MARIA DUFFY

RESPECTED BIOLOGIST IN HER OWN RIGHT

I greatly enjoyed the excellent article of Aug. 7, "O'ahu sinkholes yield extinct birds," with the photo of Maria Duffy.

I do wish you had chosen a different caption for the photo: "Maria Duffy examines a bone found in a wet cave sinkhole in Kapolei, yesterday. Maria is the wife of Dr. David Duffy, professor of botany, ecology, evolution and conservation biology at the University of Hawai'i."

While I am honored to be Maria's husband and the university can always use public recognition, I should point out that Maria has excavated similar sinkholes in Galapagos for fossil birds and conducted research on birds and other organisms in Galapagos, mainland Ecuador and Africa, so she is a biologist in her own right.

INFRASTRUCTURE

WAR SIPHONING FUNDS THAT COULD FIX BRIDGES

Last week's catastrophic collapse of the interstate highway bridge in Minnesota — including the tragic loss of many innocent lives — is symptomatic of the failed state that the U.S. has become under the bungling yet increasingly repressive "governance" of the Cheney-Bush regime.

Crumbling infrastructures in the U.S. transportation, health and educational sectors have deteriorated rapidly in the past decade. Yet, desperately needed taxes have been unilaterally sidetracked to wage an illegal and fraudulent war on Iraq.

If the figure to repair the 70,000 deficient bridges across the nation (some $9.4 billion per year over 20 years), as quoted by the American Society of Civil Engineers, is correct, that would be less than one month's worth of current war costs now being diverted from the federal treasury to continue the Afghan and Iraq occupations.

Just think about that the next time you drive across that rusty old 'Opaeka'a Road bridge on Kaua'i.

ANOREXIA

NUTRITION COUNSELING NOT COVERED BY INSURER

After beginning treatment for anorexia nervosa, I was shocked to find that many insurance policies refuse to cover dietician counseling services, which are not considered medically necessary.

While insurance covers emotional counseling for eating disorder patients, many of our problems lie with our interactions with food itself. Thus, nutritional counseling is part of most treatment regimens, including mine.

While it's easy to say that nutritional counseling isn't vital, I cannot imagine psychiatric treatment alone being enough for a timely recovery.

Presently, I am seeing a registered dietician. Although her services are the most helpful part of my treatment, I must pay for each appointment in full.

This is less costly than paying for surgical procedures. But, according to the National Eating Disorder Association, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder, and recovery often takes years of treatment.

What are patients who cannot afford treatment supposed to do? Starve to death?

Nutritional counseling is medically necessary, and it makes little sense for insurance companies to deny coverage for this integral aspect of treatment.

CITY COUNCIL

CONFIDENTIALITY WAS TO PROTECT TAXPAYERS

A recent column by Jerry Burris ("Too much secrecy, squabbling," Aug. 3) sided with Councilmember Charles Djou for releasing confidential information presented to us by the city corporation counsel.

Under state law, the City Council is allowed to adjourn into executive session to consult with the corporation counsel on questions and issues pertaining to its powers, duties, privileges, immunities and liabilities.

I and seven other responsible councilmembers chose to put taxpayers' interests ahead of our own personal or political agendas by keeping the information confidential until a final settlement amount could be agreed upon by all parties of the lawsuit.

This protects the city and its financial interests, namely taxpayer dollars, by not allowing the plaintiffs to gain an unfair advantage during settlement negotiations. Giving the plaintiff confidential information that would allow him to negotiate for a higher settlement would not be in the taxpayers' best interest.

Fixing blame on politicians for any shortcomings you may find in our political process is always easy, but the bottom line is that your paper could care less if taxpayers' money is put at risk if it means you get a better story that will sell more newspapers.

ABERCROMBIE

NO RESPONSE TO INQUIRY ON IMPEACHMENT EFFORT

I frequently e-mail Rep. Neil Abercrombie and always get an acknowledgment, except when the subject is impeachment of Dick Cheney or Alberto Gonzales.

I've sent several, asking his support for those issues or an explanation as to why he opposes such impeachment.

It's puzzling as to why he's so shy or afraid to express his views on these issues.

It makes it unlikely that I'll ever be able to vote for him again, although I have supported him every time he's run in the past.

EDUCATION

OUR CHILDREN DESERVE BETTER SCHOOL FACILITIES

Your Aug. 7 article, "School repairs on hold as economy weakens," highlights the state's neglect of public schools.

I was deeply troubled when I compared that article and related photographs with the "Inmates stretch interests with yoga" story.

How distastefully ironic it is to see convicts exercising in a clean facility with impeccable floors and ceilings, while Hawai'i keiki study in overcrowded classrooms in destitute conditions.

Politicians always make promises to reform education for the better. It is clear, though, that as long as they have tomorrow they will continue to postpone and procrastinate.

If Hawai'i schools were improved, perhaps there would be significantly fewer convicts to "stretch."

We owe it to our children to provide them with an education that will inspire them and prepare them for tomorrow.

Why do the DOE and the Legislature keep asking us to wait, when our children's futures are at stake?

TRANSIT

DON'T RESIDENTS GET MORE OF A SAY?

I was once again reminded of the arrogance of Mayor Mufi Hannemann regarding the debate on rapid transit solutions.

In the Aug. 3 article ("Transit hits another barrier"), he stated that he believes his administration should decide on the vehicle technology and is firmly convinced it should be rail.

Well, who's paying for this? Not Mayor Mufi, but the taxpayers of O'ahu, who are taking more out of their pockets to fund something that he feels we need or that he wants.

But what about us? We are shelling out more in taxes than ever. I would just as soon see my extra tax go to fixing the roads that this administration ignores.

Our roads are horrific, especially along Ala Moana Boulevard. Visitors driving along this stretch of road wonder whether they are in Afghanistan or Hawai'i.

Don't we have any say in all this?

KOBAYASHI HAS IT RIGHT IN BUS SYSTEM OPTION

The Aug. 6 editorial on Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi's bus proposal incorrectly implies that taxpayers favor rail.

I'm sure that the majority will favor buses over rail if voted upon. Anyone who honestly looks at Councilwoman Kobayashi's proposal will conclude that buses make more sense than rail.

Buses can pick up and drop passengers from other than just stations, thus eliminating waiting and transfers. Instead of getting off trains at Ala Moana and waiting for a bus to get to the University of Hawai'i or Waikiki, riders on a bus can stay onboard for nonstop rides to their final destination.

During off hours, buses can be used for other purposes (i.e. circulation routes, school excursions, etc.); trains have to just wait on the tracks until the next rush hour.

A bus system will eliminate having to choose between the airport and the Salt Lake routes. Buses can serve both areas by simply getting off the guideway to drop off and pick up airport workers.

Finally, your insinuation that the councilwoman is being "bought" by the prospect of a free trip to Europe is downright insulting.

Instead, she should be commended for her courage in declaring that "the mayor has no clothes."

FULLER DISCUSSION IS NEEDED ON ALL OPTIONS

Last year, the City Council passed Ordinance 07-001, which reserves the right for the council to select the technology of the fixed-guideway system. Prior to this selection, we must look at all options and gather as much information as we can.

At a recent council meeting, members discussed the technology for the guideway. Many councilmembers attended tours of cities around the globe to look at rail systems. However, no councilmember visited the Netherlands to look at its cost-effective alternative to rail.

This bus system meets the same capacity and speed as the rail system, but is not fixed to tracks. An on-ramp onto the system would result in fewer transfers and service more areas of the island.

For University of Hawai'i events, people can go to the Stan Sheriff without transferring, and cross the H-1 Freeway without the need for a 60-foot structure above the freeway. With an on-ramp, the system would service the communities of 'Ewa, Wai'anae, Makakilo and Kapolei.

Many were unaware of this technology, and the discussion on this topic simply informed the council and the public. No changes were made to the minimal operable segment or route.

As a result of these discussions, a company from Japan informed me of their system, and I was glad to hear that other companies offer this technology.

Competition would lead to a better system for our taxpayers.

Pending a vote on the type of technology, a full discussion is necessary, especially when it involves $5 billion in taxpayer money.