Secondary Market Services-Hawaii is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1992 to provide services in support of higher education lending.

Its "Choices" program offers Stafford student loan borrowers a 2 percent reduction in the interest rate when they make 48 on-time payments, and a .25 percent reduction when they agree to repay loans by automated debit to checking or savings accounts.

Thirty-nine financial institutions throughout the state offer their customers or members access to the Federal Family Education Loan Programs, the Federal Stafford Student and PLUS (parent) loan programs. The majority of these institutions offer the "Choices" program to its student loan borrowers.

Lorraine M. Teniya
Executive Director
Hawaii Education Loan Program

Although Handi-Van service is provided at our school, it is used by only a few students. During our summer session, which ended July 26, only four students were transported by van. Furthermore, our van usually arrives between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m., at which time our students are received by Variety School faculty and staff.

Sorenson also seems confused about our students and our mission. In her last paragraph, she wrote, "What a cruel time killer for those who can't speak for themselves."

Our children can and do speak for themselves. They have learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders, which should not be confused with children having learning problems resulting from mental retardation, emotional disturbances or visual, hearing or motor handicaps.

Our primary mission is to help our students achieve their maximum potential and become productive members of society. Every consideration is taken to ensure their best possible education.

Alexi Dankeith
Executive Director
Variety School of Hawaii

No one will argue the dilemma surrounding the crime and corruption there. But what you fail to mention is that, for years, D.C. residents have faced the highest total tax burden per person in the nation.

The district's population is in exodus. Since 1990, 53,000 residents have left, more than in all of the 1980s.

I was one who exercised my right to flight, and left D.C. to live in Virginia several years ago. Why? Not because of the crime or corruption but because of the exorbitant cost of living.

You wrote that the proposed tax reduction idea is "outrageous" - but the proposed tax cut is to lure residents and businesses back to the district.

These new residents would bring with them the tax revenue necessary to shore up D.C.'s finances. If the plan passes and works, it could provide a model for revitalizing other cities.

Dave Sobba
Waikele

In addition to the important benefits to society of scientific research, the UH's research programs bring into the state some $150 million. This money directly benefits residents who are employed and companies that provide the supplies. It indirectly benefits all of us through the taxes paid by those residents and companies. In essence, this is a $150 million industry.

Computers and telecommunications make it possible for university scientists to engage in research almost anywhere in the world. Our volcanoes, ocean environment and clear skies attract scientists (as does the beauty of Hawaii and the friendliness of our people), but the excellence of our university is also a critical factor.

It would be penny wise and pound foolish to allow UH to become a second-rate institution.

Tom Pico Jr.