TRAILS

HUNTERS HAVE RIGHT TO BE IN HUNTING AREAS

Aloha, in response to the Nov. 21 letter from Linda Vannatta of Citizens for Safe Hiking: You are correct that hunters carry guns, large knives and have packs of dogs.

Are you aware that the Kuli'ou'ou ridge trail is in a public hunting area? That big sign on the left of the trail head where you sign in states it very clearly. Hunters have as much right to be there as you do.

Having hunting equipment (guns, knives, etc.) does not constitute "aggressive behavior."

I'm very sorry you are intimidated, but if you took the time to speak to some of the hunters that you come across, you will find that the vast majority are very nice people enjoying the outdoors just as you are.

Only one hunter admitted breaking the law, and it in no way excuses the game warden's tactics.

You have a right to hike without intimidation, the same as we have a right to hunt.

HEALTHCARE

LAWS SHOULD ALLOW RESPONSIBLE CHOICES

Sunday's Associated Press article on faith-healing questions (Page A15) was triggered by a tragedy that had nothing to do with Christian Science.

None of these parents were Christian Scientists. The many Christian Scientist parents I know are responsible individuals who strive to make the wisest choices possible when it comes to the health and well being of their children.

They have come to rely on Christian Science because they have found it to be effective and reliable. Though they regularly choose spiritual treatment, they are free to choose any healthcare remedy they deem effective.

Christian Scientists do not hide the fact that we work with state and federal legislators to help frame statutes that allow individuals to make responsible healthcare choices among effective alternative treatments, including spiritual methods.

We do this conscientiously, but not to give any license whatsoever to irresponsible behavior, abuse or negligence.

Like all responsible parents, Christian Scientists want nothing more than to safeguard their children's well being.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

HAWAI'I, CHICAGO BOTH HELPED SHAPE OBAMA

The Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau now has a Web site, www.gohawaii.com/Obama, citing Barack Obama's Hawai'i roots. He was born in Honolulu and attended Punahou School.

However, Chicago's Mayor Daley has ordered banners with a sketch of the 44th president hanging from street posts all over that city. Obama raised his children on the south side of Chicago in Hyde Park. Now both Hawai'i and Chicago are rightly proud of his accomplishments.

Well, I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and graduated from Lindblom High School. And, I raised my two sons here in Nu'uanu. I can claim from experience that these are very different cultural worlds.

Barack Obama demonstrates his tolerance and acceptance of others from Hawai'i. Race is not his issue. And, he showed his toughness from Chicago first by taking on both Clintons and later the Republican Party, including attacks from talk radio, Fox News, and even Gov. Linda Lingle.

President-elect Obama has been described as possessing a first-class temperament and a first-class intellect. Both traits will do him well in leading our country. Hawai'i and Chicago can share in this success of preparing a fine leader.

HOUSING AVAILABILITY

SENSIBLE TVU POLICY NEEDED ON O'AHU

In the Nov. 9 Advertiser, Mike Green claims illegal vacation rentals contribute to homelessness. They should be closed down by the Department of Planning and Permitting, Mike argued, so these studios, bedrooms and houses can once again be rented to local folks.

There are about 1,100 B&Bs and vacation rental homes outside of Waikiki, 900 of them operating without a license. These properties represent 0.8 percent of rental properties on O'ahu. Closing them down will do little for the homeless in shacks.

Granted, it will open the rental market a bit more to pilots, doctors, lawyers and others who can afford to pay $5,000 or more per month. But enforcement will definitively deal a black eye to O'ahu's pristine image. After all, when word gets out that O'ahu has become a giant gated community, people get the picture about how much their tourist dollars are really appreciated here.

O'ahu will see $200 million in annual economy disappear along with some 2,000 jobs from rental car mechanics to those managing and cleaning vacation rentals. Ironically, some of those folks will likely end up under tarp-covered shacks around the island.

I guess that's OK with Mike. He has the luxury of arguing for closing down unpermitted vacation rentals since the B&B he owns is protected under a 1989 license.

O'ahu needs a sensible vacation rental licensing program that protects neighborhoods on the one hand, but also protects owners' property rights to rent without the heavy hand of government dictating a visitor's degree of welcome.