HOUSING IS NEEDED; WHY THE OPPOSITION?

I don't understand why people are opposed to the Koa Ridge project.

Castle & Cooke, the same company that built Mililani, wants to build a new community between Waipi'o and Mililani, next to the H-2 Freeway and across the street from Costco and the Tony Autoplex.

I was born and raised in Hawai'i, so I don't want to see our island over-developed. But everyone knows we need housing. I would probably oppose a project that wanted to put up thousands of homes in Waialua, Hale'iwa or Kahuku. But the Koa Ridge project is literally going to be built next to a freeway, in between two existing residential communities and across the street from a big box store.

Let them build Koa Ridge. Maybe this will help us let the country stay country.

SPECIAL ELECTION

SPOTLIGHT TOO BRIGHTFOR HAWAI'I POLITICS?

Re the editorial on May 6 ("Give Hanabusa credit for hanging tough"), make up your mind, who are you for, Case or Hanabusa? The defensive posture of the editorial was especially offensive. Really amazing how the instinctive insular mentality quickly kicks in when anyone on the Mainland deigns to insert themselves into local politics.

Both parties are getting help and money from the national organizations. You would think that you would be happy that an election in Hawai'i has national significance and gets national attention.

The fact is, as has been pointed out by local commentators, the Hawai'i Democrats are about to shoot themselves in the foot. If only one runs then they can beat Djou. If Hanabusa doesn't get out then Djou wins.

Now that's really winning politics. Or is this just a spite election to make sure that Case doesn't win since he has previously bucked the establishment?

HANABUSA EARNED TRUST AND RESPECT

All the candidates running for the 1st Congressional District can boast of their accomplishments and point out shortcomings in their opponents. But only Colleen Hanabusa has earned my trust and respect.

Although we may not always agree, I know she listens and considers my point of view, and that is all I ask for respect.

As a child I went to the polls with my mom because she wanted me to witness the power of the people. As a young adult there were times when I would not vote because I was fed up with party politics, or disappointed with the candidates put before me.

I'm older and wiser now, and I easily recognize that Colleen is the only one I trust. My children will know the power of the people as they help me mail my ballot with my vote for Hanabusa.

Get your children involved. Get educated about the candidates. Once you get through all the political posturing from all the candidates, I'm sure you'll agree that Hanabusa is the only honest candidate to represent Hawai'i.

TIMING IS OFF

OBAMA MESSAGE HAS REVERSE EFFECT

Recently, President Obama encouraged voters to vote for a Democrat in the upcoming special Congressional election.

How silly! After that move, Charles Djou is a lock to win.

Bad timing, Mr. President — even though you came from here doesn't mean all of us want the "machine" to run politics in Hawai'i.

It's time for a change.

GRAFFITI

LET OFFENDERS PAINT THEIR OWN VEHICLES

The recent editorial, "Graffiti penalty: clean it up" (May 1) describes pending legislation that would require convicted taggers to paint over graffiti.

Many solutions have been proposed to this chronic, environmental blight (and this is a good one) but perhaps the following proposal may also contribute to resolving this problem.

Taggers should be permitted and encouraged to apply graffiti to their own cars.

This has a number of advantages: First, they could take credit for their artwork without fear of prosecution; second, they would reach a larger audience since the graffiti would be seen on the roadways, in parking lots, etc., and third, they would learn the economic impact of graffiti. Which makes me wonder — how much would a 2004 Honda Civic loaded with graffiti sell for?

NEWSPAPER SALE

BLACK'S PURCHASE OF ADVERTISER IS IRONIC

The failure of David Black's government-required attempt to sell the Star-Bulletin means that Honolulu will be left with one daily newspaper, a merged Bulletin and Advertiser. The competition between the two papers, extending over more than a century, will end.

It was Black's purchase of the Star-Bulletin nearly a decade ago that thwarted Gannett's attempt to close the Bulletin, thus preserving daily newspaper competition. So it is ironic that Black is the instrument for the ending of that competition today.

Competition in journalism, as elsewhere, is valuable. Each newspaper serves as a check and a spur to the other, to the benefit of the readers.

That was the rationale for the establishment of the joint operating agreement between The Advertiser and the Star-Bulletin in 1962. The arrangement saved The Advertiser, which was then on the brink of failure.

Obviously the media situation has changed dramatically in recent years and the community is less dependent on newspapers for information. The Internet has provided opportunities for new sources of opinion as well as reporting.

Nevertheless, the loss of daily newspaper competition is sobering. One hopes that other news media will take up the slack.

EXPENSIVE ROADS

HOW CAN DRIVERS GET PAYMENT FOR COSTS?

Regarding your article on the cost O'ahu's roads take on our vehicles ("Rugged roads take toll," May 3), you left one important thing out.

Where do we apply for our reimbursement check from the city, or can I just deduct $503 per car on my state tax return?

HB 444

PASSING BILL AT END WAS COWARDLY ACT

Earlier this year, House Speaker Calvin Say remarked, "We are all not cowards ..." when the House deferred a vote on HB 444. And in a more cowardly act, the House voted at the last minute without a hearing to pass HB 444.

This decision shows the motive of our elected officials — that they don't listen to the people who elected them, but only to special interest groups. Our elected officials have to understand if they give rights to a group, they have to give equal rights to all groups that want it.

If people want to marry relatives, we have to give them equal rights. If HB 444 becomes law, other groups will follow and there is nothing we can do about it. Where do we draw the line?

Our Legislature has to think things through, and not give in to special interest groups. This election year, let's vote out those who favor HB 444, and elect those who listen to the people.

MAHALO

LEGISLATURE RETAINED TOBACCO PREVENTION

Every year, lawmakers must balance the budget. This year was tougher. Thankfully, we have strong lawmakers who are forward-thinking and voted to preserve tobacco prevention and treatment funds. Our lawmakers have spared us millions in future health care costs.

With this funding, community programs will continue to prevent kids from starting to use tobacco and help people quit.

We are grateful to our community for coming together and supporting tobacco prevention funding. And we are grateful to the lawmakers who made it happen.

PLAN OF ACTION

SYMPHONY EXEC SHOULD SHARE DETAILS

Majken Mechling, executive director of the Honolulu Symphony, should outline a plan of action to help our symphony survive. Her vague statements in a recent commentary ("Symphony plan takes money and some guts," May 4) failed to tell the public what they can do.

When the Charlotte, N.C., symphony went on strike in 1991, the musicians told the public what needed to be done. The public responded, changes were made, and the symphony went back to performing.

Rolfe Neill, then publisher of The Charlotte Observer, headed a task force that got results.