DRUNK DRIVERS

PATROLS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN DUI ROADBLOCKS

The sobriety checkpoints that took place in Honolulu over July 4 weekend served to funnel limited state and federal grant money away from measures that have proven to be most effective in combating drunk driving.

Because they are highly visible by design and publicized in advance, roadblocks are all too easily avoided by the chronic alcohol abusers who comprise the core of today's drunk driving problem.

Conversely, the number of DUI arrests made by roving patrol programs is nearly 10 times the average number of DUIs made by checkpoint programs, according to testimony by a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation official.

By focusing scarce law enforcement resources on roadblocks, HPD will strip Hawai'i's roadways of their most valuable tool for catching drunk drivers.

Honolulu residents and taxpayers would benefit from employing the most effective tactics to catch drunk drivers: roving police patrols.

RAIL DEBATE

SALUTES GOVERNOR FOR SIGNING RAIL PETITION

I salute Gov. Linda Lingle's decision to sign the Stop Rail Now petition.

Whatever one's position on whether or not to go forward on the rail project, I believe the governor's press release contained some very valuable statements of principle.

While maintaining her neutrality on the rail issue, Gov. Lingle put forth "her long-standing position of letting the people decide on major public policy decisions."

The governor's statement goes on to state that she believes every citizen has a long-term stake and it is critical "the public have an opportunity to take part in this important issue that likely will shape O'ahu's future for generations and have long-term fiscal implications for the entire state."

The proposed rail system on O'ahu certainly falls within the criteria used by Gov. Lingle. But couldn't the same be said of the Akaka bill?

ALOHA STATE

DON'T JUDGE HAWAI'I ON ONE BAD INCIDENT

This is in response to the mother and daughter from Ontario whose car was broken into recently at Ala Moana.

I'd first like to say that I can sympathize, as I have been the victim of a vehicle break-in.

The second thing and what prompted my desire to respond is their labeling of our entire state because of their incident.

Unfortunately, crime occurs no matter where you travel, and to label our whole state because of it is a crime in itself.

As a part-Hawaiian and native Islander, I found some of their comments hurtful and somewhat offensive.

Hawai'i is a beautiful place with lots of beautiful people, and doesn't deserve an "image" because of an incident/individual(s).

Please look toward the years of good memories you spoke of, and choose not to focus on the one unfortunate one that, realistically, could have happened anywhere.

If you choose to return one day, Hawai'i and all its 'ohana will be here to welcome you back.

BEACH WEDDINGS

MORE REASONABLE PLAN SUGGESTED FOR PERMITS

The problem with the new policy to require permits for weddings on public beaches is that it is overly inclusive in some respects and not inclusive enough in others.

Having witnessed a variety of different types of activities on public beaches, I would say that weddings are among the least intrusive of all activities people conduct at public beaches.

Most weddings that I have seen consist of simply a bride and groom, a few guests and a photographer and lasted a few minutes. Not at all intrusive on my rights as a beachgoer.

On the other hand I have witnessed gatherings, some of them weddings with dozens of people, some of whom appear intoxicated, loud music and many kids going crazy that have gone on for hours and I felt were intrusive on my use of the public beach because of the demeanor of the gathering.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all policy, I suggest a more reasonable policy would be to require a permit when an area of the public beach will be cordoned off for the exclusive use of the participants for more than an hour.

NATION BUILDING

MONEY WELL SPENT IN OHA LOBBYING EFFORTS

Is that all? That was my reaction when I read your report on the $7.5 million that OHA spent over the past three years on the Native Hawaiian governance initiatives. The money went to lobbying, mass media, outreach events and expenses such as travel and T-shirts for various programs to support nation building, which includes the Akaka bill.

Don't trustee Rowena Akana and former trustee Mililani Trask know what is at risk if the Akaka bill fails? Hawai'i could lose hundreds of millions of dollars in federal support for programs such as business loans, educational scholarships, job training, and healthcare for Native Hawaiians.

Akana portrays herself as the voice of dissent on the board. But she alone ignores her fiduciary responsibility and uses her position to undermine OHA programs and policies. She criticizes, but never comes up with a better idea. I suggest she do something else if she can't work constructively for OHA.

OHA'S EXPENDITURES MUST BE FULLY AUDITED

Gordon Pang's July 16 story, "OHA spends millions on trying to create a Native Hawaiian nation," raises a disturbing question. Many in our community are asking if OHA has spent trust money on unauthorized expenditures.

Trustee Rowena Akana's courage to question the board's spending of trust money raises legitimate doubt; scolding accounts of omitted expenditures by OHA and the recently failed state ceded-lands settlement equals another broken trust.

Trust and public confidence in OHA has eroded, and unless there is a transparent account of all expenditures by OHA, the betterment of Native Hawaiians will only be an unfulfilled dream.

Audit OHA and fix this broken trust.

ARMY TRAINING

MAKUA SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR OUR FREEDOM

Regarding William Cole's July 16 story, "Army faces another Malama Makua suit":

Wai'anae's VFW Hawaiians ask, what cultural sites? We've been up there and have seen nothing significant.

It's common knowledge that Makua was a cattle ranch in the 1930s. During World War II, it was an important training area, not only for the Army infantry and artillery, but also the Marines and Navy. Yes, tons of munitions were fired into the area, but what are we getting in return?

In return, thousands of those who trained in Makua gave their lives so that our freedom was protected.

Today, we have a military made up of volunteers who are willing to protect that freedom, with their lives if necessary. They need to train in Makua in preparation to fight terrorism in areas our elected officials are sending them to.

Keeping that in mind, don't you think Makua is a small price to pay to ensure that our freedom remains protected?

OCEANS

HUMANS CAN TAKE STEPS TO PRESERVE CORAL REEFS

Our coral reefs are in danger of being destroyed. Ecosystems depend on them; if we don't take care of the corals they won't be there for future generations to enjoy.

Overfishing deteriorates the food chain. In Newfoundland, Canada, the cod industry came to a halt in 1992 when no cod was caught. Forty thousand people lost their jobs.

The once-thriving ecosystem was in disarray. Sixteen years later, fishermen are waiting for the cod to return, communities haven't recovered.

Warmer temperatures can cause coral bleaching, killing algae called zooxanthellae that give the coral color, nutrients and energy. Bleached coral becomes weaker and prone to diseases. Species are becoming extinct.

The ocean has absorbed 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the past 200 years; equivalent to about 500 billion metric tons. When acid levels increase, pH decreases. This causes serious damage to the skeleton, the foundation of coral.

Hawaiian Island Coral Reef Reserve and Australia's Great Barrier Reef are in the most peril of dying. If we reduce how much we go fishing and cut down on greenhouse gases, we could keep the reefs in better condition.

MEDICINE

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE STILL A CRISIS IN HAWAI'I

The Hawaii Medical Association applauds Sens. Dan Akaka and Daniel Inouye, Congressman Neil Abercrombie and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono for voting in favor of The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (HR 6331), which will stop 2008 Medicare physician payment cuts of 10.6 percent. Their support is a critical step in keeping our hospitals open and physicians in business to care for our seniors, disabled and military families.

However, even without the cut physician reimbursements do not cover the cost of providing medical services, and this should not be the only step to improving the access to medical care problem in Hawai'i.

The current access-to-care crisis will continue to threaten the health of Hawai'i's citizens if more measures are not taken.

While Gov. Linda Lingle allowed the "Medical Corps Bill" to pass, which creates a study to examine physician incentives for working in rural areas, HMA urges Hawai'i legislators to work harder on implementing a multi-tiered approach to protect the health of their constituents.

Medical liability reform, which would cost the Legislature and taxpayers zero dollars, and increased reimbursements from health insurers are crucial elements to alleviating this crisis.

Hawaii Medical Association will continue advocating for physicians and their patients. It will also take a combined effort from the people of Hawai'i, asking their legislators to pass long overdue, meaningful reforms that will improve access to quality medical care. We are ready to help.