to the Editor
UH football program creating bad image
Hear, hear! for Kalani Simpson's column "UH must change its rogue image" (Star-Bulletin, Aug. 23). The University of Hawaii is in the process of creating a "rogue program" image. There is a disturbing defiance on the part of the football program. Don't forget all the celebration penalties, kicking the ball into the stands and "hotdog" diving into the endzone that have occurred over and over again. These were just precursors to what has happened recently with the Hawaii bowl eligibility issues.Coach June Jones and athletic director Herman Frazier need to enforce discipline and now, or else we could have far worse penalties for our athletic program. And if NCAA penalties are ever imposed on UH football, that would be even worse (shudder) than the Von Appen era and could be the death of college football in Hawaii.
Ted Duby
HonoluluBring movie theater back to Waikiki
I'm another Waikiki resident who desires a movie theater in our neighborhood again.The three Consolidated theaters and Imax were easily accessible by walking, which was a blessing to the elderly. I could relax and escape the stress and problems that plague so many seniors.
Now we Waikiki residents must take a bus (not possible now because of the strike) and go to Ward's Stadium 16. This is particularly difficult for the disabled (young as well as old).
With Waikiki's resident and visitor population, certainly one movie theater would be well attended. If we are to revitalize and please residents and visitors, a theater should take precedence over more shops.
The abandoned Consolidated property is littered with trash and the outdoor carpeting is torn. The once-green shrubbery is dead, which is exactly what Waikiki will be if those in charge continue to ignore the needs of those who live and visit here.
There is a certain charisma found only in a darkened movie theater. We all need this, particularly in these perilous times!
Mabel Slear
WaikikiHeadline writer erred on Dobelle story
On behalf of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, I am writing to correct a misimpression created by the headline "Regents give glowing review of Dobelle: The evaluation stands in contrast to criticism that the UH president faces an internal crisis" (Star-Bulletin, Sept. 7).The facts are that the Board of Regents engaged in a frank and open discussion with President Evan Dobelle last Friday, and we shared our concerns about a variety of issues in the strongest of terms. We also listened to Dobelle's responses and concerns, and we ended the meeting with a plan for moving forward. "Glowing" is not a word that correctly describes the evaluation, the discussion or the feelings expressed. "Direct" and "honest" would be more accurate.
On another note, it is important to understand that with a newly configured Board of Regents, the discussions at our monthly committee and board meetings have become more comprehensive, spontaneous and open. With the exception of certain matters such as those dealing with personnel, this Board of Regents will conduct the university's business in public, and those who write news stories about our meetings should attend them.
Patricia Y. Lee
Chairwoman, Board of Regents
University of Hawaii
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Both sides can work harder to settle
With many people who use the bus stranded, it would seem that there are two more days in the week -- Saturday and Sunday -- in which to continue negotiations.
Tom Adams
Hawaii KaiRidiculous rumors fly about bus drivers' pay
More than once during this bus drivers strike, understandably frustrated people without a single pay stub as evidence didn't let a lack of facts stop them from telling me about "all those bus drivers" making unverifiably high salaries.Meanwhile, "What are all those Oahu Transit Services vice presidents doing?" I asked a bus driver. She responded, "They're paying themselves."
Yes, the union could have done a better job bringing its case to the public in July and August. Yes, the City Council and mayor are once again locked in paralyzing blame games. And yes, I'm inconvenienced. But members of Local 996 of Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers need to defend their union and their standard of living. The rest of us might recall that a rising tide raises all boats.
Vincent Kelly Pollard
HonoluluBus Rapid Transit is an oxymoron
Enough already about the Bus Rapid Transit system. I find it incredible that supposedly smart people are going to spend millions of taxpayer dollars to increase traffic congestion.I laugh every time I hear the name Bus Rapid Transit. The words "bus" and "rapid" should never be used in the same sentence. There is nothing rapid about BRT. It should be called the Bus Transit System. The experts point out that BRT systems have worked in other cities, but those cities added lanes for the buses. Every lane taken away from cars on Oahu will cause more congestion.
Drivers will leave their cars at home when they can travel in less time by a rapid mass transit system. Rapid mass transit systems don't compete with cars, and they don't stop for red lights. Zip lanes and contra-flow lanes are only Band-Aids that can help until we develop a real solution.
We have two choices: We can develop a real rapid mass transit system, or we can stay with gridlock. A real rapid mass transit system will be costly and could add a half-percent to the excise tax on Oahu. How much will it cost? Well, it will cost a lot more than when Mayor Fasi proposed it, and a lot less than it will cost 10 years from now. Why don't we let the public decide at the ballot box?
Donald Adams
Aiea
