Letters for Sunday, December 16, 2007

• Lesson was unhelpful propaganda

• Protestors show no integrity(br) • Hidden agendas

• Truth about global warming

• Trees on private property

• If Carmel can do it, so can Koloa

Lesson was unhelpful propaganda

Lenny Klompus, Gov. Linda Lingle’s communications director, wrote about meeting a homeless man on the Mainland, and what he got from the experience (“Lesson Learned,” Letters, Dec. 13).

Looks to me that what Mr. Klompus learned from his experience with “Jack” is that you can get a $2 bus pass from a homeless man for the cost of a $1 microwaved cheeseburger from 7-11 and then brag about it. Is this the American Way — to be sure you make a profit on your charitable actions?

I also was not impressed with his praise for Gov. Lingle’s approach to Hawai‘i’s homeless families. Simply articulating the problem of Hawai‘i’s homeless does not help solve a single problem. They are still without jobs, still can’t afford the rents, still have medical costs, etc., etc. But Mr. Klompus wants us to know that the governor remembers that “they are real people — just like us.” This letter and the “lesson” it purports to share with us came across to me as one of the most patronizing, unhelpful pieces of propaganda I’ve ever read. Gail Stevens

Kapa‘a

Protestors show no integrity

When the Superferry pulled into port at Kahului, the reported residents from Kaua‘i pulled a publicity stunt that brings shame to the Garden Isle. If they were so against this business, what are they doing supporting it by being a passenger? It makes you think about what their real agenda is. The Superferry could have refused service to these people, but instead they showed grace.

Again I say, as a free enterprise, time will tell of its success. The protestors are losing any validation on this issue.Ruth Garza

Lawa‘i

Hidden agendas

Audits? Pavilion roofs? Environmental catastrophes caused by pedestrians? White elephants? What next? With all the joy and satisfaction that residents and visitors alike get out of the Eastside bike path, it is truly amazing that, still, one of Kaua‘i’s self-proclaimed “activists” and two council members continue to dig anywhere they can to try and find fault with the bike path and its development.

I wonder why? It’s easy. They each have hidden agendas for their own personal gain. It’s all about fame and political enrichment. Frankly, those who enjoy the path are tired of these antics. Shaylene, Mel, Glenn, please, there are more positive ways for you to find your glory or campaign for your future political office.

See you on the path!Michael L Smith

Kapa‘a

Truth about global warming

The liberal left loves to blame everything that goes wrong in this country on two things: President Bush and global warming. Many articles and books have been written in recent years on the subject of global warming. Much of the information is confusing and some even contains a lot of hysteria.

One thing we can agree on is that practically all atmospheric scientists agree that global warming has occurred. The raging debate is over how much of it is caused by man and whether global warming will be harmful. The amount of warming since 1880 has been about 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s right, 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Even with that, a certain percentage of this warming is likely due to natural fluctuations, especially on the sun. Mars, Jupiter, Triton, Neptune, and Pluto are also experiencing global warming. I ask you the following question: What do all of these planets have in common? The answer. Our sun, not man-made emissions.

But then why all the hype and hysteria?

For decades, environmentalism has been the Left’s best excuse for increasing government control over our actions in ways both large and small. Their excuse was their concern for Mother Earth. Their concern for the children or their concern for the whales. But until now, the doomsday-scenario environmental scares they’ve trumped up haven’t been large enough to give the sinister prize they want most of all: total control of American politics, economic activity, and even individual behavior.

Global warming has now brought the Left closer to global government, and the eradication of individual rights than it has ever been before.

I, for one, am tired of hearing this nonsense about global warming and it being the cause of every natural disaster there is. Wake up people and smell the roses. It’s not about the environment, it’s about CONTROL.Dr. Peter R Saker

Lihu‘e

Trees on private property

I was the original contractor for the bankrupt Sports Shinko Development for Old Koloa Town in 1991. The developer spokesman Jim Covella was somewhat sensitive to the community’s concerns about the tree and how they would be trimmed, treated or, in a couple of cases, removed to make the project work.

Please forgive my ignorance or naivete, but I think the new developers will be maintaining the trees and using the right qualified people to cut and, if necessary, remove the trees in order to create a reasonable, profitable business as any person would do. I believe the developer will do everything it can do to keep the charm and laid-back way of Old Koloa Town and still hopefully make a few bucks to help build Koloa into a stronger community in which it has always been.

If they cut the trees without thought and community involvement, they’ll get what they deserve.

No solution, but just my thought!Bob Bentley

general contractor since 1983

If Carmel can do it, so can Koloa

As residents for many years in Carmel, Calif., we witnessed time and again how trees were saved during both residential and commercial construction.

Carmel is a special, tiny little community, just as Koloa. There was never a question about “mowing down” any of the beautiful local trees. It was and is an accepted fact they be saved. Many structures have trees incorporated into the architecture. This can be achieved in a graceful manner that sets off both the building and the trees. If it can be done there, it only makes sense it can happen here.

Don’t let these greedy developers ruin the very special part of wonderful Koloa Town.Ken and Diane Castle

Kalaheo