Give every pupil a laptop instead of a textbook
Here's a way for the state of Hawaii to save money: Houston is considering a proposal that would give 3.7 millon students their own laptop computers as a replacement for traditional textbooks.The proposal, offered by Texas Board of Education Chairman Jack Christie, calls for purchasing laptops for the students at an estimated cost of $300 millon. The cost of replacing textbooks over the next six years, meanwhile, would be approximately $1.8 billon.
"A year ago," Christie said, "we replaced social studies books that still had Ronald Reagan as president, the Berlin Wall standing and the Soviet Union as one country. With laptops, you can upgrade that for $1.25."
In addition to saving money and enabling easy and inexpensive updates to educational material, Christie says the plan could also help build a bridge between the technology "haves" and "have nots," since even students from the poorest of families would be able to own their own computer and learn how to use it.
Francis Steele
Kailua
(Via the Internet)
Firecracker smoke damages best air in world
Living in Singapore is a great experience. But recently, we had to endure three months of massive smoke and haze because of slash-and-burn land-clearing practices in Indonesia. From this experience, we know that you can never take clean air for granted.We recently spent an enjoyable three weeks vacationing on Oahu. I appreciate the nearly perfect climate and great people of Hawaii. However, I must tell you that the New Year's Eve celebration, which used massive amounts of fireworks, was the low point of our trip.
Why purposely create pollution, even for a single day, when Hawaii enjoys one of the cleanest environments on Earth?
There must be a less damaging way to celebrate the New Year.
Michael Fenton
Singapore
(Via the Internet)
Let's fine abusers of fireworks regulations
If fireworks laws and regulations were aimed at the pocketbook, perhaps people would listen. I propose that, to help defray the cost of fireworks, the police issue fines for littering at every opportunity as they cover their beats on New Year's Eve. The maximum fine amount would be assessed against anyone lighting firecrackers and aerials on city streets.It might be difficult to enforce litter laws on private property, but those who scorch their own driveways had better be able to prove that the shreds of red paper and other exploded residue are not blowing onto public property, or they will face the same fines. Double the fines for anyone caught hosing the mess into gutters and storm drains.
We don't have to wait for the Legislature to ignore any new proposals; the police just have to apply and enforce existing laws. If we can't get rid of fireworks altogether, then let's make the best of a stinking situation.
New Year's Eve could be a major profit generator for the city instead of a drain on precious financial resources.
P.S. Sorenson
What's so funny about Navy officer under fire?
Heterosexually speaking, I could not believe - or rather I didn't want to believe - the Jan. 14 Clay Jones cartoon about the gay officer and the Navy. Here is a young man who has honorably served his country for 17 years, pays his taxes and is a respected citizen in the community.That cartoon hit so far below the belt.
Barbara Hudman
Surfer inspired others to be good citizens
I first became aware of Rell Sunn in the 1970s. Growing up in California as an Asian immigrant, I would see her occasionally on telecasts such as "ABC Wideworld of Sports," competing and winning surf contests.Those images from 20 years ago, of an Asian American being successful in sports, became forever etched in my mind.
Although I am not a championship-caliber athlete, Rell Sunn inspired me to do my best in the sports I did participate in. More importantly, for me, she symbolized Hawaii and everything good about the state.
I wish I had known her. I am sure that she was even more kind and generous than the media reported. No doubt she would have encouraged me to do my best to help Hawaii and her people.
If this is her legacy, I hope I can live up to it.
Franklin Chung
(Via the Internet)
ILWU is wasting money by repeating Maui election
I have been a member of the ILWU for many years, and have never been subjected to such a manipulative and self-serving leadership as the one that is running the union from Oahu. The Maui leaders are weak and are controlled by Oahu.In an election held last November, we elected Nick Casumpang Jr. as the division director to run our Maui division. He is a good person who is compassionate as well as a strong leader for the workers. He will represent us well.
But, because union leaders on Oahu want control over the Maui division, they want to hold another election to be scheduled from Jan. 24-30. We do not need another election. It's a waste of the membership money.
If there is a re-election, I will stop giving my dues to the ILWU and give it to nonprofit organizations on Maui, where it would be put to more meaningful use for needy families and neighbors. Other ILWU members should do the same.
If we continue to be served by officers who are in power for selfish gains, then the union loses its purpose and we will not have representation. We might as well not have a union.
Mike Mercurio
ILWU, Unit 2501, Chairman
Royal Lahaina Resort
Lahaina, Maui
Bishop Estate Archive
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