Smart Candidate: Audit the DoE

Dear Editor,    July 28, 2018

Marc Myer’s letter to the editor asked whether there are candidates asking for an audit of the DOE.

There is at least one.

I am the Republican candidate for House District 37. My response to Civil Beat’s question regarding the upcoming Constitutional Amendment (I am opposed) stated:

“…This constitutional amendment is too vague regarding the amount being taxed and there are no restrictions on how the funds will be used. The number of students in our public schools has decreased.  More students are being homeschooled and are going to charter schools.  Homeschooling costs the state nothing and charter school costs the state much less than the average public school student. Costs should be going down. We need an audit to determine why we can’t live within our education budget. Very little of the funds will reach teachers – which is the excuse given for the tax increase.”

Mary Smart

Mililani, Oahu

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Audit the DoE?

Dear Editor,   July 23, 2018

I'd be interested to see the positions of our candidates with regard to a proposed full audit of the DOE. 

Our friendly local DJ, Michael W Perry, has made a point of regularly talking about it. There may be more support just below the surface. It also feeds into the fact that our teachers' low pay is the direct result of a greedy and corrupt DOE.

Keep up the excellent and valuable work you are doing.

Marc Myer

Honolulu, Oahu

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Why no Mobile Homes for Lava Victims?

Dear Editor,  July 16, 2018

Regarding the folks who have lost their homes on Hawaii Island to the volcano:  Why can't mobile homes, trailers, or manufactured homes be an option for them as they try to find housing here?

I've asked so very many people who should be acquainted with the laws and rules regarding why we're the only state in the country that doesn't have access to these homes, and not one person in our failing government has answered me. 

Years ago I heard it was the Carpenters Union that prevented the use of this mode of housing, for obvious reasons.  Maybe you can give me an answer.   Not holding my breath.

Judi Hanagami

Hawaii Island

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Federal judges not supposed to be political

Dear Editor,  July 16, 2018

The summer will be filled with discussions about Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings as the next justice on the United States Supreme Court. Those discussions would be well-served by keeping in mind that the United States Constitution intentionally separates the power in the federal government between three branches: the Congress, the president and his departments, and the courts. Only the courts are un-elected, and federal judges, once appointed, are appointed for life. We choose the president and Congress by voting for them.

Because the courts are not elected, federal judges should completely refrain from acting like law makers. So when you hear folks complain that Kavanaugh is likely to rule one way or another on a political issue, remind them that federal judges are not supposed to be political.

James Hochberg

Honolulu, Oahu

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Reorganizing the HTA

Dear Editor,       July 2, 2018

Congratulations to Hawaii Tourism Authority. Great start at reorganizing. May I humbly suggest:

1. Fund the “carrying capacity of tourism” study by islands.

2. Implement a transient accommodation stabilization law and a system to enforce it.

3. Invest in events that promote less tourists spending more money.

Tourism is a wonderful “industry.”  Let’s nourish and protect it.

Aloha

Fred Hemmings

Kailua, Oahu