Media ownership needs FCC regulation
During the Reagan years the fairness doctrine requiring the broadcasting of both sides of an issue of public importance was eliminated. Further chipping away at the public getting accurate information occurred recently when the FCC overturned a 32-year-old ban allowing broadcasters in the nation's 20 largest markets to also own a newspaper.
David Holcberg of the Ayn Rand Institute wrote (Letters, Dec. 28) that broadcasters have the right to own as many newspapers as they please and shouldn't need FCC permission for that. Not so!
A media corporation may own as many newspapers as it can afford, but if that same newspaper wants to operates or purchase a broadcast outlet, the FCC, which regulates the use of public airwaves and controls radio and television station ownership, has the final say. In the past this ensured the public received a diversity of viewpoints, but now you may be exposed to even more of the alleged fair and balanced coverage that provides not only the millionaires' side of the story, but also the plight of billionaires.
Stephen Burns
Mililani
Parks cannot handle stress of campers
Regarding the Dec. 27 story "
Nanakuli park closure will force out squatters," I am glad to see that these Nanakuli/Maili parks will be cleaned and returned to the general public.
For anyone wanting to argue that the homeless should be allowed to live at the beach parks, I would encourage you to consider the realities of such living:
» In 2007 there were two violent homicides among the homeless camps on the Waianae Coast beaches.
» Police have found guns and drugs in tents at these homeless camps.
» The December storm blew down power poles and power lines onto tents of the homeless beach dwellers.
» Even though not all homeless people living on the beaches are drug users or alcoholics, there is rampant alcohol and drug abuse day and night.
» These beach parks were designed for occasional camping, not permanent living.
» As just one example that these parks are being used beyond their designed capacity, when the Department of Health did a survey of the bathrooms on the Waianae Coast, their field reports described dreadfully unsanitary conditions.
» Some of these beach parks are not designed for even short-term camping, and as such they have no bathrooms, yet they are filled with homeless campers.
» The children living in these camps do not have homework areas.
» Children in this risky environment will likely become the next lost generation.
» The beach parks that are inhabited by homeless campers are often considered off limits to those living in houses. The Waianae Sustainable Plan calls for more parks for our residents, not fewer.
I am neither an activist for nor adversary against the homeless; I am an advocate for the community of Waianae. There are many residents who realize that the current method of having homeless people live in the beach parks is failing all segments of our community, both those who live in homes and those who do not.
The Waianae Neighborhood Board's Housing Committee has worked with the public, including homeless advocates, and developed a list of recommendations to immediately solve the beach homeless problem. This list has been sent to the city and county and the state.
The City and County of Honolulu has cleaned some of the parks and is continuing to clean more. I'm looking forward to hearing from the state regarding the recommendations sent to them to solve this tragic problem.
Denise M. Saylors
Waianae Neighborhood Board
Housing Committee chairwoman
Bulldog fan made friends in UH territory
I want to thank the beautiful people of Hawaii for their support of the Warriors this week in New Orleans. As a Bulldog fan, meeting these people was an awesome experience for me and my family.
We stayed at University of Hawaii headquarters, a very fortunate mistake in room booking, with the entire Warrior nation. I have never met a nicer bunch of people. Those who endured the expense and long flight from the islands -- players, coaches and everyone else wearing the green and white -- it was enlightening and enjoyable.
SEC football gets awfully competitive, and sometimes that attitude moves from the field to personal attacks. I very much hope that our "Dawg" fans and all "Southerners" showed you the respect that was deserving of the wonderful people you are.
Thanks for bringing so many fans for me to meet. Although I have never been to Hawaii, I plan to come soon, as you have really impressed me. Normally I would not have worn another team's colors during a game, but made an exception for the beautiful lei that was given to me from Aloha Airlines and UH beads to my children.
Richard Kepp and family
Houston
New Orleans, Hawaii can both celebrate
On behalf of everyone in New Orleans, we congratulate the Warriors on their visit to the Sugar Bowl. Although the game was not won, the people of both Hawaii and New Orleans have much to be happy for. Many thanks to those who shared their true aloha spirit. The University of Hawaii accomplished something never done before and should feel nothing but pride and joy. You will always have ohana in New Orleans.
I have been many places in the world, and Hawaii is still my favorite. We wish you all the best in the New Year! Mahalo!
Frank "Palani" Brigtsen
Brigtsen's Restaurant
New Orleans
Team gave its fans whole season of thrills
I hope the fans there remember the weeks of thrills and fun provided by the University of Hawaii football team, and not just what happened to them in the Sugar Bowl.
Those kids and the coaching staff had a truly special season and collectively deserve the biggest "atta boy" you folks can muster.
Bravo Zulu Warriors, Bravo Zulu.
Peter Diespecker
Courtenay, B.C.
Canada
Hawaii supporters won over Bulldog fan
I am a lifelong Georgia Bulldog fan and was at the Sugar Bowl. While I was pleased with the result, I must say, Hawaii has a new fan. I had the pleasure of meeting many of your wonderful fans both at the game and around town. All were extremely nice and passionate about their team. They have won me over.
While the Dawgs will remain my team, I also have a new team for which to root. For that, mahalo! -- and go Warriors.
Clete Holmes
Villa Rica, Ga.