while those like Tulsi Gabbard spoke of working for the people of Hawaii.

We need new politicians with a new focus. Not just keeping Democrats or President Barack Obama in control of a segment of our government, but in making tough decisions to do what is best for our citizens.

The speeches swayed my vote for former Gov. Linda Lingle in hopes that such intolerance and party politics would not manipulate the population, but that we would actually have representatives who care about serving the people.

Stop electing selfish politicians who only care about themselves and their party staying in power.

Matthew Hilpert
Kaneohe

UH chancellor needs to step up to the plate

Talk about a bite out of the old "Apple."

This one, Tom Apple, has been on the job as University of Hawaii-Manoa chancellor for, oh, three months or so, and he’s perfectly aligned himself with some other illustrious UH administrators: Herman Frazier, Virginia Hinshaw and Evan Dobelle, to name a few.

The missing piece here is called accountability. It seems to be a trait in awfully short supply at UH as well as elsewhere throughout the public sector.

Tom Apple appears to believe that with a couple of strokes of a paintbrush and a gallon of glossy white, "Wondergate" will recede in the public’s memory.

My take is: Not this time, good citizens. Someone at the UH is going to have to ‘fess up.

Robert T. Guard
Waialae

Community fortunate to have Donovan back

I was more than pleased to see that Jim Donovan will return to the University of Hawaii.

I was Jim’s teacher and "Y" leader in junior high. He was an honest and principled young man then, and as I have followed his career, I have seen no change.

Jim has been a champion for all causes at UH; not just athletics, but all of its programs.His greatest love, other than ohana, is the UH.

It is unfortunate the investigation cost additional money, but better that than have a fine young man go out under a cloud of suspicion.

The community is fortunate to have Jim back.

Alden Esping
Waikiki

It seems Donovan still being punished

The debacle over the Stevie Wonder concert is an indictment of University of Hawaii procedures, especially since both Jim Donovan and Rich Sheriff apparently have been cleared.

Did UH have procedures in place to check the legitimacy of a vendor before it sent out a check of this size? Did the UH policy allow Donovanto paythis money with no oversight?

So my question: Is Donovan still being punished? It certainly looks that way, since Sheriff will be returning to his job, and Donovan won’t. It’s a shame, since we all know Donovan’s devotion to UH sports.

Annette Spinaio
Kailua

Gill shone a light on troubling dark corner

Bravo to Lois Gill for having the courage to write the truth ("Public Land Development Corp. is betrayal of public trust," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Aug. 13).

With all the presence of a senior statesperson and the wisdom that comes only with time, Mrs. Gill shines a bright light into a dark, troubling corner.

Our islands are a mere speck of earth amidst a massive body of salt water. "Continental" ways of thinking should not be applied to island existence. History is filled with examples of whole civilizations collapsing because of overdevelopment.

Living on islands, we should be particularly sensitive to critical-mass issues. Over the last half century, we as a society have surrendered too much of our liberty and heritage to short-sighted, profit-motivated power grabbers.

An unholy alliance of influential government and powerful private interests has slowly chipped away at the unalienable rights of the common man.

Our government derives its powers from the consent of the governed, not from super interests advancing their own agendas.

Gary Pardy
Haleiwa

Our narrow streets can’t handle BRT

What is light rail and what is heavy rail?

Vancouver’s Millennium Addition, completed in 2002, was completed under its original budget and added to its existing Expo Line and is closest to a light-rail system, not a heavy-rail system.

Both Washington, D.C.’s existing rail and San Francisco’s BART are heavy-rail systems, which have wider cars than light-rail systems.

I have attended many meetings about the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and also the grade-separated rail system now under construction. I have opposed the BRT. Our narrow street rights-of-way cannot handle eliminating existing lanes for cars to provide BRT or an at-grade light-rail system.

Wendell Lum
Kaneohe