BEACHES ARE FOR ALL PUBLIC TO ENJOY

The recent article regarding the Kailua Neighborhood Board's motion against the issuance of wedding permits in Lanikai was offensive. If this type of motion proposed by board member Donna Wong is a reflection of the "not in my back yard" sentiment of the community, then which public beach location will be next on the hit list?

Lanikai is popular and beautiful, as are other beaches in the state. We boast about it and are proud to say that we have some of the most beautiful beaches around. I strongly believe our beaches need to remain open for public use. Board member Linda Ure's suggestion to separately address the wedding and parking issues shows a much more rational approach.

The livelihood of many Kailua Town businesses are dependent on beachgoers for refreshments, dining and shopping. It is our responsibility to be the best stewards of the land and good neighbors, no matter where you live.

Susan Tongg O'Donnell | Aloha Wedding Planners Inc.

FURLOUGHS

PAY CUT, GET RAISE COULD BE BETTER WAY

Simply put, what if, instead of a furlough for state workers (teachers included), they take a straight temporary 10 percent pay cut for two years, and tie in a fraction of a percent raise to the general excise tax to run over the same period to help make up the shortfall?

In this way, the state workers continue working their regular hours, parents don't have to worry about getting a sitter for their kids for the furlough days, DOE does not have to worry whether the kids are getting enough lesson time, businesses get their state paperwork done, farmers get their produce out because the agricultural inspectors are still on the job, etc.

In this way, we minimize deepening the effect of our current recession due to cuts in state services; business, parents and people in general can function more normally.

The downside is that state workers take a smaller, but real 10 percent pay cut and we all have to suffer and pay a higher GET, all temporary.

R. Karamatsu | Pearl City

FLU SEASON

ONLINE CARE OFFERS RESIDENTS A FREE VISIT

Thank you for your editorial on the novel H1N1 flu virus ("Islands must keep up pace in pandemic plans," Sept. 29). I agree with your statement that "preparations for a pandemic are absolutely essential to an island state."

That's why HMSA is offering every resident in the state one Online Care visit at no cost during this flu season. This is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and state Department of Health recommendations that people stay home when they are ill. With Online Care, patients can consult with a medical professional and receive appropriate care without risking infecting others.

If you come down with flu symptoms and wish to speak with a local physician right away, HMSA's Online Care is available from the convenience of your home. There's no driving to the doctor's office, searching for parking and sitting in a waiting room with other sick patients. Instead, you speak with a physician online at any time of day or night.

For more information please visit www.hmsa.com/flu.

Patricia Avila, M.D. | Medical director of HMSA's Online Care

POVERTY

DATA DOESN'T REFLECT REAL COSTS FACING POOR

Hawai'i's poverty rate is deceptive. Our real socio- economic health cannot be measured solely by the poverty figures in the Sept. 30 article, "Poverty rolls in Hawai'i rise by 15,000, census says."

Instead, we must ask how much it costs families to meet basic needs such as housing, health care and food. This is called a basic self-sufficiency standard. To be self-sufficient in Hawai'i, the average individual must earn $26,151 and the average four-person family must earn $55,581.

While Hawai'i's poverty rate is only 9.1 percent, across the state 25 percent of families with two children do not earn enough to support their basic needs. Forty-three percent of single adults cannot support themselves, either. Sixty-seven percent of single parents with one child and 81 percent of single parents with two children cannot make ends meet.

This sobering reality means that one in three Hawai'i families cannot support itself and must either live with relatives, or choose between paying rent, buying medicine, or putting food on their plates. Our challenge to build a better economy begins with acknowledging that our poverty rate doesn't reflect the 33 percent of Hawai'i families who cannot afford to support themselves anymore.

Rep. Chris Lee | District 51

WEATHER SERVICE

SUGGESTION: TEXT ALERTS FOR PUBLIC

I have always found the products and staff of the NWS and NOAA to be exceptional.

On the back of this week's tsunami alert, it would be great if they had a system in place where the public can sign up for text alerts to mobile devices. This way, when an emergency alert goes out, those who have signed up can receive it directly to their device.

Like many people, I did not hear of the tsunami warning until an hour or more later, yet I am connected at the hip to my cell phone. Had text alerts been in place, I would have been informed more immediately. As social media accelerates, it would be excellent if organizations like these could break through the red tape and keep pace.

Keep up the great work and communication. Mahalo.

Jodi Wilmott | Waialua