Fate of 2 farmers, isles intertwined

There is great trepidation for scores of us awaiting the outcome of the Honorable Judge Susan Oki Mollway’s sentencing for farmers Alec and Mike Sou. Their disappearance from Aloun Farms would have repercussions beyond our understanding.

Granted, they have violated the law by importing and using workers illegally. This deserves correction. But ironically, to incarcerate those who have developed something as unique and specific as this farm would be to hang ourselves as well.

Hawaii’s irreplaceably rich aina, vanishing through development and acquisition by agribusiness, some experimenting with genetic modification, is alarming in itself. To take the few remaining, traditional farmers away from this land would close the deal for a questionable future for Hawaii’s food self-reliance.

I pray Judge Mollway will consider this issue with a broad scope. The future of Aloun Farms and the Sous is a large piece of Hawaii’s future.

World doesn’t owe us anything

I just read the Rev. Kate Lewis’ letter ("Gays deserve day to display pride," Star-Bulletin, June 4) on why gays deserve a day where they "get to make up for all the hurt. To overreact, go over the top, and yes flaunt it." Her reasoning? Because they were "beat up in the fourth grade and the discrimination hasn’t stopped." Oh my gosh, what a bunch of entitlement nonsense.

This rebuttal has nothing to do with the gay community, but this is the kind of "nonsense-entitlement" that is ruining our country. Rev. Kate, I am white. I grew up and went to school in Papakolea, I was beat up almost every day of my elementary to junior-high life. I am a keiki o ka aina, and 45, and I still get looks and called names when I paddle out or go places. So what, you going give me "National Haole" day?

We all know there is ugliness in our world. Our kuleana is to teach character, that in the midst of adversity we can decide that we will not be defined by others, but by God who made us all. I have learned that the secret is to care less of what others think of me and to care more what I think of others. Sounds like a good sermon to me.

Djou likes us spending on him

So U.S. Rep. Charles Djou of Hawaii, who campaigned on changing Washington, smaller government, lower taxes on businesses and citizens, and less government spending — that Djou, after about a week in Washington, has already posted a request on his Facebook page for campaign donations of up to $100. I guess his promise of change and less government spending was not intended to include us lowly citizens of Hawaii.

Hanauma Bay best at 6 a.m.

I am a cancer survivor. I’ve had three melanomas and 11 basal cell carcinomas: The first category, potential killers; the second, only disfiguring nuisances if caught early. I’m OK if I stay out of the sun, which I try to do.

I’m also a resident and a daily early-morning user of Hanauma Bay. It offers me a chance to share in another world for an hour or so before the crowds and the sun. An hour or so of peace, of solace.

Now I read that there is a proposal to change its opening from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. to save money. Those sun-filled hours wouldn’t affect the all-important tourist dollars. But it would affect me, and it would affect the other early-morning residents, the seniors, the seekers of peace and solace before the crowds and the sun.

But, you say, we all have to sacrifice in these difficult economic times. My answer: My family has already sacrificed; I lost my job due to budget problems. That, after 24 years of faithful service.

Besides being a cancer survivor, a resident and a taxpayer, I’m also a voter.

GOP, Democrats offer little choice

I will not support any public official who just caves in to the "Just say no" Republicans without regard to reforms that will really solve the problems.

The Republicans are corrupt and the Democrats are incompetent. Very little choice here.