Fret over domestic abuse
instead of gay marriage

Your Feb. 24 article, "Voters strongly oppose gay unions," is a grave reflection of those polled. Our state faces rising numbers of victims of domestic violence, unemployment, problems with education, etc. But surveys indicate people continue to oppose same-gender marriage. Maybe it's easier to worry about other people's bedrooms than the real problems of society.

When same-gender marriage passes, because it is a matter of civil rights, my marriage of 31 years to my husband will be strengthened with all of the loving couples who also believe in the holy union of two people.

Meanwhile, I suggest these worried people work on the evils of domestic violence that really hurt families and the larger picture of our society.

Carolyn Martinez Golojuch
Makakilo

A handy job description
for new head of HVCB

WANTED: Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau Executive.

Job Description: Spend first month on the job reading standard operating procedures, getting acclimated and attempting to raise staff morale, which fell abysmally when the previous executive left abruptly.

Devote second month to orientation trips and gratuitous stays at major resorts and hotels in Hawaii and Asia.

Spend third month on the convention center, saying that bookings take time so it has to be subsidized for 10 years, the center has to be enlarged to attract larger conventions, it should be privatized, or all of the above.

Spend fourth month asking Legislature for an additional $10 million in funding. Tell the visitor and construction industries that you will not accept anything less than their matching a penny to every taxpayer dollar.

Use fifth and final month conducting a search for your next job. Resign, explaining that timing is everything and the time to leave has arrived. Leave an envelope for your replacement. Place this letter in that envelope.

Richard Y. Will

Neil wants Dan's title
as best pork barreler

U.S. "Sen." Neil Abercrombie. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Obviously this is what Representative Abercrombie has in mind, as he presents his list of transportation priorities to the House Transportation Committee.

While Senator Inouye is the undisputed "Prince of Pork" on Capitol Hill, Neil is strongly lobbying for the title. Abercrombie has requested that $240 million be appropriated for a tunnel, that's right, a tunnel to be built between Oahu and Sand Island to replace the current drawbridge.

If this doesn't earn Abercrombie the title of "Little Prince of Pork," I don't know what will.

Pam Smith
Ewa Beach

Yes, the city acknowledges
help from First Hawaiian

In response to Gordon Mark's Feb. 22 letter, the city appreciates the contribution of First Hawaiian Bank employees, headed by Arnold Morgado Jr., who installed 16 bus shelters in late 1995.

Since 1992, TheBus has been operated by the Honolulu Public Transit Authority (HPTA). On July 1, the city Department of Transportation Services will again become responsible for the city transit system, which includes TheBus and Handi-Van. HPTA, as directed by the voters, will no longer exist after June 30.

Morgado received a letter from Howard Takara, acting HPTA executive director, in January 1996 thanking him and the bank's "Yes Team" for their valuable community service.

The city welcomes support from all segments of our community.

Joseph M. Magaldi Jr.
Deputy Director
City Department
of Transportation Services

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