IRAQ WAR

U.S. SACRIFICING TROOPS FOR HOPELESS CAUSE

Marine Lance Cpl. Jason Paul's view of Iraq as "a holy war" identifies him as a true-believer victim of the superstitious nonsense peddled by fundamentalist Tim LaHaye, co-author of the idiotic "left-behind" novels. This fictional rubbish links Jesus' Second Coming with a cataclysmic Middle Eastern war.

We are sacrificing brave men fighting for a hopeless cause, an Iraqi government that has no penalty for the thousands of soldiers who go AWOL! The incompetent Iraqi bureaucrats can't even handle soldiers' regular pay.

The Iraq war is not "a holy war;" it's a stupid war, continued because the Bush/Cheney team won't admit its costly mistake.

POSTAL SERVICE

RAISE 'JUNK MAIL' RATES, REDUCE TRASH LEVELS

I have had my post office box for about 15 years. When picking up my mail and sorting most of it directly to the trash can without opening it, I have witnessed hundreds of other customers doing exactly the same thing. The Postal Service is being paid to ship mostly trash all over the U.S.

This mess can be cleaned up quickly by substantially increasing the rates on "junk mail" to the point where no one can afford to mail it. Think of all the trees you will save

WAI'ANAE

MAYOR HELPED CLEAN LEEWARD BEACHES

Andrew O'Riordan's letter (Aug. 18) proves the old maxim that "no good deed goes unpunished."

Mayor Mufi Hannemann and his crew performed a great service for our community by helping to clean up Leeward beaches on their own time last week. Mr. O'Riordan's attempt to put a negative spin on the mayor's efforts is unwanted and unwelcome.

I participated in the beach cleanup, and I saw the mayor and his people working hard to set an example on how to care for and take pride in our beautiful beach parks.

SENATE RACE

VETERAN APPLAUDS AKAKA FOR HIS HELP

Both men are outstanding candidates for the U.S. Senate. I support Sen. Daniel K. Akaka for a few reasons.

First, I look at their backgrounds. Akaka had humble beginnings, whereas Case was much better off.

Second, I'm a laborer. I know for sure that Akaka is very much pro-labor. How many and what unions support Case?

Third, I have felt at ease when I've contacted Akaka's office locally or in Washington, D.C., and asked questions. His staff has been courteous, knowledgeable and has put me at ease. I've received a few letters back from Sen. Akaka.

I fully endorse Akaka in his effort to get the Akaka bill through. As a retired veteran who served in the first Gulf War, I applaud Akaka for what he's done for the veterans. He wants to increase our benefits and especially help those veterans who need the help them most. Of the two, who has served during a war?

IRAQ WAR

VETERANS' OBJECTION

TO WATADA IS SHOCKING

I am shocked at the Japanese-American veterans on the Mainland and in Hawai'i objecting to Lt. Ehren Watada's decision not to deploy to Iraq.

If there were more brave men in uniform like him, the U.S. would not be in this situation, where practically the entire world hates us and refers to America as the warmongering country.

VENTURE CAPITAL

HAWAI'I MUST ENSURE UH ANGELS SUCCEED

During my daily commute, I heard a brief radio story on the UH Angels. I had heard of them before through friends and in the press. I applaud their efforts and I think they have quite a challenge before them.

According to the Q2 2006 MoneyTree Report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, only two venture capital investments were made in Hawai'i.

Coral Wireless LLC received $1,231,000. Hawai'i Biosciences received $500,000. That places Alaska, Hawai'i and Puerto Rico companies dead last in the PricewaterhouseCoopers report, receiving only .03 percent of venture capital funding nationwide.

In comparison, Silicon Valley companies came in first, receiving 35.51 percent of national venture funding amounting to $2.253 billion. New England and metro New York companies came in second and third, receiving $708 million and $536 million respectively.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers report only captures part of the investment that goes on in Hawai'i. It is obvious that the leadership of Hawai'i can't afford to ignore work in the vacation and federal markets. It's an important part of our economy that won't be going away. On the other hand, there are clear opportunities for Hawai'i to expand into technology industries like biotech, e-commerce or software development. This could provide an economic cushion for times when the vacation industry isn't doing well.

The UH Angels are a critical part of this. Venture capital groups don't typically do seed funding. This is where Angel investors come into the picture. They provide seed money to get ideas turned into a businesses. Venture capital groups come into the picture later, exiting with initial public offerings or large-scale acquisitions.

I see the UH Angels as an important first step in building the next generation of significant Hawai'i companies. If they succeed, the venture capital groups and IPOs will follow, bringing a new generation of success to Hawai'i.

I challenge the leadership of Hawai'i to make sure that the UH Angels succeed. Their success will be Hawai'i's success.

PROTEST

STATEHOOD CEREMONY SHOULD NOT BE AT PALACE

It is apparent that Bud Ebel (Letter, Aug. 23) stands among those who are not sensitive enough to understand the intricacies and unique circumstances regarding issues in Hawai'i.

The inappropriate behavior began with the unprovoked invasion by U.S. military forces, contrary to treaties of perpetual peace and friendship established between two recognized nations.

Mr. Ebel's quote from the U.S. Constitution assumes that Hawai'i was obtained lawfully. How convenient to quote a point of law if it only works in America's favor.

Hawai'i was not annexed lawfully through treaties as was required, but by a joint resolution of Congress.

'Iolani Palace, the heart of the Hawaiian kingdom, stands as a constant reminder of atrocities committed against that peaceful nation.

Blatantly and disrespectfully casting salt upon an open wound, Mr. Ebel, is by no means a joyous occasion.

HAWAI'I NEVER LEGALLY A TERRITORY OR STATE

I've read with interest several letters regarding behavior of Native Hawaiians at the recent statehood celebration at 'Iolani Palace.

On 'Olelo TV, UH English Professor Ruth Hsu moderated a couple of forums with Keanu Sai, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Hawai'i, and William E. Lawson, a legal researcher.

In these forums, it was made clear that when the Treaty of Annexation was passed in 1898 in the U.S. House and Senate, they could not get the constitutionally mandated two-thirds vote for passage and resorted to a joint resolution for passage, which was not a legal way to annex an area to the U.S. Therefore, Hawai'i was never legally a territory of the U.S.

Since Hawai'i was never a territory of the U.S., it could not be made a state as was done in 1959. Therefore, Hawai'i is not, and never was, a legal state of the U.S. Also, Hawai'i never gave up its sovereignty, so I guess this is still the Kingdom of Hawai'i.

Now, what was wrong with Native Hawaiians protesting statehood?