SEATTLE HEAT WAVE COULD BE BOON FOR US

One convenient truth about global warming is that Hawai'i has a brand-new market from which to attract visitors. Seattle was forecast this week to have an all-time heat-wave high of 101 degrees, and people are booking hotel rooms just for the air conditioning.

On the other hand, the forecast here in Kane'ohe is for a high of 83 degrees. And we have the trade winds.

Where is the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau when we need them?

"Sleepless in Seattle? Come to cool, subtropical Hawai'i and chill!"

Walter Wright | Kane'ohe

HEALTH CARE

SINGLE-PAYER SYSTEM MUST BE PASSED NOW

As a small business owner, I am deeply concerned about the debate going on in Washington, D.C. Washington doesn't seem to even want to hear about health care. All they talk about incessantly is health insurance. We don't need insurance, we need care. Personally, I believe a single-payer plan makes the most sense, but that's not even on the table. There has to be at least a government option. The cost of health insurance in this country is breaking the backs of small businesses, traditionally the greatest creators of jobs.

I have lived in Europe and received treatment under the French national health insurance. All the stories the Republicans tell about long waits, lack of choice, etc., are simply not true. The special interest groups are trying to scare people about a public option. The fact that they have to resort to lies to pitch their appeal tells me all I need to know. Congress needs to pass this now! The longer they stall, the more time special interests have to spread the lies and defeat this. Is anybody in Washington paying attention?

Jim Doyle | Honolulu

DEMOCRATS LACK WILL TO BRING REAL CHANGE

Right now, with 78 percent of Americans supporting reform in a major way and with a bulletproof majority in both chambers of Congress, the Democrats don't have the wherewithal to pass meaningful change.

True change would be in a single-payer system. This would include everyone. Unfortunately, the health care industry is pumping in millions of dollars in lobbying. And the Democrats are folding. A check of the Web site opensecrets.org shows you why — lobbyist dollars. By the time the bill finally gets voted on in the next session, too many Democrats will be even more fearful because it is before the midterm election and doing anything controversial might hurt their re-election bid. So we will get something so watered down it is absolutely no help to the people who need it.

The last election was a populist uprising against the business-friendly, population-hostile GOP, but with no option but the weak-willed Democrats who seem bought and paid for, the next election will see far fewer people taking to the polls come election time.   

John Johnson | Honolulu

MAUI AGRICULTURE

LIVELIHOODS DEPEND ON WATER SHARING

My purpose for this letter is to express my concern for the future of agriculture on Maui.

The state water commissioners will soon be making many decisions on how water from the East Maui and West Maui streams will be distributed. It is my hope that the commission will be fair and just.

I know that there is a concern for stream ecology but, when it comes to agriculture, there needs to be a fair share of the water; if there is no water, there is no crop.

I was born and raised in Lahaina, and I have worked at Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar for 32 years. I depend on my company for my livelihood and the livelihood of my 'ohana like everyone else I work with. This would also include the vendors and other companies and the rest of the community that depend on HC&S for business and support.

Our county and state are drowning in economic hardship. Our unemployment rate is at its highest ever. HC&S was there for me when I needed a job and I want that same opportunity to continue to be available for future generations.

Sheldon Biga | Kahului, Maui

SCHOOL SPORTS

MAKE A DONATION TO SAVE YOUTH'S FUTURES

I encourage Hawai'i's residents and visitors to join me in making a personal donation this week to the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, earmarked to help maintain sports in our public schools.

I salute Keith Amemiya and the companies that have chipped in. The welfare of our communities and our young people's futures are at risk if we do not rush to replace the financial gaps. Keith seems to "get it" on any problem he confronts.

Now, could a few of you help me twist Keith's arm to draft him as a quality candidate for lieutenant governor? He continues to show compassion and substance in these difficult times.

Barry Markowitz | Hawai'i Kai

STATE DEFICIT

BESIDES LINGLE, WHERE ARE LEADERS?

In times of crisis, leaders emerge because of their ability to rally those involved taking action for the good of the majority, and making personal sacrifices and being a strong advocate.

At this time the only visible leader is Gov. Linda Lingle. The governor is a strong advocate of her solution to the economic problems facing the state and in doing so she may be sacrificing her political career.

Other politicians and union leaders only criticize her plans but are offering no solution to solving the economic shortfall. Solutions being offered need to address the total deficit.

Union leaders say 15 percent is tough, and for many it is, so the compromise might be a 10 percent pay reduction and layoff for some.

We have many elected officials and declared candidates but no plans or working solutions are being proposed for the entire deficit.

Every two or four years candidates ask for our vote because they are the ones with solutions and leadership. Where are they when needed?

Is this why our voter turnout is so low?

Leonard Leong | Honolulu