Why woo potential tourists
who won't be coming here?

Statistics can verify things like whether there is a correlation between spending taxpayers' money on tourism and the alleged result on tourism. Statistics can tell us whether there is primarily a correlation between spending on tourism promotion and tourism, or whether it is likely that a multi-factorial causation influences tourism -- not just the bucks Paul Casey talks about (View Point, March 29).

It is easy to see that one such factor is the guy, fully invested in the stock market, or the gal who simply does not have the discretionary funding available to spend on a jaunt to Hawaii for a vacation.

Tell me how much you would spend persuading someone to buy something who is not going to buy?

Once we think this through, we can exercise the option of investing the money on something else rather than on public relations and advertising.

Kevin Lauer

Hong is doing swimmingly well
at policing Hanauma

Councilman Hannemann is investigating claims that Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Manager Alan Hong is "too strong" in enforcing the city's rules? Why is this a liability?

As a member and former president of the Friends of Hanauma Bay, I have worked with Alan for the past six years. He received national and local honors during this time. Alan doesn't have a concept of what it is like to be off-duty -- he's on-duty 24 hours a day.

Any honest vendor will agree with Alan's straightforward enforcement. The prime motivators behind these complaints are angry because 1) their employees are not allowed to smoke in the non-smoking areas and/or 2) the snorkel and scuba guides must follow the safety rules.

Alan enforces the law with no exemptions. Even Robin Williams' limo had to wait outside when the parking lot was full. The guards asked Alan if they should let him in. Alan responded, "No, he's just like you and me."

If Hannemann wants to be perceived as fair, he should invite supporters to these complaint sessions. We ask for his continuing support of the environment and the people who have monetary interests in this unique nature preserve.

Penelope Hazzard

Kaena Point has become
a great place to visit

In the last 10 years, Kaena Point has undergone tremendous change. Just a few years ago, a trip to Kaena meant listening to the constant drone of motorcycles and ATVs, and seeing lots of trash, abandoned cars and little vegetation.

Now, thanks to the efforts of the state and Reuben Matteo, Kaena Point ambassador, I have seen a return of many native coastal plants, Hawaiian monk seals and nesting seabirds. The best part is sitting and listening to the ocean or the mating calls of the Laysan albatross.

Reuben, who is very knowledgeable about Kaena Point, maintains the area and provides information to hikers, bikers and fishermen. The number of people who love and care for the Point has greatly increased due to his efforts. Kudos, Reuben, and good going, state!

Reece Olayvar
Ewa Beach

Commercial shows bond
of state, construction

It's no wonder that the state's bond rating has slipped. When you see Sam Callejo, state comptroller for the Department of Accounting and General Services, and Lynne Waters, spokesperson for the Pacific Resources construction union consortium, doing a commercial to increase state spending through more bond issues, you know who controls the purse strings.

A commercial pairing the state comptroller and a construction union representative. Illegal? Probably not. Unethical? Probably. In poor taste? You bet!

Richard Greenamyer
Mililani
(Via the Internet)

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