Don’t use marsh for Hawaiian center

If the present draft master plan for the development of Kawainui-Hamakua marsh were implemented, it would be unfortunate for Hawaii and all who live here.

Yes, the desire of kanaka ‘oiwi for a Hawaiian cultural presence in Kawainui is understandable, but putting modern buildings in a marsh has been done before (Waikiki) and we see how that turned out.

It would be fairer, and best, for all if Kawainui were reserved for restoration of traditional Hawaiian lo‘i kalo and fish ponds, and the state purchased space for Hawaiian offices and classrooms in downtown Kailua.

Land in Kailua is expensive, but that is not the fault of the Hawaiian people to whom a debt is owed.

The present master plan includes 12 pavilions and viewing decks, 17 buildings, 13 parking lots, 3 bridges, signs and trails. It would create an international tourist destination, and Hawaiian cultural practices would, as usual, be a tool of the visitor industry.

The more recent history of the Mokulua Islets, Ka‘iwi ridge and Kailua Beach Park show clearly how economic interests capture public lands and waters — if we let them.

Neil Frazer
Kailua

Public had say in Kailua marsh plan

For Cheryl McIlroy to suggest a conspiracy of destruction by unelected officials is not true ("Plan for marsh widely opposed," Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 11).

The Kawainui Marsh Master Plan has been a work in progress since 1982. Numerous meeting have been held by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources in our community with great transparency regarding the future of the marsh.

In no way has the DLNR "totally ignored the objections" of those bent on keeping people away from the Kawainui.

Many local entities have a stake in the plan, including environmental, educational, cultural, and community groups. In no way has the DLNR disregarded the Kailua Neighborhood Board.

Kailua looks forward to preservation and use of Kawainui Marsh for generations. Removing invasive species, restoring sacred sites, giving people access and protecting against commercial development are all part of the plan.

The true outcry is for this work to begin now.

Will Page
Kailua

PRP apology should have been stronger

What a weak rendition of an apology from Pacific Resource Partnership to former Gov. Ben Cayetano in Sunday’s Star-Advertiser for the egregious way PRP conducted its last campaign against him.The print was so light it was like a whisper.

He deserves a more robust vindication from them.

Cayetano cares about the long-term effects of the decisions being made now about Hawaii’s future. They all seem to be focused on what’s in it for the big players.He foresaw that scenario and was trying to create a more even playing field. We need that.

So they have to pay out $125,000. No big deal. They will get it back in no time.

Cayetano is showing his class by donating it to charity.

Mary Louise O’Brien
Kaneohe

Teachers opposed to unfair system

An editorial in Monday’s Star-Advertiser says that "grading teachers can’t be too easy," especially when "a mere 2 percent" of teachers were rated as "marginal or unsatisfactory" ("Grading teachers can’t be too easy," Star-Advertiser, Our View, June 16).

Your statement implies that a low percentage must indicate faulty ratings. Have you considered that a vast majority of teachers are "great educators (who) improve students’ lives?"

Teachers are not against evaluations. Rather, we are against unfair systems.Every child deserves a great teacher. But every child also deserves an educational system that provides the comprehensive and ongoing training, support, supplies and collaboration time necessary for good teachers to be great.

Instead of placing blame on those in the classroom and calling for punitive actions, invest in the commodity we have: great teachers, wonderful students, and caring communities.

Michele Sasaki
Pearl City

Airport, DOT abuse Ewa Beach residents

The Honolulu International Airport and the state Department of Transportation are forcing Ewa Beach residents to endure all airport traffic going overhead for 24 hours day and night through September.

The residents of Ewa Beach are really suffering from the air traffic. The airport and DOT are taking advantage of the residents of Ewa Beach by giving us no say in the quality of our life.

Airport officials have made it clear they do not care if Ewa Beach residents sleep at night, watch TV without loud noise pollution or try to talk on the phone. A runway is down and just deal with it.

However, airport problems are not the problems of the residents of Ewa Beach, so why must we just simply deal with it?

Eileen Lynn
Ewa Beach

Mass shootings are not on the rise

The record needs to be set straight on guns and gun violence ("Congress derelict in firearms regulation," Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 12).

According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice and the National Center for Education Statistics, mass shootings are not on the rise, and neither are victims of school shootings. Yet the incessant drivel peddledby the rabid anti-gun left would have you believe otherwise simply to push its "feel good" agenda while refusing to engage intellectually.

Legislate until you are blue in the face. The simple fact remains that those bent on criminal activity will not simply back down in the face of such legislation, and you effectively eliminate the law-abiding portion of society that would otherwise serve to help keep them in check.

Steve Hinton
Haleiwa