Libraries are charging
too much for copying

State librarian Bart Kane is at it again -- this time by increasing copying charges from 10 to 15 cents at libraries. He said the increases are due to the use of new machines.

A service organization does not behave like a profit-making business and cover its so-called costs. Even in the private sector, businesses charge only 4 to 7 cents a copy. They also buy the best machines and keep them in good order. How is it that the library cannot cannot compete? Is it because its management is inefficient? Are there too many directors, deputy directors and assistant directors adding to the cost?

At one time it was suggested that library materials be copied free as one way of protecting reference materials and journals that could not be borrowed. Later, it was decided a nominal charge should be levied.

We should go back to that idea and charge, say, 5 cents a copy. It is one way of repairing Kane's damaged image and helping indigent students, scholars and researchers.

C.A. Christian

Cunanan did society favor
when he committed suicide

Thank you, Andrew Cunanan, for taking your own life. Your final act saved taxpayers several millions of dollars to prosecute you.

Many professionals would have been called on to find a reason for your acts, which made no sense to anyone to begin with. You were obviously a deranged person.

You will not have a chance to be set free at a later date and cause great harm one more time.

Although you made history, it's over. The judge has delivered.

Robert Zimmer
(Via the Internet)

Hawaii's values
are going down the drain

I retired to paradise after 20 years in the Marine Corps, the last six in Hawaii. My family stayed here not only because of the climate, but mostly because of the warmth and beauty of the people. Now I'm wondering: Did we make the right choice?

Our state ranks 44th in monetary support of our school children, decreasing steadily since 1993, and yet our state government has ballooned in size during the same period.

Now people want to do away with the 2.0 grade average for athletes. What's more important, sports or a quality education?

We pride ourselves on having family values yet some would legalize same-sex marriage. What message are we sending our kids?

Lastly and certainly most tragic, on June 11 a young woman is beaten and suffocated to death on Kauai. Her roommates saw it going on, but didn't want to get involved.

Hawaii, where are your values? What legacy are we leaving our children? Debt, poor education, immorality and indifference? A poor legacy at best, don't you agree? We are losing "paradise" and it's our fault!

Gary L. Hall
Aiea

Why must entire school
get sensitivity training?

Let me see if I have this right. One or more student yearbook staffers at Kalaheo High School write an offensive racist caption, and now the total student body, faculty and administration must take sensitivity training?

At best this is illogical and contrary to what follows in the community at large in the wake of a similar deed.

I resent what the Board of Education seems to be implying by this action. The media also have not helped by dredging up the firing of a coach several years ago for similar reasons.

The two events are not connected and do not represent the Kalaheo I know. Keep the focus on those responsible! If the culprits had any class, they would come forward and accept responsibility.

Finally, colleagues of the yearbook advisor know that she is a sensitive and hard-working teacher, who I suspect got hoodwinked. This will happen to any teacher who trusts.

Phil Chase
Librarian, Kalaheo High School
(Via the Internet)

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Same-sex archive

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