Convention Center could enclose its root terrace
The Hawaii Convention Center couldn't accommodate the Miss Universe Pageant because it didn't have the necessary sight lines for TV cameras. Concurrently, the center's rooftop terrace has limited use because of laws concerning noise and liquor.
If the terrace is enclosed, with necessary lighting and wiring for TV productions, the convention center could be in the running to host political conventions and closed-circuit industrial shows, as well as televised pageants and celebrations.
Generous use of plants, glass and sliding panels on the makai side of this enclosure would maintain the sense of openness and place, especially at sunset.
Beverly Kai
(Via the Internet)
Masinis deserve applause for devotion to Hawaii
There seems to be endless speculation about whether the state's financial backing of the Miss Universe Pageant is a sound business decision. While that topic will be passed around the media for weeks to come, I'd like to call attention to two dedicated volunteers, who worked relatively unnoticed and without reward behind-the-scenes.Al and April Masini postponed both business and personal interests for the good of our islands. After the governor decided Hawaii was interested in hosting Miss Universe, Al used his influence and experience as a television producer to coordinate many aspects of the pageant.
In a world that's dominated by "what's in it for me?" types, Al and April selflessly donated six months of their time, energy and clout to make sure Hawaii was seen in all her splendor to 2.5 billion TV viewers around the globe.
The Masinis did a job that no one else in Hawaii could have done, or would have wanted to, and they did it for our people and economy. They deserve a standing ovation.
Randy Brandt
Producer,
KGMB-TV
Glitzy pageant didn't portray Hawaii that residents know
As a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a condo owner on Maui, I was looking forward to the Miss Universe Pageant to see how your state would be presented. I was especially interested because there were assurances that tax dollars would be well spent because the beauty of Hawaii would be highlighted for millions to see.But what I saw looked nothing like the Hawaii that I have come to know and love. The few short segments on Hawaii looked plastic, cheap and Las Vegas in style. I would be surprised if it results in enough additional tourism business to justify the taxpayer expense.
Dave Williams
Sleepy Hollow, Ill.
(Via the Internet)
Joe Moore's comments made in ratings period
In her May 11 tribute to TV news reader Joe Moore and his intestinal fortitude for daring to say what most of the free world has been saying for years -- that television is a vast wasteland with few redeeming qualities -- columnist Diane Chang failed to mention that the television networks are currently in a ratings period.Keith Haugen
(Via the Internet)
Don't criticize police for Pupukea shooting
Well, you have done it again, attacking the police for the shooting of an armed man at the Puu O Mahuka Heiau at Pupukea (Editorial, May 8).Again, you don't have all the facts, but are quick to criticize the Honolulu Police Department and Officer Mark Boyce. You stated that the area is secluded and dangerous and that's why the man was armed.
Why was he armed when he was on a public roadway? Why didn't he just comply with the police officer?
You wished the wounded male a speedy recovery from his internal injuries suffered in the shooting. Did you wish the same speedy recovery for Officer Boyce, who is wounded psychologically?
M.E. DeRego
Mililani
Suspect who was shot was carrying a weapon
Why the hell is it that everyone in a confrontation with the police is always so damn wonderful?This guy at the heiau was shot because he had a weapon and he made a move. The fact that he refused to yield to the officer's commands already made him a threat; add the gun and I would have fired also.
I am not pro police, but let them do their job. If you do not want them to do the job, don't call 911 when you're staring trouble in the face.
Jimmy Gomes
Las Vegas, Nev.
(Via the Internet)
Incompetent government has made mess of state
I am absolutely outraged by the professional, political and judicial incompetence that is digging deeply into everyone's wallet: Aloha Stadium (rust makes it stronger), the UH softball stadium (can't see home plate), Susan Chandler's Child Protective Service fiasco (Peter Boy, gone), former Speaker Danny Kihano (his poor heart may spare him), former Sen. Milton Holt's missing campaign funds (taking blind Rep. Terry Tom to a strip bar), and Governor Ben and Speaker Souki's Economic Revitalization Task Force plan (please raise my taxes!).And now this disgusting waste of taxpayer money with the state's unneccessary payment of federal gasoline taxes.
Hawaii, it's time to wake up and smell the ballot box. R.I.N. -- Remember in November.
Rich Ernst
Aiea
(Via the Internet)
Write a Want to write a letter to the editor? Let all Star-Bulletin readers know what you think. Please keep your letter to about 200 words. You can send it by e-mail to letters@starbulletin.com or you can fill in the online form for a faster response. Or print it and mail it to: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802. Or fax it to: 523-8509. Always be sure to include your daytime phone number.
Letter to the Editor