Ask for economic recovery money

Let's understand that in order for our president's economic recovery program to be effective, he needs to get the appropriate monies into circulation. This money is, by law, to be distributed to particular needs across the country such as maintaining our educational system. This assures that our teachers remain employed and that our children receive an education. U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie knows this, Gov. Linda Lingle knows this, and they also know that President Obama and his administration have over $600 billion that needs to get into circulation in order to recover the U.S. economy.

If we were to ask for some of this money to help the kids in school while keeping their teachers employed, we would get it. It's just that simple. Unless, of course, there is some ulterior motive involved.

Kelly Greenwell
Kailua, Kona, Hawai'i

Protest focused on plight of students

It was with some dismay that I read Lee Cataluna's account of the Oct. 23 Hawai'i Education Matters March at the state Capitol. ("Make the best of those furloughs," Oct. 27).

Rather than a random morning of "partying protesters," the purpose of the gathering was to draw attention to the plight of our public school students, and to urge lawmakers to return to the debating table to seek a solution. We are not looking for money where none exists, we are asking that classroom time be returned to our children.

Our efforts drew national attention, from Fox News, CNN as well as NPR. We had response from as far away as Virginia, London and Japan.

Gov. Linda Lingle met with our "moms" and instigated a serious conversation about further call to action.

Ben Vereen did not in fact, come to "party" but to rally the crowd with an inspiring speech about education and the importance of standing up for what is right.

The national press and local politicians took our efforts seriously. Too bad our own Hawai'i political observers did not.

Jo Curran
Honolulu

Report lacked vision of protected areas

Regarding the Oct. 18 article "Call grows to step up Hawai'i reef protection," reporter Christie Wilson neglected what marine protected areas should include along with fishing restrictions.

Real MPAs restore freshwater, not divert it for homes and businesses; they protect from siltation; they restrict not only commercial overuse but any use; they restore natural stream flow, not pave/remove it to drain our cities and towns; landfilled communities built over them are removed to restore wetlands and estuaries. These are truly MPAs since they are (or were) critical as havens, spawning grounds and nurseries for fish that everyone says we should allow to propagate.

Fishermen emphasize that MPAs are needed in the right place, for the right reason, and not for tourism or exclusivity. MPA cheerleaders overlook this because it would disrupt the "big picture" of the state's economic engine or they're simply clueless.

This incomplete Advertiser report endorses the same mindset of: Keep your eye on those fishermen — we'll keep steamrolling along, ignoring our own impact on the environment. Fishermen have long accepted increased regulations, limited access and sustainable practices, much more than described in this one-sided article.

Fishermen do their part. Will everyone else do theirs?

Brian F. Funai
Kaneohe

Health care

Notice the lineup for, against reform

Let's see. Prominent special interests for health care reform include the American Medical Association, the American Nursing Association, the American Hospital Association, and even the pharmaceutical industry. Prominent special interests against health care reform include the health insurance industry, Tea Partiers, Dittoheads, and Fox news pundits. So, whom do you believe?

Jim Richardson
Waialua

Iolani acquisition

Residents' concerns will be addressed

On June 30, Iolani School announced its purchase of 5.5 acres of land adjacent to its campus. On the property are 11 apartment buildings held under separate subleases that expire on Dec. 4, 2012.

Residents in this Date and Laau Street area expressed concerns about their future through reports in the print and broadcast media.

I would like to share some facts about Iolani's land acquisition and assure our neighbors and community that we will listen to their concerns and act in a manner consistent with our strong values.

'Iolani purchased the land because of the opportunity for future expansion. Residents will be kept fully informed of any plans for development and receive a sufficient amount of time to prepare for any possible transition. When development does begin, the process will be gradual and affect only a portion of the 5.5 acres.

Iolani will be a fair and good landlord. We do not plan on increasing rents dramatically and will work with residents individually to ensure they are treated with respect and dignity.

Iolani takes pride in a history rich in academic excellence and in educating morally strong, compassionate individuals who give back to the community and are concerned for others, all within a framework of Christian values.

I hope residents of Date-Laau understand that our mission of good citizenship applies beyond our classroom walls and influences our long-range plans as well.

Val T. Iwashita
Headmaster, Iolani School

School funding

Gaming not answer; consider Oregon

In response to Dawn Hayashi's suggestion of a state lottery to end the Department of Education's financial ills, we must remember that the bottom line is that "gaming" is simply a regressive tax on the poor (of which we have many right now) and that the state would spend more on social problems caused than it would reap in profits.

Also, whenever Hawaii opens the door to any form of legalized "gaming," the tsunami of gambling businesses will rush in and change our personality forever.

The state of Oregon did this, all in the guise of education, but years later their school system has just as many financial problems as they ever did. At least in Oregon, however, the Native Americans are finally cashing in on their lands, but Oregon has gambling on every corner in the way of video poker machines (considered the most addictive), casinos, lottery, races, etc. and has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation.

Just allow our Hawaiian residents who can afford it to continue to enjoy their vacations in Las Vegas. I emphasize "who can afford it" and wish them the best. In return, we will continue to host the type of tourists who enjoy Hawaii's great outdoors and culture.

Judith Thomas-benito
Kapolei