STATE ADMINISTRATION ADVOCATES OPENNESS

I would like to correct some of the comments made in a recent editorial (July 6) regarding the pending bankruptcy case involving Hawaiian Telcom. The editorial implied that no one in the Lingle administration was ensuring the public has a clear view of what is going on. This administration has placed openness and transparency at the forefront of our efforts in this case.

The state has hired a bankruptcy attorney to represent the public in the matter. This individual, Mr. Jerrold Guben, has participated regularly in the proceeding, including the proposed restructuring of the company.

The proposed reorganization plan cannot become effective until the Public Utilities Commission has had an opportunity to review and concur.

The editorial also expressed concern about the confidentiality of certain proprietary data filed before the PUC by Sandwich Isles Communications. The commission, like other government agencies, must comply with applicable laws and rules. Section 6-80-9 of Hawaii Administrative Rules addresses the issue of not revealing the financial and business data of telecommunications services so as not to jeopardize the competitiveness of these services.

The bottom line remains that we will do everything within the statutory boundaries to ensure the public's interests are protected in these proceedings.

Linda L. Smith | Senior policy adviser to Gov. Linda Lingle

SEN. GABBARD

PARTY'S TOLERANCE OF DIVERSITY IS LACKING

As a lifelong Democrat and part of the Democratic revolution in Hawai'i while working for the Territory of Hawai'i, I can't believe the action of the O'ahu County Committee in reprimanding Sen. Mike Gabbard for working against legislation that would give equivalency of marriage to gay couples.

The very name Democratic connotes a party that allows diversity of opinion. When Sen. Gabbard was welcomed into the party he clearly indicated his position on gay marriage and was accepted on that basis. Senators work hard to convince other senators to pass or reject legislation that they favor or oppose.

Not all Democrats, whether elected or not, favor the entire Democratic platform. Does this mean we should quit the party or not express our views if they don't conform to the party platform?

The Democratic party I am a member of works for the underdog and against exploitation and injustice.

Andrew J. Gerakas | Honolulu

CHING COMMENTARY

FACTS DISTORTED ON DOE FUNDS, WORKERS

Darwin Ching either chose to ignore key facts in his misguided criticism of the Board of Education (Commentary, July 23) or he was not paying attention during his one-year term on the board.

Ching accuses the board of being fiscally irresponsible by saying that the department has carried over $300 million in the past decade and that those unspent funds should be used for classroom supplies. The fact is that Act 51 allows schools to carry over 5 percent of funds annually, and schools have used the money for everything from materials to tutors.

Ching also distorts the facts by understating the number of dedicated government workers at schools. While he says 58 percent of the DOE's staff are teachers, that figure leaves out custodians, cafeteria workers, health office workers, principals, counselors and many others committed to ensuring students get an adequate education.

I'm sure Ching knows that 71 percent of the DOE's budget goes to schools, while another 24 percent funds everything from electricity to bus transportation, to repair and maintenance and meals. That means 95 percent of all funds are spent on schools and direct student services.

Garrett Toguchi | Chair, Hawai'i Board of Education

MARITIME SERVICE

COAST GUARD STANDS PROUD ON 219TH BIRTHDAY

Aug. 4 is Coast Guard Day! The U.S. Coast Guard celebrates its 219th birthday today, and I'm pleased to convey to our state's residents the continued dedication and commitment of our service.

Every day, Coast Guard men and women stand watch to promote maritime safety, security and stewardship.

We partner with other federal, state and local public servants, as well as colleagues within the maritime industry and broader community, to accomplish our missions in an effective and coordinated manner.

While we are best known for our search-and-rescue achievements, we've partnered with NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on marine debris recovery and marine mammal relocation missions in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

While patrolling the pristine waters of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, we've documented several boats fishing illegally and worked with the U.S. Attorney's office to ensure those fishermen were held accountable.

Earlier this summer, Coast Guard law enforcement personnel aboard a U.S. Navy frigate worked jointly to enhance our nation's ability to curb illegal fishing in the Pacific — a first for both services.

Mahalo, Hawai'i, for your support of our U.S. Coast Guard. Semper Paratus! (Always Ready!)

Rear Adm. Manson K. Brown | Commander, 14th Coast Guard District, Honolulu