KATRINA

AMERICANS IN NEED ARE OUR PROBLEM

I commend The Advertiser, in its Nov. 26 issue, for placing the article "The other land laid low by Katrina" next to the one "Early birds get the shopping bags."

The first article shows the indifference of the governmental agencies in helping our fellow Americans deal with that disaster, that "hurting place." At least 200,000 Mississippians "remain displaced," and "The federal response from highways to housing to trailers is completely unacceptable," said Rep. Gene Taylor, who lost his home.

But on the national Day of Thanksgiving, our chief leader sat down to dinner in Texas when he could have been serving meals to homeless Mississippians, and those walking away from toy stores with 13 bags of bargains could have instead been helping the 200,000 fellow Americans to begin rebuilding their lives. Both government and citizens are saying, "Not my problem."

We should all hang our heads — and then do what we know belongs to the "home of the free and the land of the brave."

AKAKA BILL

HAWAIIANS WILL TAKE TIME ON SOVEREIGNTY

Hawaiians on both sides of the Akaka bill discussion ultimately want the same thing — they want their kingdom back. From what I have observed of politically active descendants of Hawaiian citizens, they look forward to the day when they can elect a king or queen again.

Some see the Akaka bill as a step in that direction; others fear that it will impede progress toward their goal, but, make no mistake, that goal is independence. This is a political issue, not a racial issue.

"The cause of Hawai'i and independence is larger and dearer than the life of any man connected with it. Love of country is deep-seated in the breast of every Hawaiian, whatever his station." — Lili'uokalani, Hawai'i's last queen.

"This is a historical issue, based on a relationship between an independent government and the United States of America, and what has happened since and the steps that we need to take to make things right." — Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, January 2003.

"The recovery of Hawaiian self-determination is not only an issue for Hawai'i, but for America. ... Let all of us, Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian, work toward a common goal. Let us resolve ... to advance a plan for Hawaiian sovereignty." — Democratic Lt. Gov. Ben Cayetano, 1988.

The United Church of Christ has apologized, the United States of America has apologized. The international community, including nations with whom the kingdom of Hawai'i has treaties have acknowledged that Hawai'i's right to self-determination has never been extinguished.

Descendants of Hawaiian citizens are still considering their options. They have a right to do that and to do so in their own time.

FOR SALE

WHAT'S NEXT — AIR?

Thank you for printing the Nov. 26 letter opposing the sale of sea water. The letter-writer warns that taking Hawai'i's sea water could endanger shorelines as well as sea life. That warning should serve as a wake-up call to all of us. Next thing you know, entrepreneurs will want to sell Hawai'i's air. What do you think the environmental impact of that would be?

KAKA'AKO

PRICEY CONDOS? NO WAY, GIVE US A PARK

Jerry Burris' column on the Kaka'ako development plans was excellent. Waiahole Valley and Sandy Beach were saved from residential development thanks to grass-roots campaigns. The state owns the 36 1/2 acres in Kaka'ako; the only thing needed is to make the last remaining open space into a crown-jewel park.

This area is very close to Ala Moana Beach Park (the busiest park in Hawai'i) and is in the most overdeveloped area of the island. There are walls of 40-story condos going up nearby that are being snapped up by investors worldwide, condos that few locals can afford.

Picture a new park with a pond like Thomas Square, new open space for pets, picnics, biking, soccer, volleyball, mini-golf, etc.

Why does attempting to protect the open spaces in Hawai'i become a political battle? Greed from overdevelopment. Palm trees and grass for a former dump are intelligent land use. Three new huge condos are the last thing needed in this area. Restrooms are the only public facilities needed.

Demand this last chance at open space.

RECYCLING

CITY CONTINUES TO PICK UP GREEN WASTE

Curbside green waste recycling is alive!

There seems to be some confusion since the headlines read "Curbside recycling canceled." The City & County continues to pick up green waste from households with automated trash collection. Curbside recycling tonnage continues to drop, and we want residents to know this service has never been interrupted.

Green waste is also collected and recycled at Hawaiian Earth Products' Kapolei and Kailua sites.

DEVELOPMENT

HAWAI'I KAI MARINA MAY NEED PROTECTION

Regarding the Nov. 25 article on algae bloom in Enchanted Lake: It would be a good idea to start researching the long-term ramifications of future development in and around the Hawai'i Kai Marina now before it is too late.

We need proof that our quality of life will not be destroyed. Our voices have been heard in many editorials and through the Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board. Hawai'i Kai is tired of urban sprawl.

I hope City Council members have adequate proof before they are faced with a decision to shift the Urban Growth Boundary and allow for a zoning change that will affect many lives. They are the final decision-makers, although this whole matter could be avoided if the landowner, Kamehameha Schools, should have a change of heart and decide not to sell the 87 acres of open space that means so much to our community.

Water quality is acceptable for now, but how long will this last? It has been stated many times that the marina is a catch basin for rain runoff, but there is no proof that development runoff won't affect the water quality. Fish will die and water in the upper pond closest to the valley will become stagnant since it is farthest from the ocean.

Kamilo Nui Valley farmlands are outside the Urban Growth Boundary, and the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan is in effect till 2020. There is a good reason for this time line — to see how Hawai'i Kai's infrastructure adapts to its recent growth.

NATURAL TREASURE

DEVELOPMENT OF WAIMEA VALLEY MUST BE THWARTED

As a former resident of Hawai'i, I also say shame on Charles Djou, Todd Apo, Romy Cachola, Gary Okino and Rod Tam for voting to develop a natural treasure of Hawai'i.

Waimea Valley was the only place on O'ahu where we felt completely at peace. The gentle falls over the pool feeds a stream that runs through a beautiful valley filled with fruit trees, birds and flowers, then meets the ocean at Waimea Bay.

For 40 generations, Waimea Valley was inhabited by Hawai'i's religious elite, kahuna nui. The ancient village ruins and kapu burial grounds are a reminder of this.

People say this is the last such place on O'ahu. But sadly, it, too, may soon be paved and developed like the rest of the island, unless something is done now.

Every day it seems Hawai'i is changing. Once-pristine beaches and parks are collecting trash. Homes get more expensive. Views become obscured by development. Parks and land are disappearing along with Hawai'i's culture and history.

Why is this happening? One word: money.

Is it right that a New York investor can buy our historic valley with kapu ground and then pave it over? This is a travesty, a disgrace and an insult to Hawai'i.

This trend will lead to the demise of Hawai'i. Even tourists will stop coming here if all they have to look at is cement.

I am generally against the use of eminent domain rules (the government's right to procure important land). But in this case, it is more than justified. A "half-develop" compromise is not the solution. This land is historic, cultural and a unique landmark that helps make this place, Hawai'i.

People need to stand up and say, "Enough!" Call, visit or e-mail the City Council members above and let them know how you feel.

MILLIONS RAISED

SONY OPEN IS A KEY LOCAL CHARITY

It's been in the news these past few days that Hawai'i's charities are seeing a drop in donations. Many feel this is a result of Hawai'i's people and corporations opening their hearts and pocketbooks to help those affected by the devastating natural disasters that have occurred on the Mainland and abroad this year.

We have no argument with giving to communities desperate for help overseas. In fact, we applaud Hawai'i's generosity. At the same time, we must continue to support our local people who need assistance.

As the old saying goes, "Charity begins at home."

Many of you may not be aware of the good work of one organization that zeroes in on raising funds for local charities across the state. Friends of Hawaii Charities is a nonprofit organization that hosts professional golf events, including the Sony Open in Hawai'i, the PGA Tour golf tournament, the Champions Tour Turtle Bay Championship, and the LPGA SBS Open at Turtle Bay.

As a result of this involvement, Friends of Hawaii Charities, along with charity partner The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, raised a record

$1 million in grant-making funds in 2005. Our voluntary board disbursed these funds to more than 100 charities statewide. In particular, grants were made to nonprofits serving Hawai'i's women, children and seniors in areas of intervention, health and education.

Most of this charitable funding is raised through the Sony Open in Hawai'i. As title sponsor, Sony Corp. has been a wonderful asset to the tournament. We are pleased to have recently signed it up for four more years.

It comes as a surprise to many people that Friends of Hawaii Charities owns the tournament and is responsible for its organization each year. It's a massive undertaking that could not be achieved without the help of some 1,500 volunteers, the support of Waialae Country Club, the City & County of Honolulu, and the kokua of the surrounding neighborhoods that kindly accommodate the tournament traffic.

The Sony Open in Hawai'i is a tremendous marketing tool for the state, involving as it does many of the world's top PGA Tour golfers and being televised in the U.S., Japan, Europe and other markets from which Hawai'i draws visitors. But the best part about the tournament is that since Friends of Hawaii Charities became involved seven years ago, it has raised more than $5 million for our local charities.

In January, we will again be enjoying the Sony Open in Hawai'i. As you read about it, see it on television, or come to Waialae Country Club to watch, please remember that this exceptional sporting event is a cornerstone of community philanthropy.

Meantime, Christmas, the season of giving, is upon us. Given the shortfall in charitable donations that's making headlines, we especially encourage you to once more show generosity and compassion for all those unknown persons who need our help.