Cartoon on ‘lies’ was misleading

The political cartoon of Nov. 6 regarding presidential lies was conveniently misleading.

George H.W. Bush’s line, "Read my lips, no new taxes," was a promise, not a lie. Bill Clinton lied about Monica Lewinsky, but that was a personal matter of no public consequence. When George W. Bush accused Saddam Hussein of having weapons of mass destruction, he was simply agreeing with the worldwide intelligence community and most Democrats as well.

However, recent information has brought to light that President Barack Obama’s claim that, "If you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan," was an outright lie that affects all Americans and one-sixth of our economy.

Rhoad Stevens
Hawaii Kai

HECO negligent about PV trend

Hawaiian Electric Co.’s sudden refusal to interconnect rooftop solar systems in many neighborhoods shows a total disregard for its customer base and a complete lack of foresight.

Hawaii’s Clean Energy Initiative was launched in 2008. The federal and state governments have offered tax credits for years, the price of oil keeps soaring, and Hawaii is a prime location for solar energy.

How can HECO claim it was surprised by the rise in solar installations over the past two years?

If safety is the issue, HECO had years to prepare solutions. Why are they suddenly so interested in safety as of Sept. 6, 2013?

Our legislators, the Public Utilities Commission and the people of Hawaii have to hold HECO accountable for its inaction. Clean renewable energy benefits all of Hawaii. Hawaii’s energy prices are three times greater than the rest of our country. We have an opportunity to put a stop to that.

Gloria Adams
Mililani

SB1 opposition was very hostile

I was down at the Capitol on Wednesday for the gathering of clergy who are in favor of Senate Bill 1.

Our attempt to gather peacefully and respectfully was interrupted by those in opposition of SB1.

My understanding is that each group acquires a permit to assemble in the Capitol area. We had such a permit. The opposition was very hostile and surrounded our gathering chanting, blowing a conch shell and using a bullhorn. I was quite alarmed and even a bit frightened.

I can understand how violence can break out in such a setting. Emotions ran high. But no violence ensued, no thanks to any security. And although the opposition finally withdrew and went back to the door of the House chambers, they were still disrespectfully loud and intimidating.

Do we not have rules for respectful demonstrations? Are they not enforceable? I am so relieved that the legislators forwarded SB1, showing the opposition that being bullies doesn’t work.

Catherine Graham
Alewa Heights

Ma’afala did not dishonor HPD

I have been a member of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) since its inception in 1972.

Tenari Ma’afala did not cast a shadow over the Honolulu Police Department’s integrity, nor was he out of line when he passionately spoke out against the same-sex marriage bill.

Anyone who knows Tenari is well aware of his equitable representation of SHOPO’s members and the general public regardless of their sexual preference. To say otherwise would be a violation and denial of his basic right to the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, that being his freedom of speech.

Richard Ornellas
Liliha

Were comments empty rhetoric?

SHOPO President Tenari Ma’afala testified, "You would have to kill me to disrespect and dishonor my father in heaven," to enforce the same sex-marriage law.

However, should the bill become law, Ma’afala would disrespect and dishonor his God until retiring from the police department, in order to preserve his pay and retirement benefits.

Your life or your money? How much of these sworn testimonies sound passionate, but are really empty rhetoric?

George Nakamura
Mililani