Hamburger’s Helper

The true origin of Hawaii campaign advertising

Aloha. Regarding the article “How Martin Hamburger Became a Staple of Hawaii Politics” (Aug. 8), I would like to point out that the tactics that Mr. Martin Hamburger uses to create a favorable image of a candidate are not new for the voters of Hawaii.

If you are able to get your hands on the book, “To Catch a Wave” by Tom Coffman and turn to chapter 18, you will read about how a mainland crew came to Hawaii and literally put together a visual dialogue about then-Gov. John Burns in his re-election campaign of 1970.

They used a number of different facets that Mr. Hamburger uses to portray candidates in a “local” light, or using their uniqueness to put through a favorable message of the candidate. “To Catch A Wave,” which was the name of the piece put together for Burns, became the staple of modern political messaging. 

To suggest that Mr. Hamburger or his firm are breaking any new ground in political messaging for Hawaii fails to realize that history of this was already set many years ago in a primary campaign very similar to what we are seeing today.

— Stan Fichtman, McCully

Kauai’s Fish Resurgence

But … but … what about Hanauma Bay, then?

Regarding the article “Holy Mackerel, With No Tourists In Sight The Fish Are Returning To Kauai’s North Shore” (Aug. 8).

Just wondering why Hanauma Bay has so many fish if tourists are the problem? Tourists that visit Hanauma Bay don’t wear sunscreen? Hmmm — either way, seems fishy for sure!

— Nathan Kometani, Honolulu

Hawaii’s “poor record” nurturing marine resources

Thank you for writing a most informative and interesting story. It was enough to pique the interest of this (and, I’m sure other) life-long recreational fisherman who has seen the stocks of nearshore and reef fish plummet to near nonexistence in the past five decades.

As previous studies have shown, Hawaii’s near-shore fish stocks are but 50 percent or less of what they were in the mid-1950s, a fact that I can personally attest to. As you may know, despite the fact that it’s the only state completely surrounded by water, Hawaii has one of the poorest, if not the poorest, records of protecting and nurturing its marine resources. Auwe!

Please give us a followup story on this most interesting situation and thank you again for bringing this interesting occurrence to our attention. Hopefully, we and the state of Hawaii can learn something from it.

— Douglas Miki, Honolulu

Child Welfare Services

It’s important to know your rights

A recent article on the plight of the blind family in need of assistance from Sen. Josh Green on family rights in the child welfare system got my attention (“Campaign Corner: Josh Green Listens To The People,” Aug. 6).

Part of the article made the statement that families with disabilities have no rights in Hawaii. That is not true. I have been advocating for families in Hawaii for six years, and my experience with child welfare in all states is that the department abuses its power when parents do not know their rights or exercise them.

There are two steps that everyone must take when a Child Welfare Services investigator contacts you by phone or in person. First, get the allegations prior to any interview with them. This is federal law! Second, immediately contact a lawyer or an advocate and learn your rights to defense against false allegations.

I offer my information on parental rights and education on the child welfare process for no charge. Contact me on facebook private message and I will give you my phone number. Remember this: If you don’t know your rights, you have none. Aloha! 

— Marilyn Yamamoto, Big Island

Legalizing Pot

Smoke ’em if you got ’em

Chad Blair did a great job in his column (“You’d Be Surprised Which Candidates Favor Legalizing Pot,” Aug. 7).

I live in San Jose, California, but my wife is still a prohibitionist. She tolerates my “micro dosing” but thinks I’m a slug because I’m a user.

Hawaii will give the planet another example of a society that is eager to embrace a more “sane” approach.

— Jeffrey Stone, San Jose, California