Party without mikes on convention center roof
A problem? Roof garden parties at the Hawaii Convention Center present a superb opportunity for us to provide some "world class" leadership in the reduction of social degradation by loud noise.Since any attempt to limit the decibel level will surely result in controversy at every event, a liquor license should be granted with the condition that absolutely no electronic amplification of musical instruments or voices will be permitted.
This will provide a refined setting in which reception guests may converse comfortably without having to shout at each other over the deafening noise that is constantly inflicted upon people at gatherings throughout our islands.
It will also deprive babblers of the microphones, with which they interrupt the pleasure of party guests with their speaking.
How gentle were the evenings at Halekulani when the sweet sounds of Ray Kinney's ukulele and voice wafted across the lawn, unblemished by electronic amplification.
Richard M. Towill
How could Marcos have 'plundered' so much?
This is in response to your Dec. 13 article, "Marcos says she welcomes funds transfer."Every time the Marcos issue is mentioned, the press is always saying that "Marcos plundered $10 billion from the national treasury during his 20-year rule."
You must be kidding or ignorant about the economy of the Philippines, because where would the Philippine government ever get $10 billion for Marcos to steal or plunder?
For the sake of good, fair and honest journalism, we do hope that your reporting will be more accurate.
Jose "Joe" Lazo
Cayetano shouldn't give workers leave
How surprising and disappointing that Governor Cayetano has given all state employees a day of administrative leave over the Christmas and New Year period.Isn't the state short of employees and strapped for money? This generosity does not confirm that message.
This is a costly extra benefit that was totally unnecessary, as state employees have a generous benefit package, including 13 holidays (14 in an election year, for some reason), and 20 work days of annual vacation.
Many people take time off around the holidays by using up a few days of vacation, including half days on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and one or two days to make a long weekend. This is quite acceptable in the public sector, as long as they use up their vacation.
We suggest, as many private employers do, giving state employees half-day holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve in lieu of another holiday, as it is a very unproductive half day.
This governor and previous governors, in giving time off, have been very generous at the taxpayers' expense. However, it gives the definite impression that they are trying to curry favor with public employees, especially in election years.
Desmond Byrne
Chairman, Common Cause Hawaii
Marina wreathed in rainbow was a winner
I don't know whether the Star-Bulletin has a "Picture of the Year" award but, if it does, I would like to nominate Dennis Oda for his rainbow photo on the front page of your Dec. 17 issue.I congratulate Dennis for the photo, and thank the Star-Bulletin for sharing it with its readers.
William G. Burlingame Sr.
Mililani
25th annual marathon was No. 1 thanks to all
On behalf of the silver anniversary Honolulu Marathon, I want to express my thanks to your newspaper, the City and County of Honolulu, the state Transportation and Parks departments, the Honolulu Marathon Association and their sponsors JAL and Nike, thousands of volunteers, tens of thousands of runners, miles of cheering spectators and a higher power.Your coverage heightened our anticipation and extended our enjoyment; the government workers seen in darkness and in day ensured our safety and comfort; the association's and sponsors' staffs spent years of planning and dedicated supervision preparing for the awesome process of this marathon; the volunteers and runners and spectators gave hours of smiles and work and encouraging cheer; and the sky's benevolence was the best in my 18 years of doing this.
Thousands will return for the 26th, but all of us will revere the memory of this one!
Robert D. Doleman
Tips on buying new car may get you tossed off lot
I want to thank the Star-Bulletin for the Dec. 10 article on new car prices, "Hawaii markup," but it did the public a disservice.For instance, suggesting buyers throw in a trade after negotiating a price is a good way to get thrown off a car lot. This is encouraging your readers to be deceptive, and a big waste of time. Nobody likes a liar.
Going into a dealership to get their "best price" when you're not ready to buy is very frustrating for everyone. Most dealers won't give out a negotiated price until you are buying. Finding out invoice is smart, but will only work on a car the dealer has hundreds of, not only one, three or five.
If you are trying to get a hot new or limited vehicle for $500 over cost, guess again. Try to get a new Passat or a Tahoe for $500 over. Won't happen.
You may know the invoice, and that's OK, but rubbing it in their face is not good negotiating.
Try this: Don't brag you know the invoice. Just say it's too expensive. The price will come down. Mark my words. When the negotiating is over both parties usually win, and the customer and dealer are both happy.
If Hawaii dealers paid rents like dealers in Alabama we could ask for Alabama prices. But we are on roads like Ala Moana and Kapiolani. These are the most expensive in the nation, maybe the world, so we must ask for more.
If you want to get it cheaper than other people, then buy during the last few days of the month, or buy in a slow month like December. Or best idea yet, buy it from me! These are true buying tips.
Mike Uslan
Bishop Estate Archive
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