Letters To The Editor

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January 19, 2011 - MidWeek

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World-class story

Some of my favorite MidWeek stories are those where you share news about local folks who are succeeding in the bigger, broader world, such as last week’s cover story on cancer researcher Wael ElShamy. To think that one of the top cancer researchers in the world is working here in Hawaii to cure the deadliest cancers is wonderful. I think we all wish him the best of luck.

Danielle Rego
Honolulu

Shining example

Off the subject perhaps, but I had a thought while reading about the cancer researcher Wael ElShamy. I noted his Arabic-sounding name and that he is from Egypt. And it hit me that if more Middle Eastern men and women had the benefit of the education Dr. ElShamy had, our world would be a far different, and more peaceful world.

Dennis Lee
Honolulu

Homeless horrors

Regarding Bob Jones recent column on the homeless problem: I could not have said it better myself. As a retired person, I walk a lot, especially at Kakaako water-front park. The invasion of squatters is horrendous. The new signs of park regulations spread throughout the park, have not only sparked a greater increase of the colonies of homeless, who totally ignore the rules, but have had zero impact in enforcement of these regulations.

This park sees busloads of tourist, schoolchildren, wedding parties and us locals who want to view this pristine area, but what we see are camps of the homeless. Luckily, these people have maid service from the park employees who clean up after them. This is a terrible eyesore for Hawaii.

Michael Ferguson
Honolulu

No easy fix

Thank you, Bob Jones, for your column addressed to Mayor Carlisle about the need to do something about the homeless.

But I’m puzzled about some of your facts. How many of the 6,000 or more people without housing are Mainlanders? Forty-six percent are Native Hawaiians. I’ve never seen or heard of anyone from the Mainland who flew over here (for $300+) with the idea of taking advantage of our easy welfare system. Try getting food stamps and see how easy that is.

The mayor is likely to have little to fear from lawsuits that result from confiscating their property since there are few who are interested enough in enforcing homeless rights.

The homeless are a burden for all of Hawaii - and the nation. The solution is not as easy as Mr. Jones suggests. I hope he can get some good answers from the mayor. Lotsa luck.

Shirley B. Cannell
Waipahu

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