‘Koreatown’ should not be state creation
Koreatown?
I am a third generation Korean American, and I am deeply disturbed by this idea ("Attendees help in shaping Koreatown in Honolulu," Star-Advertiser, Oct. 13).
It is one thing to have similar people — racially, ethnically, financially — congregating together. It’s another to have a state-sanctioned event encouraging an ethnic division. Designating a part of Honolulu as Koreatown is exclusionary in spirit and, in practice, will discourage other groups from moving into the neighborhood.
Yes, there are Koreatowns and J-towns and Chinatowns throughout the United States.
But I am grateful to live in Hawaii, where we have struggled against the poverty and ghettoization of ethnic enclaves.
Chinatown? As a word it is a legacy of the 19th century, to which we do not wish to return.
The state Legislature and the Office of State Planning have no business participating in the ethnic branding of midtown Honolulu.
Lois U.H. Lee
Kaneohe
Don’t panic public about the weather
In the Star-Advertiser article, "Say aloha to balmy weather" (Star-Advertiser, Oct. 10), the author refersto a University of Hawaii study on global warmingand asserts that"In 2043, Honolulu will probably be off-the-charts hot — permanently."
It is further asserted that the study "pinpoints the probable dates for when cities and ecosystems around the world will regularly experience hotter environments the likes of which they have never seen before."
The article does not emphasize that these predictions are based upon computer simulation models, which are themselves very controversial.
According to Justin Gillis, writing for the on Oct. 9 on this very same study, "These models contain acknowledged problems, and no one is sure how accurate they will prove to be at peering many decades ahead."
Before we panic the public into believing that these dire weather projections are a certainty, we should take a step back and look at all the data/opinions on this.
John Post
Kakaako
Big Q on weather had 1 right answer
Your poll question was very poor ("What worries you most about climate change and global warming?" Star-Advertiser, Big Q, Oct. 11).
The choice between "rising sea levels," "rising temperatures" and "not worried" does not present the scope of the problem.
With all due respect to the 39 percent who are not worried, they must be living on another planet.
Rising temperatures will cause not only rising sea levels, but acidification of oceans, with resulting negative effects on the ocean ecosystems and coral.
It will cause global havoc with desertification, more frequent and violent weather, lost food production, spread of disease and many other effects.
The only logical and science-based answer to your question is rising temperatures since they will cause all of the above-mentioned problems and more.
Dave Arthur
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Christians need not fear yoga popularity
The Star-Advertiser carried an interesting column by Dr. Ira Zunin on the corporatization of yoga, a practice originating in second-century India ("Commercialized yoga is far from ancient, spiritual roots," Star-Advertiser, Wealth of Health, Oct. 12).
Yoga as a discipline aims at the integration of the body and the senses and creates a foundational framework for engaging in meditative practices that conduce to a more enlightened state of being.
Contemplative Christians have readily upheld the integration of yoga with prayer and meditation. However, there are some Christians of the fundamentalist persuasion who have expressed disapproval because it might lead people, God forbid, away from their beliefs to a more universal worldview.
They are, of course, entitled to their opinions, but yoga is now so ubiquitous that it is here to stay.
As to its corporatization, I’m confident that any discriminating American can sense the difference between the ersatz and the real.
Al Braidwood
Kaneohe
Preserve beauty around Turtle Bay
The area around Turtle Bay is one of the last remaining open coastlines on Oahu.
It is a haven from unchecked development that has spread over much of the rest of our island.Monk seals give birth there and shorebirds nest. It is beautiful and peaceful.
When I walk along the beach, all I can think is that we need more hotels and condos here!Let’s ruin one of the last special places on the island.
Who am I? You guessed it.Our government officials.
Sara Ackerman
Pupukea
UHPA supports marriage equality
The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly representing the faculty of the University of Hawaii has a long and distinguished history of standing up for the rights of our members.
We worked for passage of the right of our members to enter into civil unions. The bill that comes before the Legislature simply attempts to extend federal benefits to couples that are in civil unions, benefits that are already available to same-sex couples already married.
We respect the diversity of opinions on this issue. We believe that the religious beliefs of those opposed to same-sex marriage can be reasonably accommodated through the legislative process.
We ask that everyone respect this process.
David Duffy
President, University of Hawaii Professional Assembly
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