Organic farmers have bright future

In response to the letter by Alan Gottlieb ("Organic farming can’t feed the world," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 14), it is important for the public to hear from a local organic farmer.

It seems that "farmers are under attack" from other farmers as well. We do not use GMOs orchemical pesticides, all while feeding the world safe, clean food. Organic farmers have had the luxury of producing products in a marketplace with demand often exceeding supply.

Gottlieb should have let the public know that he is involved in the cattle industry. Ironically, raising cattle has been identified as being one of the most inefficient forms of farming. Pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, and the use of resources such as water and land are needed in both growing feed and in raising the animals.

The industry has become so dependent on GMOs that without them it might collapse. We organic farmers will be just fine.

Dave Burlew
Haleiwa

Port-A-Potties worth a try in short term

The city should seriously consider using Port-A-Potties as a potential solution to the Chinatown restroom situation.

They would involve minimal investment and provide an opportunity to determine whether any unforeseen problems would occur.

They would also provide the greatest flexibility in location and relocation.

Henry Eng
Diamond Head

Kakaako Park has become a disgrace

I am retired and have walked in the Kakaako area daily for at least four years, during which time I have seen Kakaako Waterfront Park go from pristine to a Third World park.

You can rarely get a table or bench because of the people sleeping on them.

The pavilion areas are full of screaming children and their mothers, plus it is also their sleeping quarters. Trash is everywhere and I am sure they have never cleaned the toilet facilities.

The pavement bricks have been removed to hold down the squatters’ personal items.

I won’t even get into the solid trash and filth along the roads leading into the park. Forget about the ordinance against blocking the sidewalk with their tents. I have to walk in the street.

It has gone from a pleasant walk to a disgrace. I have noticed that no Japanese tourist buses go there anymore.

Michael Ferguson
Kakaako

Kamehameha’s law applies to homeless

As city authorities wrestle toimplement "compassionate disruption" to resolve Oahu’s homeless problems, they might do well to remember the words of King KamahemehaI.

His statue looks across to the Iolani Palace and a plaque at the base shows the "Law of the Splintered Paddle," which says that every man, woman and child should have the right to "lie down to sleep by the roadside without fear of harm."

Andrew Summers
Essex, United Kingdom

East-West Center has proven itself

How easily we forget ("East-West Center must prove itself," Star-Advertiser, Our View, Jan. 13).

True, the East-West Center must prove itself, as must every public institution, but should not 50-plus years also count for something?

Certainly the goals of the East-West Center are beyond reproach. Nations throughout the Asia-Pacific region look to the Center for leadership as we confront global problems and also issues unique to Asia and the Pacific.

We boast more than 60,000 alumni, many with prestigious degrees. These people are or will become leaders in their respective countries.

The Center carries a tremendous reservoir of good will and respect. Building on these strong foundations, and by working together with our dedicated staff, faculty and leadership, the Center will flourish. We have proved our worth for the last 50 years and will continue to be a leader in the 21st century.

Edward J. Shultz
President, East-West Center Alumni Association

Middle East conflict filled with nuance

Carl Zimmerman’s letter, entitled "Ire against Israel not even-handed" (Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 15), is a much-needed counterpoise to the vituperative anti-Israel attacks posted on the Star-Advertiser’s editorial pages.

But I have one caveat. The West-Bank Palestinians (Fatah officially) and the Arab League are willing to recognize Israel’s right to exist.

What they cannot agree to is acknowledging Israel as a Jewish state. Making that concession would rule out the dispossessed Palestinians’ right to return to Israel proper.

Israel fears that the consequent influx of Arabs would undermine the Jewish state’s Zionist foundation.

Stan Satz
Waikiki

Judge’s pep talk ennobled jury duty

I recently completed a week of jury duty in the First Circuit Court with Judge Ed Kubo presiding. While I had served previously, I began to cringe at the thought of being selected.

My attitude changed immediately when Judge Kubo addressed us for the first time. He reminded us that thousands of military members are sacrificing their lives in Iraq and Afghanis-tan to protect privileges — like serving on a jury.

He reminded us that we are living in the greatest democracy in the world, where everyone is entitled to a fair trial without prejudice, and that it is not only our duty to serve but an honor.

At trial’s end, Judge Kubo thanked us again for serving and especially thanked the three of us veterans. No longer will I feel put out should I be selected to serve on another jury. I will consider it an honor and privilege.

John Toillion
Mililani