IRAQ WAR

WATADA HAS RIGHT TO OPINION, BUT MUST PAY

1st Lt. Ehren Watada has a right to voice his objections to the war in Iraq, but he made his decision long ago to "support and defend" the decisions of those above him.

Morally, he also has to support those who serve with him and below him; he would be a liar and a hypocrite if he did otherwise.

Send him to Leavenworth Penitentiary for 20 years or more to reflect on his decision.

"My country, right or wrong; may my country always be right."

'EWA GENTRY

OVERDUE TRAFFIC LIGHT PART OF LARGER PICTURE

As the long-overdue Keau-nui/Iroquois traffic light nears completion, isn't it ironic that the large, brand-new street signs just hung over this intersection were misspelled as Keauanui instead of Keaunui?

We have lived in 'Ewa Gentry for almost five years right on the corner of this very dangerous intersection. We watched and waited, year after year, accident after accident, near miss after near miss, for a traffic light at an intersection that should have never been planned without one.

Holomua School and residents near the school have been waiting and fighting for this intersection long before we ever moved in.

Yes, the misspelled signs are a perfect example of yet another one of the endless problems surrounding the process of trying to get a traffic light installed at an intersection that was a victim of a major flaw in planning.

Someone living here might find it hard to believe that a traffic light at this intersection could have been overlooked in the early planning stages of the community. Hard, that is, until you take a short look around.

Every day in 'Ewa, new house after new house appears. How can we expect developers to have planned a little old traffic light at a major intersection (right near a school) when new roads and highways are not even close to being finished, yet here comes new house after new house? How can we think they have the best interest of the community in mind when large empty lots where parks were promised sit for years in between new house after new house?

Why aren't developers held to standards, held accountable? How can our government continue to let this happen?

The community deserves better than this.

MICHELLE WIE

PERSPECTIVE NEEDED ON HUGE PAYCHECKS

Although I never mentioned Michelle Wie's name or attacked her in my letter titled "Pay scales unfair, for what it's worth," Barney Wilson felt the need to defend her. I only used her situation to make a point, since she currently appears on everyone's radar.

Mr. Wilson, I agree with you on many issues. First, Miss Wie's character, work ethic, poise and confidence are beyond reproach. However, could the inspirational value she instills in a person to swing a golf club be slightly less than $10 million?

Second, I must confess, if someone offered me a $10 million check, I would have difficulty refusing it — even if it meant I would have to play golf.

Third, A-list movie actors, professional athletes and daytime TV talk show hosts are way overpaid.

Finally, the market sets the price for most goods and services in our economy today.

Which brings us back to the main point in the first sentence of my original letter. Who or what comprises the "market"? Isn't it the person we see every morning in the bathroom mirror? As a society, aren't our values slightly warped when we pay a movie actor $20 million per picture or the CEO of ExxonMobil a $400 million golden parachute?

These rhetorical questions aren't intended to spark a debate on Michelle Wie's contributions. But a little introspection would be appreciated.

PRICING PROBE

WE NEED PROTECTION FROM THE OIL INDUSTRY

I feel as if Hawai'i's consumers are being forced to choose between the better of two evils. Do consumers choose Hawai'i legislators to effectively understand a commodity market, or do we choose the oil companies that just reported record profits in a period of instability and record prices to set the "reasonable" price.

I think Gov. Lingle needs to reinstate Gov. Cayetano's investigation into gas providers' operations in the state. The criminal and civil investigation was halted after Gov. Lingle took office. Consumers need protection from monopolistic commodity provi-ders.

Consumers have the PUC to protect against energy price hikes, and we need similar protection from the oil industry.

COME ON OUT

KAHUKU GOLF COURSE IS A GREAT BARGAIN

Please support the Kahuku Golf Course. Green fees are a bargain: $2 to $10 for nine holes of golf. Hours of operation have been extended from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Club rentals are $12, and pull carts $4. We do not rent equipment after 4:30 p.m.

Our North Shore will eventually change, so I would like to invite all of you to experience our version of "Scottish links course." As a starter here for the past six years, I have met some of the most interesting, intelligent and hysterical golfers.

For the price, you can't beat our beautiful ocean views. With the high cost of living, gas, etc., this is one of the unknown bargains on this side of the North Shore of O'ahu. I look forward to meeting you!

PETITION

PUBLIC IS SUPPORTING ART ON THE ZOO FENCE

This past weekend, the artists with Art on the Zoo Fence put up a petition to be signed by the general public in support of our staying in Kapi'olani Park.

Even though the artwork draws a large amount of attention, the petition itself may have been the "Star of the Show." People, without hesitation, enthusiastically signed in support of the artists.