[ NEW YEAR'S WISHES ] Readers, tell us about 2007 THE tick of the clock from December 2006's last second to January 2007's first is really no different from any other. Nonetheless, it marks a turn of time regarded as a genesis -- a beginning. The Star-Bulletin would like readers to submit their thoughts, ideas and hopes for 2007. Tell us what you would like the year to bring or what you expect 2007 will be like. Feel free to get the family involved -- we'd like to hear from our younger readers, too. And you're welcome to express your feelings in a photograph or drawing rather than words, if you prefer. Comments and observations may be personal or global, material or spiritual -- whatever is on your mind. We will publish your words on New Year's Day, along with some photos and other artwork you send. E-mail us at newyear@starbulletin.com, or send mail to Editorial Dept., Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI, 96813. We look forward to hearing from you.

Mugging proves smoking is bad for you

I read the story in the Nov. 23 Star-Bulletin about the mugged White House aide, Gregg Pitts, who was attacked in Waikiki.

The story says he stepped out of the bar in the International Market Place to smoke a cigarette. If he were a nonsmoker this would not have happened to him -- a good reason to quit. Also, the attack occurred at the entrance of a Chinese restaurant. Isn't this area smoke-free by law now? If he was at the entrance to the restaurant, he was in violation of the new law. The story didn't say if he was cited by police.

The law is in place for everyone -- there should be no exceptions.

Smoking ban brings great deal of relief

Thank you, Audun Davik, for sharing your personal story of how secondhand smoke damaged your lungs (Letters, Nov. 25). Your first-hand testimony is an excellent rebuttal to any smoker who claims that secondhand smoke has never damaged anybody.

For me the smoking ban has been pure relief and joy. I have been able to:

» stroll through and wait for buses at Ala Moana Shopping Center;

» use public restrooms in parks and beaches;

» snack on a bench near Huckleberry Farms health food store;

» watch and cheer on the Rainbow Wahine winning their Western Athletic Conference volleyball championship match at a sports bar -- and celebrate doubly -- all in a smoke-free environment.

Bless the smoking ban!

Misspelled banners disrespectful to vets

It was wonderful seeing such a band-heavy Waikiki Holiday Parade on Thanksgiving Friday. It was particularly satisfying that so many of them were high school groups visiting from all over the nation.

The one disturbing note to the occasion was the spelling on the banners that paid homage to the many ships sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and which preceded each band. The person(s) who designed them, after listing the name and number of a ship, concluded with the Latin phrase "In Memorium." Except that there is no "memorium" in Latin in this context. I saw the correct spelling, "In memoriam," on only one banner, the one for the USS Honolulu. Coincidence?

One would think that with the number of people involved with the design and production of these banners, someone along the way would have noticed something was amiss. That no one said a thing is a sad commentary on our educational system.

It was an embarrassment and showed considerable disrespect to the veterans of that December day, who also were being honored during the parade. Someone needs to be relieved of his/her job so he/she can try the school thing again.

Keep government out of transit business

After rush hour, between 7 and 9 p.m., bus ridership slackens to less than half the occupancy each bus can transport. This is why it costs taxpayers more than $80 million out of the $124 million-plus it costs to operate TheBus. Observe your tax dollars being spent as half-empty buses drive around the island.

Can you imagine a state-operated airline where only 12 people are on board a plane with a capacity of 120? Can you say "bankruptcy"?

This is the kind of government you deserve when only one political party is in charge, whether it is the Democratic Party or another.

Why be so cruel to unwanted animals?

Early last Friday morning, after having spent a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with friends, I left my house to drive into town. As I entered the highway from Kapolei, I saw a dead orange and white cat just past the on ramp. As I drove another 1,000 yards, I saw her dead gray and white kitten. Another 1,000 yards and I saw her dead black and white kitten.

I am saddened to think that someone would deliberately throw these animals on the highway to kill them, but they did. If this cat and kitten were too much of burden, all they needed to do was take them to the shelter. A home would have been quickly found for them. If the exercise was simply one of cruelty it is hard to comprehend such violence against small animals with no defense against man. What happened to Thanksgiving?

Dedication helps isle youth symphony soar

Yesterday's feature story on the Hawaii Youth Symphony caught my eye.

I served on the board of directors of the Hawaii Youth Symphony Association for more than 25 years and was its president until I had to resign because I left Hawaii. One of my proudest services to HYSA was to chair the selection committee that chose Henry Miyamura as musical director. It doesn't seem like 22 years ago, though.

I haven't been involved with the association for more than five years, but I am not surprised Les Murata is still around. He was the hardest-working member of the board. For one thing, I think he would be very hard to replace.

They say that no one is irreplaceable, but Miyamura and Murata could be the exceptions that prove the rule!

You'll kick yourself if you don't see Colt play

I read the comments by Associated Press college football writer Ralph D. Russo on how the NCAA has cheapened college football records and how University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan's accomplishments don't measure up to David Klingler's record (Star-Bulletin, Nov. 27). That is perfectly foolish. Colt has seldom stayed in more than three quarters this entire season. It means that Klingler's 11-game season resulted in more playing time than Colt will have had the whole year.

Colt Brennan is something special and the whole state should be proud. We have a rare opportunity to watch a young man play who will be a major impact in the NFL much too soon. Anyone who misses the chance to see him in action at Aloha Stadium deserves the regret they will feel once he begins to play Sundays. UH football has never been so much fun to watch!