Why we must keep church from state

"All that stuff I was taught about evolution and embryology and Big Bang theory, all that is lies straight from the pit of hell." — Paul Broun, Republican congressman from Georgia.

"I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen." — Richard Mourdock, Indiana Republican candidate for the Senate.

This is why we need to separate church and state. When elected officials and candidates allow religious beliefs and dogma to pervert, corrupt and pollute their way of thinking, it sets a precedent that America should not be a part of. Just look back at history. The rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini and Afghanistan under the Taliban regime are examples of religious zealots repressing their people.

And you thought Halloween was scary. This is even scarier.

Robert K. Soberano
Moiliili

UH investigation served public well

After reading the article, "Legislative interference threatens long-term viability of UH," (Star- Advertiser, Island Voices, Oct. 22), I found Larry Geller’s comments utterly and completely wrong and misleading. I cannot believe that someone in prestigious positions such as president of Kokua Council and member of the local board of Common Cause Hawaii, has such poor judgment.

Geller failed to understand the turmoil in the community stirred up by the Wonder Blunder. I believe the majority of University of Hawaii supporters welcomed state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim’s committee’s investigation of the matter. It was very thorough, and something the Board of Regents should have done but didn’t. Kim represented the public, which clamored to get to the bottom of the Board of Regent’s rubber stamping of President M.R.C. Greenwood’s actions. Kim’s committee acted on behalf of the public who elected them. It was not legislative interference, as Geller claims.

Albert B. Fu
Honolulu

Provide more parking for state employees

The state of Hawaii vacated the Kamamalu Building at 1010 Richards St. many years ago. Today, the building stands empty and graffiti adorns the outer walls.

Parking for state employees who work in the downtown area is at a premium with many workers walking one to two miles from designated state parking areas to their surrounding destinations. Presently, the wait list for state employee parking is five years.

Why not put this vacant building to much-needed use and build a parking structure for state employees? What a godsend that would be for those who keep our state up and running. It goes without saying that a fee for parking would be required, but make such a fee reasonable and within reach of a state employee’s pocketbook. And why not set up a cafeteria for state employees and the pubic on the lower floor at street level, serving reasonably priced meals, and have interested parties bid for the concession?

Barbara Van Dine
Honolulu

Rail will help those who need help most

I agree with former Gov. George Ariyoshi that no group should carry an unfair burden of the negative environmental, social or economic impacts of public policies.

Many residents from Leeward communities are there because city planning policies encouraged development in those areas. These communities are also home to large numbers of lower-income workers who must rely on transit because of its affordability.

Using a car is not an option for many young, handicapped, elderly and low-income individuals, because of their inability to operate a vehicle or the cost of gasoline, insurance and parking. The amount of time consumed by traffic congestion also creates a barrier for many types of employment.

The rail system can make reliable transit available to all public transportation users, but would be a quantum leap for Oahu’s disadvantaged populations. We should heed Ariyoshi’s advice and ensure everyone has a fast, reliable and affordable transportation option.

Jun Yang
Nuuanu

Not all pardons led to other crimes

I wish to express my feelings about the very negative advertising being put forth by Pacific Resource Partnership in the current race for Honolulu mayor. According to PRP, the number of pardons issued by Cayetano was 203. I am one of those individuals. Did PRP check out my personal history when they say that some have gone on to commit other crimes? That could be an invasion of my privacy. Did PRP check out everyone who received a pardon? Perhaps not.

As an individual who has received a pardon, I know that my hard work to overcome early struggles in life being Native Hawaiian, as well as being a Vietnam veteran, has meaning. This is probably true for many other people. The current advertising by PRP is insulting to anyone who has taken the initiative to turn their life around for the better. Don’t believe what you see on TV.

Michael "Manu" Mook
Candidate for lieutenant governor, 2006 Waikiki

FROM THE FORUM

“Honolulu Hale halls decked 11 weeks before Christmas” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 22

>> It is actually nice to see the decorations … although it is way early. We all could use some holiday cheer right now. Too much Grinches about.

>> OK, so no decorating between Oct. 17 and Nov. 9. What about between Nov. 10 and Nov. 30 — decorating couldn’t take place then? Putting decorations up more than eight weeks before Dec. 25 is a travesty. Remember what the holiday is supposed to be about?

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“Long pilgrimage ends with canonization” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 22

>> Wish I could have been there. Brava, Saint Marianne Cope!

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“Cayetano libel suit pursues multiple goals” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 23

>> Appears this lawsuit is timed for the election. Expect this frivolous suit to be dismissed soon after the election is over.

>> Any group that stands to benefit by lying in advertisements should be held accountable for misleading the public and damaging whoever dares to oppose them. We’re with you, Ben.

>> When the election is over, I would like to know what individuals and entities, other than construction contractors, contributed funds to the PRP campaign.

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“Low voting rate in Hawaii draws national interest” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 23

>> I vote but I hate election years. I hate the phone calls, the flyers and the ads.

>> People see the same ol’ faces each election and none of them generates excitement as far as being the candidate to turn things around. In other words, same ol’, same ol’. Voters get frustrated, then apathetic. BTW, not voting is also a right and it’s a vote for frustration with our elected officials.

>> Embarrassing. Voting is a civic responsibility. Many of us would not always have had this right; exercise it.

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“Hirono, Lingle differ on value of the president’s jobs initiative” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 23

>> We are voting Mazie. She may not be worth much but Lingle’s dishonesty scares us.

>> When was the last time you heard from Mazie, on anything? While she was in office? When was the last time Mazie sponsored, or co-sponsored a bill? Answer: Never. Mazie needs to be outed.

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“DOE plan would give all pupils computers” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 24

>> So who is going to cover the replacement costs of any laptop lost, stolen or otherwise missing in action? We already have seen our schools targeted by thieves taking anything not nailed down or locked up like Fort Knox.

>> Buying a tablet or computer for every student means less money for other things. How about funding early childhood education? Much more bang for the buck than buying electronics.

>> I am dismayed by the comments of people who think computer and other technology education is not needed in public schools. It is slowly becoming apparent that there is no industry that will not utilize computer technology in some way, and a working knowledge of computer operation is needed for any future job.

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“State pursues investments in food production” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 24

>> Those building proposals are horrendously ugly. I think we should stick to the 400-foot limit. if all the other buildings adhere to the limit, why do we need one that’s ridiculously high in comparison?

>> If Kakaako is to represent the vision of Honolulu for the future, where is the visionary design, the exciting new ideas, the remarkable architecture that would compensate (if only a little) for turning our South Shore into a small version of Hong Kong? These designs are dull and uninspiring.