Schatz gives voice to Generation X

Gov. Neil Abercrombie had a difficult task in deciding who would best represent all of Hawaii in the Senate seat so long and so ably filled by the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye.

His appointment of Brian Schatz was thoughtful, wise and practical. We will soon see what an excellent appointment that was.

As part of Generation X, Schatz brings a fresh perspective, which embraces new technology, our environment and diversity. Most important, I know his leadership will help our nation emerge from its sad legacy of debt, income inequality and despoiled natural habitat.

It’s time to support Schatz and give my generation its voice.

David Rodriguez
Pearl City

Abercrombie, Schatz gambled on Obama

I think back to the Democratic primaries for the 2008 presidential election.

I remember thinking, poor Barack Obama, trailing Hillary Clinton in the polls; our native son, but not being supported by the ever-powerful, far-reaching Daniel Inouye political machine, with Colleen Hanabusa at the forefront.

Standing virtually alone in support of Obama were U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and the relatively little known chairman for the state Democratic Party, Brian Schatz.

One could say it might have taken a little courage for them to take a chance on Obama, but it sure looks like it paid off.

Now that’s politics at its finest.

Mark Ida
Salt Lake

Ex-hippie governor continues to amaze

Our ex-hippie governor, who was a reliable vote for every left-wing nonsense bill during his undistinguished congressional career, continues to amaze.

He is willing to stand up (to some degree) to the fossilized union bosses and now flouts the old boys on the Senate interim appointment.

The selection of Brian Schatz for Daniel Inouye’s Senate seat gives hope that Hawaii might, over time, regain some of its past influence in Washington. To accomplish that will, however, require Schatz to pursue independent positions, reach across the aisle on occasion, and become his own man.

Whether he can or wants to do these things, while those old boys (and girls) have their knives out back home, remains to be seen.

What a pity Mazie Hirono will be the other half of our Senate delegation, presumably for life. No accomplishments in the House and none expected in the Senate.

Think about what a new Demo-crat and Linda Lingle together might have been able to do for Hawaii.

James A. Martens
Kamuela

It’s sad that Inouye’s wish was ignored

I do not understand why the governor of the state of Hawaii could not honor the wishes of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. They were his words, spoken and written.

I do not understand why Abercrombie could not honor what this man of honor, this man of dignity, had asked. I do not see his reasoning behind all of this.

This saddens me to see what Gov. Neil Abercrombie has done.

Mary Kiaha
Captain Cook

Turtle Bay Resort will bring benefits

I have been involved in real estate consulting, appraisal, development and brokerage over the last 40 years in Hawaii.

During that time I have followed the development at Turtle Bay Resort, formerly known as Kuilima Resort. As most local residents know, this area is unique and special. Therefore, it is important that future development in this area be appropriate.

Based upon my review of the revised plan, total development has been reduced from a potential 3,500 units to 1,375 units. The number of future hotel units has been reduced significantly and many amenities for the public have been added. The developer also plans to spend about $18 million in regional traffic improvements.

The proposed development at Turtle Bay Resort will create many new jobs for local residents and add many amenities for both local residents and visitors.

It appears the development team has given significant consideration to the community in order to preserve the character of the area and yet move forward with reasonable growth.

Bill Dornbush
Waikiki

North Shore project will despoil Oahu

Turtle Bay expansion has to be stopped now.

Aside from obvious issues of traffic, bait/switch fantasy jobs, infrastructure/resource stresses, it will damage the one good thing about Oahu relative to tourists: i.e., we keep our tourists in one centralized area surrounded by a moat — Waikiki.

Neighbor islands have hotels scattered around with tourists everywhere, pushing out the locals and their lifestyle — a phenomenon even more pronounced with internet/smart phones where all "insider" secret spots are no longer.

Oahu is an incredible place for locals to live and tourists to visit. The North Shore is still a wild and undeveloped, unspoiled place. Turtle Bay expansion will put a definitive end to that — irreversibly.

Don’t let this generation of leaders bow to developers and be the ones responsible for ruining a perfect place. Don’t let the fabled North Shore become just that — a fable.

It’s time to take a stand, either through traditional protest by the masses and/or by Hawaii business people buying the land for the locals and sealing their legacy in perpetuity.

Robert Yonover and Ellie Crowe
Hawaii Kai

Obama must not cut into Social Security

Income disparity in the U.S. is the worst it has been since before the Great Depression. This is the time to seriously consider if all of the tax breaks given to the rich and the loopholes multi-national corporations slip through, effectively paying zero in taxes, are really working for our economy.

President Barack Obama was ready to cut Social Security benefits by linking the COLA (cost of living adjustment) to the chained CPI, a technical term for consumer behavior. Average earners may choose chicken if ham becomes too expensive. Poor seniors on the other hand, may choose cutting their meds in half to afford eating at all.

Social Security is a self-funded insurance policy that benefits the severely disabled and senior citizens. It doesn’t add anything to the deficit.

Obama should not capitulate to a dysfunctional Congress whose Republican leadership can’t even get its members to agree on allowing tax breaks to expire on millionaires.

It would be a crime if he became the first Democratic president to cut Social Security benefits.

Elaine Hornal
Waialua

Everyone needs time away from the office

Many thanks for Tom Peek’s article ("Isle vacation is Obama’s opportunity for renewal," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Dec. 26).

Being from a Kansas pioneer family, I would strongly suggest that the values mentioned— "honesty, fairness, straight talk and independent judgment" of another Kansas girl, President Barack Obama’s mother — represent Kansas, not Hawaii.

It is unfortunate that budget concerns could not be settled in D.C. before the break.

Everyone needs the time to just be.

Patricia Blair
Kailua

FROM THE FORUM

"Carlisle holds head high upon exit," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 24:

» I liked his management style but it didn’t work as mayor. Peter Carlisle was well intentioned but obviously out of his element. He should stick to criminal law.

» When you pick people to do a job, you need to stand aside and let them do their work. Parameters, goals, and objectives are set. Looking over their shoulders hinders the process. These are professionals and you need to have the confidence in them to do their jobs. Being out of the state was part of his job. Unlike the past mayors, he was not running for office while in office. He promoted Honolulu internationally and he allowed people to do their jobs.

» He was a very bad mayor and his pursuit of economic suicide through the rail will haunt this city for decades to come.

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"Senior is Molokai High’s first to be admitted to Harvard," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 24:

» Here’s a public school student that took advantage of the education system. Kids in the public school system can succeed. It’s just a matter of motivation and parents helping their kids.

» Molokai High School senior Michael Kiku­kawa did not take "advantage" of the Hawaii public education system. Rather he had the advantage that both his parents are teachers, who helped their son guide his life and his early educational career that resulted in the acceptance to Harvard.

» This is a perfect example that academic success depends on four things. The school, the teacher, the parents and the student.

» What a cool story! Congratulations, Michael. What a Christmas gift!

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"Pearl Harbor mystery solved 71 years after the bombing," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 25:

» This is one of thousands of untold stories of Dec 7, 1941. It is always interesting to see or hear of them. Not only was the bombing a real tragedy for the U.S., but also for thousands of people. I am glad this one was resolved finally. Bless you. Mr. Lee. for your continued search.

» Great story. What a blessing to both parties. Merry Christmas.

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"Jones’ Mustangs get defensive in win," Star-Advertiser, Dec.25:

» I wish June Jones was still our coach at University of Hawaii.

» June Jones is now 2-0 in the Hawaii Bowl since leaving Hawaii. The University of Hawaii is 0-2 since he left.

» The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl was an exciting game. I wish our Warriors can play next year to ensure a larger crowd.

» Dream on!

» They said the turnstile attendance was 19,712. On TV it looked like about a hundred people in the stands. The turnout was very poor at Aloha Stadium. They needed President Obama to show up.

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"Fire department warns of firecracker dangers," Star-Advertiser, Dec, 26:

» Illegal aerials and other assorted ordnance have returned to the Crestview/Waipahu areas, with some fairly robust test rounds going off over the past two weeks, and quite a bit on Christmas eve and Christmas night. The disrespect for the law, neighbors, small children, and pets is fairly discouraging.

» Once again I fail to understand the extreme danger sparklers pose. Thanks to our City Council we will once again be graced with illegal alternatives such as gun fire and homemade fireworks. Do they not realize that this happened in Los Angeles when they adopted a similar ban?

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"Akaka’s retirement creates hiccup in roll call," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 27:

» Sad that after so many years his departure only causes a "hiccup."

» I wish him a happy retirement, and regret that he did not start enjoying it many years ago.

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"Hawaii Prep alum Max Unger is voted the NFC’s starting Pro Bowl center," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 27:

» Congrats to Max Unger. What a great season so far. I’m a ‘Niners fan, but can’t help cheering for the local boy.

» Unger, Kreutz, Satele, the Raiolas —Hawaii sure has a knack for producing quality centers. At one point one out of eight NFL starting centers were from here.

» Go Seahawks!

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"Final cut: After 62 years of trimming hair in Kalihi, Mary Endo is closing her barbershop," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 27:

» What a wonderful local story of perseverance, hard work done quietly and with pride over a lifetime.

» It’s amazing this hard-working woman continued to work until she was 91 years old! Please continue to stay active and have good health for many more years!