Southern hospitality blends well with aloha

Although I was not able to be in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, I would like to send a big mahalo to that city for extending its gracious hospitality to our Hawaii people. It takes an extra helping of grace to be able to host such a large event when still recovering from the recent turmoil. And mahalo to Nola.com for its positive coverage of Vili, our team and their supporters.

It was an honor for Hawaii to be there and to experience the collective outpouring of Southern hospitality and aloha.

Hawaii fans made good impression

My heart is broken for the wonderful Hawaii fans who traveled so far for their great team. Just know that the people of New Orleans were pulling for Hawaii to win. Everyone is so impressed with how nice the Hawaii residents are. We feel a kinship with the fans, as we have supported the New Orleans Saints for so long.

As we always say, "Wait until next year." I hope to see Hawaii in the bowl game again.

Go Warriors ... unless they're playing Georgia

Aloha, dear friends in Waikiki! I have been a lifelong University of Georgia Bulldog fan and was so happy my Bulldogs won the game with the University of Hawaii last night. However, since my last visit to Hawaii in June, I love Hawaii and all that it represents.

Do not give up now, even though the score was one-sided. You have a great team, great coach and great fans! I loved the ha'a dance and your band is excellent. We love the Hawaiian music and the dance, and the people are so warm and friendly ... who wouldn't love it?

Get ready to stomp the Gators this fall. Bulldogs don't like Gators! I'll be pulling for you with any other team you play, but I have to say, go Dawgs!

Aloha once again!

Can athletic director keep it going at UH?

University of Hawaii head coach June Jones has proved what our state has wanted to believe since the last UH bowl appearance 15 years ago: that our football team can be a consistent winner. In 1999, Jones took a significant career risk and sacrificed millions in salary because he felt called to a higher purpose: to restore the dignity of our football program and realign it with the Polynesian culture it represents. His love for our islands and our team has produced a level of team camaraderie that is phenomenal.

The university has benefited financially through increased attendance, brisk sales of Warrior gear and bowl game payouts. Nevertheless, program facilities remain in dire want to the point of our star quarterback and coach having to ask for things as petty as soap in the shower and new carpet in the office.

Mr. Frazier, please demonstrate your commitment to our football program. Let us remember you as the athletic director who kept Coach Jones in Hawaii.

Light show improved drive into town

Darlene (my honey) and I enjoyed a family party on New Year's Eve at her sister's in Mililani. Darlene felt ill, and we left 10 minutes before midnight. As we drove H-2 downhill just before 12, we were treated to family fireworks on our right. We turned onto H-1 and watched Pearl City and the Highlands with an incredible number of aerial displays. We could see to downtown displays, also. We must have watched more than 100 launchings from the freeway.

It was the absolute best fireworks display I have ever seen, and we were nearly alone on the freeway. Thank you, Honolulu.

Fireworks prove lie of homeland security

Another New Year's Eve has passed, and I must admit the aerials were better than ever. Driving from the North Shore back to Kailua, aerials were everywhere. Wahiawa, Pearl City, Kaneohe -- they all had them and they were so colorful. How can anyone not like them?

I think Homeland Security should be congratulated on keeping our state safe. Obviously there is no way a terrorist could sneak in an atomic bomb or other deadly weapon.

Homeland Security reminds me of our old quarantine system where lots of money was sucked up but no proven results came from it. Another fine example of your taxes at work.

Residents appreciate park cleanup efforts

I was happy to hear the city's plan to close Ulehawa Beach Park to overnight camping (Star-Bulletin, Dec. 27). It feels good that the city is listening to the Leeward community's concerns about the situation on the beach. I really hope that the cleanup extends to Maipalaoa Park, which lies directly in between Ulehawa and Maili beach parks. If that beach is included, then the entire beach in Maili would be free from illegal camping.

Our community has been patient, and I'm happy to see that progress is being made.