ELECTION

DISTRICT 51 CANDIDATES OFFERED REAL CHOICES

At a time when voters sometimes have only one candidate for whom to choose, I congratulate all the House District 51 candidates for presenting choices to the district.

When I viewed the Democratic candidates forum on KHET last week, I was impressed by how knowledgeable and articulate Shawn Christensen, Chris Lee and Ikaika Anderson were on the issues.

The Anderson campaign was very responsible in removing its campaign signs in Waimanalo the day after the election.

Monday morning, Shawn Christensen and Ikaika Anderson stood in solidarity with Chris Lee, holding "Chris Lee" signs near Castle Medical Center. Remarkable young men, they are all.

We look forward to hearing Chris Lee and Quentin Kawana-nakoa discuss the issues for the general election.

VOTER JUST FEELS NUMB AND DISENFRANCHISED

What? We had an election? With all the news about hurricane destruction, financial collapses, war costs, soaring gasoline and electricity, it just didn't register.

I am saddened to say this, but my not voting had no impact. Oh, I'll be sure to vote in November, and I will watch the national election with interest, but I already know the outcome:

Barack Obama has carried Hawai'i, and any Democrat, alive or dead (see Patsy Mink), will win Hawai'i's House or Senate seat.

Locally, no matter who wins: taxes will continue to rise, state services will decline, worker income will not keep pace, tourism numbers will fall, educational benchmarks will be missed, electricity and gasoline prices will continue to soar, we will all still sit in traffic (with or without rail), and the politicos and pundits will self-righteously point and wag fingers. In other words: same-old, same-old.

Disenfranchised? You bet! Disgusted? Nah, more like numb.

INTERISLAND TRAVEL

FERRY TRIP TO MAUI A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

It seems each day brings new horror stories from the Superferry: Natural resources, such as fish, limu, 'opihi being taken, invasive species like O'ahu residents arriving, dead animals, etc., etc.

I just rode the ferry from Maui and I loved it. I saw mostly local families either going to or coming from 'ohana gatherings and, yes, perhaps with fish and 'opihi for the party.

People were talking story, watching football, eating and drinking, sleeping, out on the decks marveling at the scenery, and, in general, having a good time.

All other island countries and states have ferries as part of the public transportation system. Why should we have to endure the stress and prices of air travel to be with our grandchildren?

And if you take a dog on the ferry, be aware that it's not sensible to enclose it in a car with nearly closed windows and no water for three hours, especially on a moving boat. It is not unreasonably hot in the vehicle area, but could well be terrifying for a pet.

WHOLE FOODS

THRILLED TO HAVE A NEW SHOPPING OPTION HERE

I'm responding to the Bento Box cartoon in last Sunday's Advertiser, the gist of the cartoon being that the new Whole Foods store that opened recently in Kahala Mall is too expensive for local folks.

I've been hearing this sentiment ever since the announcement that Whole Foods would be coming to the mall. As one of the local folks, I am thrilled we have a another place to shop for food (organic or otherwise), vitamins and deli items, and I save on gas not driving into town to pick up a few items.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see many local items for sale in Whole Foods, which provides another venue for our small businesses.

I suggest that folks view Whole Foods, and any other new store that comes in, as another choice. I think most of us here take care of our families' food, clothing and household needs by shopping at a variety of stores.

Whole Foods is one of those stores and deserves a chance.

POLITICS

LIBERTARIAN PARTY HAS REAL SOLUTION TO CRISIS

I'm responding to the Sept. 22 article "Hawai'i lawmakers want speedy financial bailout." How about a follow-up: "Hawai'i citizens want no financial bailout?"

How is a $700 billion government bailout of the already over-propped up financial system going to solve the crisis of our multi-trillion-dollar debt?

I'm disgusted this country's media only gives voice to the Republicrat parties and their proposals. The Libertarian party is the only party that has real, long-term solutions and that is willing to stand up and deal with our country's fiscal and economic crises without more taxation, regulation and debt.

Yet the strongest third party is barred from the presidential debates, and Bob Barr is barely acknowledged as a candidate.

We need a revolution. We need to enable a party that can challenge the political status quo. We need to get out of this reality perpetuated by those who vote for the "lesser of two evils," or even worse, don't vote at all.

HEROIC COURAGE

APPALLED PERALTA NOT GIVEN MEDAL OF HONOR

Thank you for your continued coverage of the Sgt. Rafael Peralta case ("Roadside vigil for fallen Marine," Sept. 24).

Like many servicemembers, I was appalled by the secretary of defense's decision to downgrade the recommendation of the secretary of the Navy and Lt. Gen. Richard Natonski to award him the Medal of Honor.

As the former chief of administrative law and investigations for the 25th Infantry Division in Iraq, we knew that in many cases it was sound policy to give greater weight to the sworn testimony of multiple eyewitnesses over a medical report produced by someone who had never even visited the battlefield.

I trust the Marine JAG investigating officer who concluded that Sgt. Peralta saved the Marines' lives that day in Fallujah.

His courageous action should not be brushed aside by politicians and taken lightly by the leadership in Washington.

Regardless of the Pentagon's decision, Sgt. Peralta will serve as an example of "gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty" for countless Americans who protect our freedom throughout the world.

DIABETES EDUCATION

MRS. TAKESHITA A ROLE MODEL BACK THEN, NOW

It's almost hard to admit, but it's been a bit over 30 years since Irene Takeshita was my sixth-grade teacher at Momilani Elementary School in Pearl City.

Takeshita and her husband, Carl, were featured in "Retired Hawai'i teachers warn of diabetes danger" on Sept. 23. Your story not only highlighted the importance of education in fighting this disease, but it also featured two wonderful teachers and their dedication to making the world a better place.

Mrs. Takeshita was a firm-but-loving teacher. Even back then she used simple language to inspire, and taught more than just language arts and social studies. I'll never forget her stern, disapproving looks and how hard her students worked to win her approval.

Teachers like Mrs. Takeshita inspired me to go into the field of education. Seeing her photo on the cover of your newspaper gave the student a chance to be proud of the teacher.

PERFORMING ARTS

CITY MUST SUPPORT HONOLULU SYMPHONY

I want to express my desire for a long-range commitment by the city to our orchestra. We have a 100-year-old legacy to protect that continues to benefit our children, economy and culture. Every resident, every business, every government agency is a stakeholder in the Honolulu Symphony.

The City and County of Ho-nolulu Department of Enterprise Services has released rehearsal dates for only the first three weeks of the 2008-2009 season, while requiring that the rent be paid in advance.

The city has not allowed the symphony to book dates for upcoming seasons, although other organizations, including Hawaii Opera Theatre, have booked dates as much as five years in advance. Because the DES refuses to allow the symphony to reserve dates, plans for future season performances and artists cannot be made.

Blaisdell Concert Hall was always intended to be the home of the Honolulu Symphony. In fact, it was one of the reasons for its construction. The presentation of symphony concerts was a major contributing factor to its architectural design. There are by-laws allowing for the Symphony and other local performing arts organizations to have preference in securing their dates.

The Legislature has shown support by releasing $4 million in matching funds to the Symphony's endowment. The state has also earmarked more than $400,000 in federal funds to support the symphony's education initiatives next year.

The Honolulu Symphony desperately needs the support of the community, city and state to balance the budget and begin erasing long-term debt of the organization.