How nice that the imaginary war is pau

George Bush, unfortunately, cannot tell the American people that the war in Iraq is over. First, he did not formally declare war with Iraq. Second, he fought an imaginary army. Third, no weapons of mass destruction were found.

Weapons of mass destruction -- is that not the reason we attacked Iraq? If not, then why was that tattooed into our heads for 11 long years? If we have smart bombs, don't we have smart people?

Fred Young
Keaau, Hawaii

Hawaii logo artists understand aloha

I was relieved to hear that the University of Hawaii's logo prospects have been rejected. It astounds me that the university would spend more than $80,000 on a mainland firm to commission a new logo. Where is the consideration not only for Hawaii's economy, but for Hawaii's artists and local talent, who would have more of the feel of what a new logo would need? What does someone from Baltimore know of the uniqueness of the aloha spirit? Thank you, President Evan Dobelle.

Laura V. Hioki

Rainbow has history, significance at UH

Why is the University of Hawaii trying to dump the anuenue (rainbow) as its mascot and logo? As a Hawaiian kupuna and UH alumnus, I am astounded that the most powerful and important of the Hawaiian aumakua are about to be either replaced by or subordinated to images and symbols that have no historical significance, Hawaiian values or mana.

The anuenue in the sky were augers, signs and omens of propitious and powerful events that were about to unfold in the lives of the people below. No chief or alii made a decree or established a law without looking for the ratification of the anuenue. That the UH is located in Manoa, the home of anuenue, is not an accident. It would be an appalling shame, not to mention a tremendous cultural faux pas, for UH to abandon what has been a most powerful Hawaiian guardian and symbol. Either the UH administration doesn't know the significance of the anuenue, or it knows and doesn't care. Auwe!

Ishmael Stagner
Kaneohe

Give $500 to someone to come up with logo

The geniuses at the top of the University of Hawaii food chain believed it was OK to pay an out-of-state business $82,000 to "professionally" create a new logo -- that is, until the media shone a light under their rock. These guys don't understand the concept of taxpayer money.

Here's the deal: Offer a $500 U.S. Savings Bond to the a member of the general public to come up with a logo. All schools and the daily newspapers can announce this. Advertising cost: A dollar or two here and there to post the offer on a pole in front of the campus library, on a couple of restroom facility doors and so on.

Maybe UH-Manoa Business and Economics graduates should consider taking jobs on the mainland if they believe the UH hierarchy understands the value of a dollar. Good grief.

Kevin Gagan
Student, UH-West Oahu

Hospital should try hard to avert strike

The piece in the Sunday paper brought back memories of the recent nurses' strike at several major local hospitals ("Wahiawa nurses hope to avert strike," Star-Bulletin, May 4). Replacement nurses were brought into Honolulu from places as far afield as Georgia and Texas. They were paid more than the nurses on staff and were provided with lodging, meals and transportation.

After the strike was settled, three major hospitals were stuck with the bills they accrued during the negotiations and settlements. The Legislature then was asked to approve bills and resolutions to provide these hospitals with unrelated assistance. This, in effect, would have been a way for the hospitals to pay for those replacement nurses.

I realize Wahiawa General Hospital's long-range plans are strained through failure in the Legislature this year. Their appeal to the City and County of Honolulu for zoning and other considerations are pending. This is not a time for the hospital to refuse to negotiate. Before more nurses retire or resign to seek greener pastures, management would be well advised to extend the contract amicably.

Arvid Tadao Youngquist

Response to kits shows desire for faith

As one who participated in the efforts for the distribution of the Student Survival Kits, I can say first-hand that the majority of the students who accepted the kits were appreciative. We had a positive response from most of the students, while respecting the views of those who declined the offer.

The value of faith in the times in which we live is essential, as reflected by the response of the students.

Victor R. Wyman
Aiea

Why should Santorum not enjoy free speech?

In response to "Santorum's comments are worrisome" (Letters, May 5), I am worried, too -- worried that freedom of speech applies only to special interest groups, such as the letter writer's, in the forceful advancement of their agendas. On the other hand, a U.S. senator, who is also a citizen and protected by the same rights as you and I, cannot affirm his beliefs in public, although they are biblically based, without being attacked and his resignation demanded.

Where is the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the reciprocal tolerance for opinions and views that differ from the special interest groups?

James Roller