The failure of Island Air is further proof that even in times of low fuel prices the airline business is capital intensive, very competitive, and with very low margins (“Island Air to shut down after 37 years,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 9).
The biggest impact of a failing business is the effect on the employees and their families.
Most investors will find a way to write off their investment and move on to the next deal, but in this case, 400 employees are suddenly without employment.
We need to thank Hawaiian Airlines for moving so quickly to hire as many as possible, but reality says for many, it will take time to find employment.
I had the pleasure of working with the employees of Island Air for almost two years recently. They are resilient, having lived through many changes of ownership and management, and still stuck with the company, coming to work every day with a smile on their face.
They would be a great asset to any employer. It was an honor flying with them.
Paul Casey
Former Island Air CEO and president
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OHA’s Mauna Kea suit a waste of funds
As a Native Hawaiian, I am appalled to learn that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is using our precious funds to sue the state over the University of Hawaii’s so-called “mismanagement” of the Mauna Kea summit because UH is “aggressively developing the Mauna Kea summit for astronomy at the expense of the environment” (“OHA sues state to terminate UH’s stewardship of Mauna Kea,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 9).
Get real. OHA is giving in to the radical voices of Native Hawaiians who claim Mauna Kea has cultural significance.
Some anthropologists have studied the many strands of Polynesians from across the vast Pacific who ended up in Hawaii. In my mind, there are no real “Hawaiian cultural practices.” It seems people have thrown a dart at the dart board and it landed on “cultural significance.” Whose “culture” are they referring to?
I would prefer OHA use the funds to further educate Native Hawaiians to better cope with the 21st century that is knocking on our doors.
I consider this a frivolous use of OHA funds and strongly object.
Gladys Lucas
Mililani
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Police shouldn’t be immigration agents
The contributions of immigrants are highlighted in “Immigrants add billions to Hawaii, report says” (Star-Advertiser, Nov. 12), which also describes Hawaii’s opposition to President Donald Trump’s heartless immigration policies, specifically his travel ban and his nullification of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
Trump also signed an executive order that attempts to deport all undocumented immigrants, of whom there are an estimated 21,000 to 45,000 in Hawaii. The great majority have overstayed their visas, which is not a crime, and many have been living and working in our communities for years.
Immigration is a federal function, but Trump’s executive order seeks to deputize local police to act as federal immigration enforcement agents.
Hawaii’s undocumented immigrants now fear contact with the police due to the threat of deportation. They are reluctant to report crimes, making our communities less safe.
A ho‘okipa (welcoming) bill will be introduced in the upcoming legislative session, which stops police from acting as immigration agents. Hundreds of cities, counties and states have adopted similar legislation. Call your state legislators now to support it.
John Kawamoto
Kaimuki
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Ticket scofflaws who exceed speed limits
The statement, “If every driver in Hawaii who drives below the speed limit in the left lane was given a ticket, our police officers would have writer’s cramp,” speaks to me (“Hawaii drivers misuse left lane,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 10).
The posted speed limit on the Pali Highway is 35 mph. Before I make a left turn at Jack Lane, I move into the left lane. I am often driving 40 mph. So, I should be ticketed for speeding rather than for impeding those who drive closer to 50 mph rather than the posted 35 mph?
Regarding police officers getting writer’s cramp, they should take on those who exceed posted speed limits everywhere. That would fill the state coffers.
Mandy Bowers
Manoa
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Establish memorial for civil servants
The recent war memorial article reminded me that my dad asked me in 1999 why there wasn’t a memorial for civil service workers who answered the call for immediate return to duty stations on Dec. 7, 1941 (“100-year-old WWII veteran sparks bill for Pacific War memorial,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 10). I remember the planes over Kailua and my dad leaving with his car pool to go to Pearl Harbor.
I had contacted the people at the Arizona Mamorial, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink and the head of the Civil Service Retirees Association. No one had an answer.
Time flies, Papa left at age 91 but wherever he is, I am sure he would appreciate an answer to his question. I know I would.
Anita Marciel Wiliams
Wildomar, Calif.
