Wiercinski pick is unacceptable

Columnist David Shapiro failed to see how insulting it is to a growing number of Hawaiians and others to have a general being considered for University of Hawaii president ("Protesters of UH candidate didn’t bother to listen first," Star-Advertiser, Volcanic Ash, May 11).

The insult is about the illegal U.S. military overthrow of Hawaii as a nation, the ongoing illegal occupation and a long list of U.S. military horrors that have occurred since, in Hawaii and elsewhere.

Retired Lt. Gen. Frank Wiercinski was involved in George Bush’s illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and, during his two years as commanding general for U.S. Army Pacific, failed to lift a finger to investigate and clean up depleted uranium radiation contamination in Hawaii.

The UH Board of Regents is part of the problem of occupation. It appears to be groveling for military dollars.

It’s time to stand with the students and say "Demilitarize." Let’s at least prevent the military occupation of the UH president’s chair.

Jim Albertini
Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education, Kurtistown, Hawaii island

Retired general highly qualified

The University of Hawaii has a multitude of constituencies — horizontally, vertically, inside and outside the system.Frank Wiercinski has thrived in such environments, leading large, multifaceted organizations while working with nearby communities and representing and negotiating on behalf of the nation in the international arena.

His experience and intellectual strength have produced a leader who builds teamwork, listens to differing views and develops consensus, but will make the decisions best suited to the organization’s mission and well-being.

Wiercinski has proven equally adept in the management of resources. Perhaps the best reflection was his adroit management of an annual operational budget exceeding $1 billion (excluding salaries).

There are numerous examples of retired senior military leaders excelling as university presidents. Look at the University of Alaska, where its past two presidents have been retired flag officers. Wiercinski is ready to lead UH forward.

David Bramlett
Makiki

Cachola should pay back funds

When a politician uses campaign funds for personal expenses, it is a big deal.

In the eyes of the voters of the state, it may be a sign of corruption.

The politician may claim that the infractions were unintentional, but in the eyes of the federal government’s Internal Revenue Service, company funds used for personal expenses are subject to income tax.

His campaign committee needs to issue a 1099-MISC for $70,000 to state Rep. Romy Cachola.

Dennis Kohara, CPA
Kaimuki

Online sales save us money

Ala Moana Center executive Francis Cofran says that states are estimated to lose $23 billion a year from uncollected sales taxes on online goods ("Online sales unfair to Hawaii retailers," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, May 18).

As I see it, that’s more buying powerfor us.

We Hawaii residents now have more money in our pockets to buy goods at his Ala Moana Center.

If we are taxed on our online purchases (taxation without representation), we would have less money to fuel our economy.

Lisa Adlong
Hauula

Local VA center deserves praise

It’s always disheartening to learn that a medical institution, such as some of our nation’s Veterans Administration hospitals and clinics, are having significant problems.

However, my experience with theSpark Matsunaga VA Medical Center here has been excellent.Drs. Roger Wong and Gloriann Watson, their staff and the pharmacy have provided me with the very best of medical care.

Garrett F. Saikley, M.D.
Paiko

Politicians need to visit Waikiki

My partner and I participated in the wonderful six-mile Visitor Industry Charity Walk around Waikikilast Saturday. The good vibe, ono grinds and sense of community was contagious.

What marred the experience were the homeless encampments with piles of junk blocking sidewalks, bus stops taken over, and the foul, confrontational verbal assaults by these campers as their sleep was disturbed as we walked by.

Why have our lawmakers allowed it to come to this? Legislators at state and city levels have no concept of how appalling Waikiki has become. If they did, they would not be cutting funds for enforcement, services and cleanup of our neighborhood. Our elected officials need to get out of their cars, put on their walking shoes, hop on a bus, come to Waikiki and walk. Then they would experience what every resident, worker and tourist sees every minute of every day.

Jeff Merz
Waikiki

Beach park now homeless haven

Stephen Molnar’s letter to the editor was right on ("Little has changed after ‘crackdown’," May 19). Parkgoers realize that park "rules" are a joke.

At Ala Moana Beach Park there are blue signs posted everywhere spelling out the rules: No dogs, no shopping carts, etc. The homeless have taken over the park. Shopping carts abound. Benches and tables have been commandeered for private residences while the most pristine of banyan trees now abound with tents, carts, bikes, clothes and other debris.

If our officials cannot take care of business, they should be replaced. Every once in a while, a favorable letter on this topic slips in. Who is writing these letters? They apparently do not see what I see. Problems needs solutions. Both the homeless and government appear to be problematic.

Robert Smith
Waialae

Hawaiians don’t need Kerry’s OK

As Professor Francis Boyle stated, "Hawaiians don’t have to bother asking (John) Kerry about the Hawaiian kingdom" ("OHA CEO gaining allies over query into kingdom," Star-Advertiser, May 18).

The secretary of state or his counselor’s opinion doesn’t matter. What matters is the election of delegates to a constitutional convention and the ratification of a constitution by those enrolled and eligible to vote in the Hawaiian Roll.

An example of an opinion that never mattered: The Office of the Solicitor General of the U.S. Interior Department, during the last days of the Bush administration, issued an opinion calling the Hawaiian Homes program unconstitutional and fatally flawed. The state of Hawaii requested that President Bill Clinton have the opinion repudiated.

So what makes anyone think that an opinion from Kerry will make any significant difference in the Hawaiian quest for a political entity?

OHA and the Roll Commission should cease their efforts to "federalize" Hawaiians and permit Hawaiians to decide for themselves the status of their government.

Jimmy Wong
Heeia