State not among most corrupt
As a member of the old guard of the Hawaii Democratic Party, I would like to congratulate Tim Vandeveer on his election as chairman of the party (“Isle Democrats rally for unity, pick new leader,” Star-Advertiser, May 30).
It is also refreshing to see all of the new people coming into the party who can take up the work that the old guard has been doing for years.
However, I take exception to the following statement by Vandeveer: “We’re perceived … as one of the most corrupt states in the country, our Legislature and our executive branch …”
It is shocking that someone from Texas would make such a statement. In my opinion, it is not true. I believe that Hawaii has one of the better legislatures, as evidenced by the progressive legislation it has passed over the years that has benefited the people of Hawaii.
I also do not believe that our executive branch is perceived in that way either.
Linda Estes
Koloa, Kauai
Lantern event was so powerful
Every year, more people attend and participate in the Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony (“Hope floats,” Star-Advertiser, May 31).
This ceremony is such an amazing and beautiful event. It’s so overwhelmingly positive and emotional. To have so many people from so many cultures and backgrounds all gathering in unified harmony and peace to remember those who they have lost is so powerful.
The performances are always beautiful and there really are no words to describe standing by the ocean and looking out at all the lanterns, as you reflect on those who have passed.
The ceremony is something I wish everyone could experience in person.
As one who has lost fellow service members in war, and most recently my father to cancer, I want to thank all who helped to make the ceremony a truly wonderful event. It means a lot to all who observe and to all who participate.
James Logue
Chinatown
Sect took over Memorial Day
I watched the latest moving and emotion-filled Memorial Day lantern floating ceremony in Ala Moana Park.
Obviously, this means much to our citizens and visitors, given the crowds.
However, I can’t help wondering how a tiny splinter sect of Buddhism — Shinnyo-en, founded in 1936 — managed to take over a major American holiday in Hawaii.
Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day to commemorate the Union dead in the Civil War, is a secular, though solemn, U.S. holiday. At the same time in Japan, lantern lighting ceremonies usually accompany obon season in August to help the ancestors return to the spirit world.
Perhaps Shinnyo-en has an ingenious business plan in joining the two by conflating very different cultural meanings with a magnificent religious rite and ceremony.
David Ericson
Nuuanu
Sometimes plans need changing
While I certainly respect Fujio Matsuda’s opinion on adhering to the Oahu General Plan (“Building rail from Kapolei to Manoa meets intention of Oahu General Plan,” Star-Advertiser, May 29), he fails to realize the obvious: Plans are not written in stone.
As a former president of University of Hawaii, Matsuda continues to believe that the flagship campus in Manoa cannot be replaced. The entire island of Oahu has to use it as the main source of a public college education, so we have to build rail to get students to the campus.
If we took even a small fraction of what is being spent on rail — even the amount going from Ala Moana to Manoa — a world-class, four-year campus could be built at UH-West Oahu. It would not only provide education to west-side students but also alleviate the traffic congestion caused by UH-Manoa.
Plans are always just that, future expectations. When they don’t work, you change the plan.
Garry P. Smith
Ewa Beach
Risk is too high to bring in Zika
I appreciate how noble our scientists are in wanting to find a Zika vaccine (“UH wants to bring Zika to Hawaii,” Star-Advertiser, May 31). They may well be the very ones to do it.
However, rather than import the virus to our islands for scientists to work with, why don’t we play it safe and send the scientists to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta or to Zika-infected areas?
As careful as the scientists may be, there is too much risk involved; our children, our expectant mothers, our tourist industry.
I can’t believe it is even being allowed.
Regina Shimomura
Mililani
86 responses to “State not among most corrupt”
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“However, I take exception to the following statement by Vandeveer: “We’re perceived … as one of the most corrupt states in the country, our Legislature and our executive branch …”
It is shocking that someone from Texas would make such a statement. In my opinion, it is not true. I believe that Hawaii has one of the better legislatures, as evidenced by the progressive…I also do not believe that our executive branch is perceived in that way either.” Linda Estes, Koloa, Kauai
Linda Estes,
Your snide and not so subtle attempt to undermine Tim Vanderveer is way off base.
When he says “We’re perceived … as one of the most corrupt states in the country, our Legislature and our executive branch” he is being truthful and accurate: “Hawaii is the only state in which both legislative and executive branches are perceived to be very corrupt.
That statement is 100% correct and comes directly from newly released results from a “Corruption in America Survey” of more than 250 reporters from across the country, many of whom cover state government and politics.” http://www.civilbeat.com/2016/04/survey-says-hawaii-is-corrupt/
If you are truly concerned about this perception of our local government then there are better ways to address it that publicly and falsely attack someone who is working to change it.
I hope your apology to Tim Vandermeer is as public.
A survey from 250 reporters and Hawaii is still perceived as corrupt? Wow! Imagine if reporters here actually did their jobs and uncovered all the corruption instead of flipping over to a nice cushy government position for playing ball with the ruling party. I find it amazing that they could find any reporters here that would tell it like it is.
Tim is just spouting Bernie propaganda.
Say… aren’t you a democrat “old guard” who loves the status quo too and hates anything that threatened it too?
Fire wiliki, he lies about rail and everything else!
Weeeeewili is just a “kupuna” in latter stages of dementia
Hawaii is indeed thought to be corrupt and incompetent. It has been so thought for many years. Linda is wrong to say Hawaii is a progressive state. It has not been that for a long time. The old guard did some good-40 and 50 years ago. It has done little of note since.
Tim will change his tune when he gets to learn politics better.
I don’t think Hawaii is corrupt. I mean we don’t have anyone like Christie who closed down traffic because some mayor didn’t back him. We don’t have any of our politicians in jail. Lets see it where is it where the new governor is now sitting in jail alongside the previous governor? Well maybe that is an indication we are corrupt. Our politicians are not in jail?
Rather I think we tend to be a bit incompetent. Don’t know why this is but seriously doubt changing parties would have any effect on this. I mean I am not going to vote for a party that has abandoned its values, and its candidate for president ran a Ponzi scheme called Trump university.
Succinct summation, Boots. I’d venture to add our “leadership” is a more than just a bit incompetent, however.
Well I have always felt that the main problem is that people just are not involved. When Hawaii first became a state, everyone voted and our politicians were pretty good. Today, few vote and I think the quality has fallen somewhat. People need to get more involved.
We’ve enabled the lifetime teat suckers (Hanabatta, Mazie, MooFee, Cladwell, Souki, etc etc) with our low expectations.
Think-checking you would be a full time job.
Christie, after exhaustive investigation, had zero role in the bridge thing.
Illinois, the corrupt state you mention, is the product of total democrat party control— LIKE HI.
Aw, cute. You’re worried about your neighbor’s yapping chihuahua, but not the keiki-chomping pit bull in your back yard. Here, to help you think, are democrat accomplishments over the last 7 years:
Inflaming an ever increasing racial divide.
Impoverishing the largest progressive run state, California, with the highest percentage of those living under the poverty line.
Ignoring our soon to be insolvent entitlement programs (Social Security Disability next year).
Presiding over the slowest economic recovery, the lowest labor participation rate in 4 decades.
Squandering US influence in the world at the expense of vital national interests, particularly the Middle East.
Negotiating a nuclear agreement that will set of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and actually shelter the Iranian nuclear weapons program.
An immigration policy that amounts to the dissolution of our borders in order to import democrat party voters.
Use of the IRS like a sort of political gestapo to shut up conservative groups.
Supporting the sale of baby body parts.
These appear to be the guiding principles of the Democrat party, either by design or by ignorance, aimed at a slow destruction of the country.
You are blind if you really believe Christie had no role in bridge gate. Bet you believed Iraq had WMDs. lol Shouldn’t just listen to propaganda press aka Fox news.
If Winston is blind you must be brainless.
Boots, saying “but, but, but, what about The republicans” doesn’t make the democrats who rule every aspect of this state any better. Giving them a free pass because they share your political affiliation doesn’t help anyone but the dirtbags.
Well, ehalp, I try to go with the facts, not just what i “want” to be the case.
Christie’s involvement in “Bridgegate” was investigated by his opponents from every possible angle. Verdict: Innocent.
WMDs in Iraq? Believed it. As did the Clinton administration, which originated the regime change policy, and the gang of democrat senators who voted for the Iraq war resolution–Oh, yeah, and every major intelligence agency in the world. But you, boots, probably “just knew” in advance that all these smart people were wrong.
Why, you should slap a palm sign on your house and start telling fortunes or become a wealthy stock investor. Genius should be rewarded!
The trouble with Hawaii is not that it is the most corrupt but that there is no accountability.
Witness New York State. Arguably maybe more corrupt than Hawaii. But at least there the Feds convicted the state Assembly Speaker and Senate Majority Leader of corruption and sentenced them to jail for a long time.
Where is the US Attorney for Hawaii to keep our politicians accountable?
It’s a scary thought of what other state’s are like if Hawaii is not one of the most corrupt. Anyone who has spent any time observing the inner workings of our state’s legislature and bureaucracy should have numerous examples of that corruption. It’s not surprising that a self described party insider, like Linda Estes, see things differently.
IRT Linda Estes: It’s sad to be blind and mentally deficient. I give you credit for making it this far.
IRT Linda, Hawaii has by far the most corrupt legislature & executive branch (look at Hanabusa trying to get back in) + we are stuck with the good old boys in the City & County as well as the DPP. In addition to being the worst place to do business on Earth as well as the highest cost to live the City does not have a real ethics department but instead a bunch of puppets ran by the Mayor.
Business is doing well in Hawaii. This has been a banner year for our economy.
And yet our governor and legislature wanted to raise our taxes again until they realized it was an election year.
It’s time to vote out the old tenured career politicians.
Tourism and CONstruction. Such stable pillars
Keolu, I guess it depends upon whether you believe in paying your bills. Frankly I am tired of people who complain about taxes and then complain that the roads have potholes. It costs money to maintain and improve infrastructure. Hopefully you are not advocating the past republican plan of just borrowing from China?
Probably would be better if we were like Washington or Colorado and had legalized Marijuana. But no, we will probably miss the boat on that. And to think we used to be known for our pot.
Boots, my bills and taxes are paid up to date. My gripe is we keep paying taxes, such as taxes to fix our roads and our roads suck. Where does the tax money go?
Our one party system needs an overhaul. Don’t vote for incumbents.
I can tell by all the luxury tents coming up on the sidewalks!
The silliest tax discussion this past legislature is raising taxes now for future spending.
A politician trying to get back into office is not “corrupt.” Also, the worst place to do business on Earth? I think you need to reexamine the frame of reference.
No a politician trying to get back into public office is not necessarily corrupt. Look at uncle Ron, or Richard Nixon. Oh, they were a little corrupt lol
What is sad are people who will vote for the Donald, a scam artist, and a person who is lose with the truth. He is entertaining though. Haven’t had this much fun since I used to watch 50th state wrestling. lol
You just described Hillary. She is the pied piper of evil, greed and deceit. Why did the results from the recent Hawaii election show that the registered dems want Bernie instead of the wicked witch of the east?
There is no doubt that Bernie is the better candidate. But how is Hillary the pied piper of evil greed and deceit? Can you be specific and just not give republican propaganda from Fox? My problem with Hillary is that she is a hawk. If her hawkish views can be clipped, she probably would make a decent president just like her husband was. She probably would return us to balanced budgets while the Donald would continue Voodoo economics and give huge tax cuts to the rich.
I don’t watch Fox. I’ve worked security for many Presidents and those running for the office. I can tell you from first hand experience what you see on TV is not the way these people are in real life. Keep living in your dream world and believe everything you hear or see on the news. It seems like the pied piper has already got you under her spell.
Boots needs explanation? $21 million in bribes, uh, I mean speeches, tens of millions in US and foreign donations while secy of state, Bill as honorary chancellor of fake university more fraudulent than Trump U (raked in $16 million before departing. Not to mention the epic corruption of the Clinton Foundation.
This, bootsie, is the very definition of greed and political corruption on an industrial scale.
That you can’t see that Clinton is bought and paid for is puzzling.
That you can’t see Bernie is a flat out communist (associated with clear front groups and the dictators of Cuba/Nicaragua and honeymooned in the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold war) is even more puzzling.
Can you please explain?
IRT David Ericson: Have they come up with a name for your ailment yet?
IRT Linda Estes: Yes, it is totally corrupt.
Agreed and I believe being an “old guard Democrat” has poisoned your vision and concept on what’s right and wrong. When do the citizens–the taxpayers have any voice in a one party dominated by lobbyists?? Just look at why the lottery can’t take root here!!
What makes you think they wouldn’t just steal and misappropriate any lottery money too?
Just redirect lottery money from schools to the white elefante rail
Yet is is generally republican states that have taken steps to prevent people they don’t like from voting. Main reason I would not vote republican. They do not believe in freedom. As that republican hero GW once said, he wishes the US was a dictatorship with him as the dictator.
Try preventing non citizens from voting.
zip it boots, we know your a donkey form way back.
8 years after Bush is out of office good ole boots is still blaming him for today’s problems.
Keolu, not blaming GW, just repeating what he said. Yes Wondermn, I am a democrat but only because republicans have abandoned their values and today stand for nothing more than socialism for the rich. Finally, Hfabt, non citizens voting is an imaginary fear of republicans, just like Same sex marriage. It would be nice if you republicans get some help to conquer your fears.
Boots. So, so worried about Republican values, yet so oblivious about democrat values. There must be a name for this condition. Massiveblindspotosis?
Here’s the product of the last 7 years of democrat values:
Inflaming an ever increasing racial divide.
Impoverishing the largest progressive run state, California, with the highest percentage of those living under the poverty line.
Ignoring our soon to be insolvent entitlement programs (Social Security Disability next year).
Presiding over the slowest economic recovery, the lowest labor participation rate in 4 decades.
Squandering US influence in the world at the expense of vital national interests, particularly the Middle East.
Negotiating a nuclear agreement that will set of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and actually shelter the Iranian nuclear weapons program.
An immigration policy that amounts to the dissolution of our borders in order to import democrat party voters.
Use of the IRS like a sort of political gestapo to shut up conservative groups.
Supporting the sale of baby body parts.
These appear to be the guiding principles of the Democrat party, either by design or by ignorance, aimed at a slow destruction of the country.
Linda…If the State is not corrupt then what is it IGNORANT. I was born and raised there and moved away 40 years ago for a better opportunity. I read the paper and keep in touch with family including visits. Every time I come home it never fails that there are issues were the legislative body tries to reinvent the wheel REALLY. The State and City government are over flowing with FLAT TIRES. Thats a fact and just for the record yes there are a bunch of corrupt individuals in government that why I would NOT move home now that i’m retired. And just for the record Washington State is full of the same FLAT TIRE AND IDIOTS. I guess it’s universal.
IRT Estes; Corrupt, too strong a word. But it walks a fine line on who is really served. They think they are doing something for the people. But, besides themselves, they keep taking care of the same groups every year. Hawaii has never got away from the Big businesses from 100 years ago,, How the oppressed the poor. Now they have shifted the balance by being nannies, promoting unecesary jobs and expanding the number of Union workers, all of this within government.
IRT Linda Estes: Tim Vanderveer doesn’t seem like someone who would make such a statement without evidence. He must be referring to this poll that came out a few weeks ago which states: “Hawaii is the only state in which both legislative and executive branches are perceived to be very corrupt.” http://www.civilbeat.com/2016/04/survey-says-hawaii-is-corrupt/
Vandermeer Will be a Super Delegate and will provide his vote to Sanders — and with this, I have a real problem.
Why? Do you think that super delegates should only be permitted to vote for Hillary Clinton?
Didn’t he win by a landslide?
No, it was a pretty close race.
Baloney Sanders 70% Benghazi 30%
Super delegates are there to protect the status quo.
It is hard for me to believe, that there is not some form of political corruption in Hawaii, with the government or civilian sectors.
For many decades, I have watched the twists and turns of political decision making. Every hearing for road construction promised an end of traffic congestion.
H1 led to H2 and finally H3. We still have traffic congestion.
We avoided the real culprit, the construction industry and uncontrolled growth. The construction industry will eventually have Hawaii covered in concrete like Miami. There will only be artificial vegetation.
There is no such thing a controlled growth. We just do The best we can in avoiding mistakes.
That’s the old dem spirit!
When you avoiding mistakes, you not getting caught, right?
I guess they haven’t found a name for my ailment either…I meant to say
When you say avoiding mistakes, you meant not getting caught, right?
It’s called urban planning and our state absolutely sucks at it.
It has sucked since they closed the Primo Brewery. Aloha
IRT: Linda Estes: Duh! Living on a laid back island (Kauai) and away from the hustle and bustle, and especially living in a very small town like Koloa, an opinion stated by Estes, “I believe that Hawaii has the better legislators as evidence by the progressive legislation it has passed over the years that has benefited the people of Hawaii.” Is she for real or is she deaf and blind? Walk the talk and provide the people of Hawaii the evidence by the so called “progressive legislation” that has benefited the people of Hawaii. As evidence and as an example, here’s one of the corrupt bill passed by the state legislature. By having the power and jurisdiction to vote for the passing of the GET 1/2 percent surcharge, to help build the city’s rail project, they’re skimming 10% annually ($millions) that goes to the state’s general fund. Why should the state skim 10% of the 1/2 percent surcharge that should be totally dedicated to build the rail? The taxpayers of Oahu are mandated to contribute to help pay for the rail every time they make a purchase and really, it’s not benefiting all the people of Hawaii especially when an annual 10 percent is taken by the state, only because the legislature has the power to dictate to the city before voting and passing that bill. Corrupt? I would say, unless you would call it a good business deal.
Fire Ernie, He’s delaying rail.
Fire ige, he puts me to sleep!
wiliki says: “Fire Ernie, He’s delaying rail.”
Ernie Martin is in favor of the rail project. He has done nothing to delay it.
Kirk Caldwell, on the other hand, was managing director under Mufi Hannemann at rail’s inception and helped create this incredible mess that has seen massive cost overruns and multi year delays caused by early efforts to start rail too early and award contracts prematurely in an effort to push rail past the point of no return.
If you want to fire the guy who already claimed responsibility for rail’s success or failure, promised to bring rail in “on time and on budge” and build it “better” in the process then the first guy you want to fire is Kirk Caldwell.
What is it with you rail cheerleaders who refuse to discuss the issues and seem content to to simply paste out-of-touch lazy spam? Now, isn’t it time for you to claim that “rail is paid for,” “the financing is solid” and “Dan Grabauskas and Kirk Caldwell are doing an outstanding job”?
You can’t talk sense to a dementia riddled “kupuna”. Best to euthanize.
lol, But you are a good “Christian” republican.
Far, far, FAAAAAAR from being a GOPee member, Boots. IF I had to classify myself, I’d say I’m a pragmatist. As I’m sure you are.
“Ernie Martin is in favor of the rail project. He has done nothing to delay it.”
Huh? Wait, are you thinking about singer Ricky Martin? Then yeah, you’re right.
Well by all means, please give me facts. Otherwise you’re just as bad as wiliki and his constant lies.
How has Ernie Martin delayed the rail project? Be specific.
And remember, if you can’t support the rail project without resorting to lies, then you can’t support the rail project.
Ernie never lobbied for the GET extension. Then when it was approved by the state, he waited over a year to approve the city resolution. Fire Ernie. He’s not doing his job.
IRT “… managed to take over a major American holiday in Hawaii.” Oh I love a good conspiracy theory or may be it is just good old fashioned ethnocentrism hard at work. Perhaps this is a germ of an idea for a new novel. Media covers the lantern ceremony and people love it. What is wrong with that? For some, speeches at Punchbowl are just not the same kind of introspective refection experience. Marketing Memorial day, which has a weird ring to it, might help.
Good post. One reason it has become so popular is because its new, different and engaging. It will end up being another one of those free programs that will attract visitor $$. The elderly WWII vets visiting Punchbowl on Memorial day are dwindling. We are seeing a demographic shift in the visitor population.
I thought it made perfect sense to remember people on Memorial Day, but that’s just me.
I think the Lantern Ceremony is one of the best events we have. All are welcome and treated respectfully.
Some people just have a problem with things that have any religious bent. … Yet they call themselves progressive.
The Star Advertiser is so biased. printing Krauthammers ZIONIST misinformation article today. ISRAEL should never have been established in PALESTINE.mand the US Government should not support this apartheid abomination to humanity. Gandhi stated that PALESTINE belong to the Palestinians just as France belonged to the Frenchmen, England to the Englishmen. This taking of Palestinian land, destroying Palestinian homes & villages, terrorizing Palestinian children must stop! I am ashamed of the AMERICAN churches, the American people, the American Government for allowing this genocide of the Palestinians. But we allowed the genocide of indigenous Indian tribes, the establishment of slavery, the continuation of violence in our country and the world. Is that who AMERICA is? To listen to Trump and Clinton, you would think so. It took courage for Sanders, a Jew, to question America’s and Israel’s harmful policies. The SA lacks integrity printing a one sided misinformation article such as Krauthammers.
Bias equals printing an opinion piece you don’t agree with? kinda nutty.
Israel “should never have been established”? But it WAS, and recognized by the UN and over 160 nations. You act as if the 8 million Israelis and their functioning democratic state don’t exist.
There is no Palestinian genocide.
There was no genocide of Indian tribes. Abuses, certainly, but no genocide.
Slavery? Evil, but no country on the planet is remotely better than the US if ALL past, historical abuses are attached to their present form.
Sanders is a Jew in name only. What he really is is a communist/collectivists,a philosophy which killed over 60 million in the 20th century.
You demand an end to conservative bias in one of the most left wing papers in the country. Unexplainable, unless an end to free expression is the goal.
The Jews have never recognized the 1948 borders of Israel and since that day they have sought to push all the Palestinians out of Palestine and including taking over Transjordan which is now part of Palestine called the West Bank.
Bernie, to his credit, recognises genocide when he sees it.
The Sun came out and it looks like a beautiful day today……..enjoy it, cause Life is too short.
best post of the day.
Good idea! Think I’ll have a cold drink, relax in the sun, then take a nap!
Hawaii: “The only state in which both legislative and executive branches are perceived to be very corrupt”
http://hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/ID/17392/Hawaii-ldquoThe-only-state-in-which-both-legislative-and-executive-branches-are-perceived-to-be-very-corruptrdquo.aspx
Or if you prefer: http://www.civilbeat.com/2016/04/survey-says-hawaii-is-corrupt/
Funny how the Star Advertiser missed that story.
Don’t we finally have some transparency for the rail project, largely due in part to the efforts of the FTA, and the involvement of the IG?
Every state in the Union has critical infrastructure issues, Honolulu is no different.