Shine light on VA’s structural problems

Reports alleging that hospital administrators at Phoenix Veterans Affairs covered up long waiting times before veterans received care have sparked public outrage and prompted congressional investigation.

A critic said VA Secretary Eric Shinseki’s "reticence while testifying during the congressional hearing shows a lack of creativity and leadership skills" and demanded his resignation.

Sure, Shinseki — a retired four-star general and thrice wounded in Vietnam — did not display emotional outburst nor fiery rhetoric, but that did not diminish his unequivocal commitment to help and care for veterans.

Shinseki has done a tremendous job.He reduced the backlog of disability claims by almost 50 percent and digitized the antiquated way of maintaining records and files.

Replacing Shinseki will not solve the problem. Congress needs to focus its attention on the department’s structural failures.

Shinseki deserves our commendation, not condemnation.

Rod B. Catiggay
Mililani

Fukushima disaster is real Pacific threat

The Rim of the Pacific war games are coming to Hawaii waters for two months this summer.

More than 20 countries will be taking part in naval mock warfare, killing and poisoning the ocean’s marine life and waters in the process.

However, our joint efforts need be directed at solving the present, ongoing threat to RIMPAC participant countries’ future survival.

In Japan, the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, another nuclear-powered machine, has been gushing out radioactive water since the 2011 tsunami that triggered the fallout, which is poisoning marine waters and fish, making them unfit to eat.

Let’s put our resources and expertise to work at solving such pressing crises of Rim of the Pacific nations.

Linda L. Harmon
Hanapepe, Kauai

Government works by different rules

I recently received a letter from a large national company that I have been associated with for over 20 years. It contained a report on the status of my defined benefit retirement plan, which is 159.45 percent funded. It mentioned that it is required by the ERISA law to keep me informed.

I am also retired from the U.S. military. I get no such notice from that source. If it did send a report, it would indicate zero-percent funding because it is totally dependent on congressional good will. Similarly, Social Security sends me nothing. If it did, it would reveal gross underfunding.

Is this another blatant example of gross double standards engineered by our lawmakers to exempt themselves from accounta- bility while holding non-government folks to strict standards? Of course.

Who is supposed to hold elected officials to high standards in serving the public? It is "we the people" — and "we" are not performing well in this instance.

Richard O. Rowland
Chairman and founder, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii

Wiercinski works well with others

I have never met retired Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, but like what I see on his resume, which appears online.

He was the commanding general of our army forces in Japan while stationed there for two years.

During his duty there, he was awarded the "Order of the Rising Sun — 2nd Degree," which is presented only to select foreign dignitaries for their substantial work in fostering good will and productive accomplishments on behalf of both countries.

In addition, although he only served on temporary duty in the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan, he also received some of the highest awards bestowed upon foreigners from these Asian countries.

Based on his receiving these awards, he must have the ability to work closely and harmoniously with people soon after they get to know him.

This trait would hold the general in good stead, should the board of regents select him.

Arthur K. Goto
Kailua

Restoration group grateful for support

Malama Pupukea-Waimea (MPW) is a proud beneficiary of the Hawaii Community Foundation’s 2014 Community Restoration Partnership grant program.

MPW is a North Shore nonprofit dedicated to protecting the natural and cultural resources of the Pupukea and Waimea ahupua‘a through community stewardship, education and partnerships.

With the grant, MPW is undertaking a pilot project to restore the coastline above the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District at Sharks Cove. Volunteers have observed a significant increase in erosion and invasive plants, causing sediment to smother nearby coral reefs.

In partnership with the city, and with help from Hui Ku Maoli Ola, MPW volunteers will remove invasive weeds and landscape the area with native coastal plants. We appreciate CRP empowering groups like MPW in efforts to preserve our island home.

Maxx Elizabeth Phillips
Malama Pupukea-Waimea

Involve homeless in maintaining park

As a tourist from Australia, who recently spent a pleasant two weeks in a hotel near Ala Moana Beach Park, I am perplexed by the media tirade against the "homeless." They need hope, not abuse.

A suggested solution: Let them establish small business groups to maintain the park or provide services to those who use the park-refreshment concessions. Perhaps local authorities or benefactors could provide some seed capital, or collect small change from tourists at Ala Moana Center. As a regular visitor to Hawaii, I would be pleased to participate.

Most in Hawaii support sharing and giving as a basis of the wonderful culture. Let’s begin with the homeless?

Peter Moore
Long Beach, New South Wales, Australia