SUPPORT OF PREDATOR SYSTEM OBJECTIONABLE, UNACCEPTABLE

Unlike earmark critics across the land, I heartily agree with Sen. Daniel Inouye's statement in his recent Advertiser commentary that earmarks "can serve each state and the nation well when done properly."

Our senior senator then goes on to list a number of worthy environmental, educational, cultural, scientific and health-related projects that, through his good efforts, were funded through the congressional earmark process.

As the master practitioner of bringing home the bacon to Hawai'i — the self-proclaimed "Char Siu King" of Capitol Hill — Sen. Inouye would seem beyond reproach in this area. However, taking the senator at his word that "taxpayers need to be confident that their hard-earned tax dollars are being used wisely and responsibly," I must take strong exception to the use of my taxes for one earmark of which he proudly boasts.

I refer to the unmanned, surveillance Predator aircraft system, which Inouye claims would never have made it off the drawing board without earmarks. In my opinion, this aptly-named killing machine, with its "ability to target terrorists without putting American lives at risk," should never have made it to the boards.

Ask the families of innocent civilians on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border whose lives have been taken by these pilotless instruments of death. Are their lives worth less than those in far-off America who will go to any lengths in pursuit of an unwinnable "war on terrorism?"

This is one earmark, senator, that does not pass your test of wisdom and responsibility.

TAX, FEE INCREASES

TAXPAYERS MUST SAVE; WHY CAN'T GOVERNMENT?

As an individual, I make money. I have a responsibility to manage this money to pay my expenses, buy food and enjoy myself. If I'm smart, I will also save for unexpected needs or hard times. I should not assume that if I manage my money poorly, I can go to my employer and demand more because I need more. This is the lesson that we all agree upon as responsible.

In the same way, the state and city make money (by taxes and fees) and they need to manage this money including saving for unexpected needs or hard times. Now that their funds are less, they think it's appropriate to go to their employers (the people) and ask for more (tax and fee increases). Taxing more from the people further penalizes those trying to exist in a tight economy.

Why don't the principles of money management for individuals apply to government? Shouldn't they learn how to manage their money just as we do? What am I missing?

'EWA DEVELOPMENT

LOTS OF FOCUS ON PLANS, BUT ROADS COME FIRST

Frustrated in 'Ewa. It makes me angry when I read that a developer is against the idea of building roads before developments. (West O'ahu People, March 4). Then the next day he has his commentary about the "Long-term vision for 'Ewa" (Honolulu Advertiser, March 5). Dean Uchida of D.R. Horton talks about the long-term plans for this region.

Well, planning or not, it has failed in many ways. Specifically, traffic. It is hard to not question whether or not Mr. Uchida has driven in and out of 'Ewa recently. Sure, Fort Weaver Road and other main arteries in and out of 'Ewa are currently being expanded or built; however, I say that if you want to boast about planning, then these roads should have been built years ago.

HOMELESS

NO ALOHA FOR THOSE CHASING A NORMAL LIFE

It has been said, there is nothing in the universe but atoms and molecules, everything else is only opinion. Here is mine: Concerning a side of Hawai'i few ever will come to know, I came to this place years back, after the death of my wife, to find a new life away from the California dream that died, only to find a place of hopelessness. I live here in my Pathfinder with all my tools and have tried to build a business and life here, caught up in the homeless abyss, and know personally how difficult it is to work out of this hell.

I look around and see hundreds of homeless knowing they have no hope at all of ever enjoying a normal life. If indeed I, with all my trade skills, a master craftsman, cannot see the light of day, never able to afford a place to live, what about these poor, unskilled people? If indeed this is the land of aloha, you will never see it at this level in life.

I, for one, hope to return to California as soon as I can afford to ship my Pathfinder, tools and self back home; home where aloha still lives.

AIG

TAXPAYERS MUSTN'T BE ABUSED ANY FURTHER

In your Sunday coverage of the obscene AIG bonus payments, Chairman Edward Liddy is quoted: "We cannot attract and retain the best and brightest talent to lead and staff the AIG businesses ... if employees believe their compensation is subject to continued and arbitrary adjustment by the U.S. Treasury."

Mr. Liddy seems to forget that the Treasury, in this case, is us, the American taxpayers, who own 80 percent of his company. We mustn't be abused anymore than we already are.

Surely, a year ago when the current bonuses were negotiated, somebody in charge must have been aware of market conditions; the bonuses should never have been granted. If this mess is the best AIG's best and brightest can produce, it would appear that we're better off without them.

PRO BOWL

MAHALO TO MAYOR, HTA FOR A TIMELY DECISION

I would like to publicly thank Hawai'i Tourism Authority for voting in favor of returning the Pro Bowl to Honolulu in 2011. At an informational briefing which I convened prior to the vote, lawmakers and others had emphasized the importance of sports tourism and the key role the Pro Bowl plays in attracting visitors to Hawai'i. A timely decision was vital, and the HTA came through.

I would also like to thank Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who sees the big picture and the importance of keeping tourism strong in these turbulent times. He became personally involved, and his years of experience and excellent working relationship with the NFL were crucial to bringing about a successful outcome in keeping the Pro Bowl in Hawai'i.

My colleagues and I stand ready to cooperate with all tourism industry stakeholders in striving to strengthen our number one industry.