Party positions lost in nonpartisan vote

A recent letter suggested that the best type of election is a nonpartisan election where everyone is free to vote for candidates who have no political party label. For most people, this is the worst thing that could happen.

It is well established that Democrats and Republicans each profess certain general concepts as to how the country should respond to the needs of its citizens. This general idea of what a candidate would do if elected suddenly disappears in a nonparti- san election.

How will voters know what they are getting when they vote for a nonpartisan candidate? A fancy brochure; or maybe the candidate was a sports figure or a TV reporter?

Any overall concept of governance is absent. All you will get is a pretty face, or someone who has received enough contributions to have the fanciest commercials. We have a good general idea of what Democrats, Republicans or other parties stand for, and that is a basic starting point to judge for whom to vote. That is lost in a nonpartisan election.

Chuck Prentiss
Kailua

Defense furloughs won’t halt spending

A recent article concerning Department of Defense furloughs was incomplete. DoD is furloughing nurses and ancillary personnel but continuing to spend.

On the Tripler Army Medical Center’s website, the furlough information is discussed. Right underneath is a solicitation for "presenters" in Korea.

It states they have TDY (temporary duty) money available. This is expensive airfare, lodging and a daily expense account for food.

What a slap in the face! Military staffers are being sent to the mainland for courses needed only for promotion. The courses have been available as correspondence ones for years.

Again, TDY money is for lodging, travel and an expense account. The money from the furloughs allows for more global travel — when conference calls, correspondence classes and in-house education would accomplish the same result.

The DoD answer will be this is a different "pot of money." But it is all taxpayer money. Business as usual.

Karen Scott, R.N.
Maili

Isles’ unique past mutes July 4 hoopla

I wanted to comment on Karyn Abe’s recent letter ("Waikiki didn’t fly flag on Fourth," Star-Advertiser, Letters, July 6).

"What is wrong with Hawaii?" was her question. Clearly, she doesn’t understand the people of these islands; she clearly doesn’t understand the uniqueness of these islands, having once been its own kingdom, its own history apart from America’s, its own language other than English, its own culture, its own ethos, etc.

She expected to see a lot more patriotism in the streets of Waikiki on the Fourth of July, but was let down by Hawaii. If she only knew that Hawaii could never become what it isn’t —Hawaii is different from her Americana, and a good thing, too.

Hawaii is unique: She is the 50th State, but she is not Americana.

Gabby Murphy
Mililani Mauka

City should keep Segway off sidewalk

I have always thought that sidewalks are for pedestrians. However, Honolulu thinks otherwise.

The other day, I was walking down the Kalakaua Avenue sidewalk with a friend when a two-wheeled Segway sped past us with no concern for those who walk on the sidewalk.

Many cities have banned the Segway from their sidewalks to protect pedestrians. Why doesn’t Honolulu do the same? Especially with many foreign tourists going from shop to shop on Kalakaua and paying no attention to their surroundings, the possibility of serious injury exists.

The city should seriously consider that sidewalks are for pedestrians, wheelchairs and baby carriages only. As it now stands, the possibility for mishap is very real.

Tony Yu
San Francisco

Ewa plan envisions vibrant community

I recently attended the City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee meeting, where Bill 65, also known as the Ewa Development Plan, passed unanimously.

This was not my first time testifying in support of the Ewa Development Plan. Over the years, I have strongly supported the plan and its purpose to transform the Ewa Plain and the Kapolei region into a truly vibrant and livable place to live, work and play.

As a lifetime resident of Leeward and West Oahu, I would like to thank Councilman Ikaika Anderson and his committee for their leadership and vision to help make our dreams for the "New City" to come true.

Georgette Stevens
Kapolei

Maunalani center is wellness haven

As a former patient of the Maunalani Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, high up on a hill on Wilhelmina Rise, I found a safe haven for the sick to regain their lost strength and return to wellness.

One is treated with tender loving care by a team of nurses and therapists with integrated personal programs to get on the road to functioning as well as can be. The 24/7 care addresses the needs of each individual.

I have seen the love of several generations of family members take turns wheeling patients around and encouraging them to get back their health. It is amazing how they improve day by day. I met friends and had a great reunion going back 50 years.

The staff faces many challenges, and I tip my hat to each one of them. During my 50 days, there were depressing days, but toward the end, I enjoyed the camaraderie of the other patients and staff.

Jean Ogata
Hawaii Kai