Stop wooing more tourists to Waikiki

Why are our government and visitor industry leaders so intent upon stuffing 200 pounds of tourists in the 100-pound bag called Waikiki? The future of Hawaii's visitor industry lies in the neighbor islands, where charm and space still exist -- not on urbanized Oahu and certainly not in overly developed Waikiki.

Yet our leaders keep giving Waikiki most of the taxpayer-subsidized visitor industry advertising and "improvements." Unfortunately, the prime results are more congestion, concrete canyons and commercial outlets in Waikiki. Stranger yet, infrastructure needs go unattended as are the needs of residents who wish to enjoy Waikiki.

Our hospitality industry, visitors and islanders deserve better. Bring back the enchantment we once experienced at the Coco Palms, Kona Inn and other places where magic, romance and aloha filled the air.

Richard Y. Will

Restrictions are needed to curb fireworks

As a 30-year plus resident of Oahu, I used to appreciate and even enjoy the excitement of New Year's Eve. But the gross abuse of fireworks now leads me to dread that time of year.

In repeated testimony at the Legislature, I have tried to take a moderate position, saying that we need significant restrictions rather than a total ban. The right of people to use fireworks ends when that use directly affects the health of citizens.

It's the argument used against cigarette smoke in enclosed areas, except that on New Year's there is no escape. We need restrictions on dates, hours, quantity and location of use that are enforceable.

Jon D. Olsen

Meadow Gold gives back to the community

In response to your April 2 cover story on the price of milk, our company is sensitive to the bigger issue of pricing as it relates to supporting the local dairy industry. As many people know, doing business in Hawaii has its challenges due to its dependence on having the majority of ingredients, supplies and equipment shipped in from the mainland.

We are committed to providing consumers with superior-quality products at the best value. In our support of the local dairy industry, we must obtain self-sufficiency in as many industries as possible, especially with respect to diversified agriculture, which can significantly assist our economic development objectives.

We are a local business that has served Hawaii for 102 years. The majority of our employees grew up in the islands and feel strongly that we should give back to the community.

Thousands of volunteer hours are spent by our employees and through community relations programs that assist organizations in the areas of health, nutrition, social and civic causes, and education.These are some of the many ways we contribute to the success of local industries and products.

Glenn K. Muranaka
PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER
MEADOW GOLD DAIRIES

"We can use it to prevent what caused the problem in the first place: smoking." Dr. Virginia Pressler DEPUTY STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR On an extra $203 million that Hawaii will receive in addition to its original$1.1 billion settlement with the tobacco industry "Better to stay at home and watch. It's more comfortable. Can go bathroom whenever." Josie Apolo HILO RESIDENT Among the Big Islanders who prefer to see the Merrie Monarch Festival on TV instead of going down to watch it at Edith Kanakaole stadium

Radford students excel despite poor facilities

Radford High is denied much praise that it deserves. The school is filled with intelligent, motivated, eclectic young people who are destined to change the world someday.

Our graduates attend colleges all over the mainland. To many, this fact is astonishing after seeing the Radford campus, firsthand. How could such a broad-based student body come from a school as rundown as Radford?

What people don't see is the supportive atmosphere in the school. Despite its outward conditions, people are hard at work there giving every student a bright future.

Imagine what the results might be if Radford were held to the same standard as mainland schools, with facilities befitting the attitude of its students.

Marlayna Vaaler
RADFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Radford's in bad shape and needs help

If you have read the news, Radford High School needs some money. In my English class, there are missing spots where paint has peeled off over the years. The water fountains are gross and disgusting. Some of the science desks have been destroyed by termites! The teachers try their best, even if they don't have all the supplies they need.

I'm not writing all this because I have to: I'm writing because I want to be heard. All of the students at Radford should be heard. Please help us.

Maria Spolnicki
GRADE 9, RADFORD HIGH

No path is planned for Ala Wai Golf Course

There is a rumor circulating that the city is planning to use land that is now part of the Ala Wai Golf Course for a jogging or bike path. This is absolutely false.

This message from Mayor Harris is posted at the Ala Wai Golf Course: "The city will not put a bike path/pedestrian promenade along the mauka side of the Ala Wai Canal, through the Ala Wai Golf Course and the golf course parking lot. The bike path route will proceed on its current path, then turn to the Date Street corridor, where it will connect at the Kapahulu Bike Path."

Alvin K.C. Au
DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE SERVICES
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU

Cops should bust teens for speeding

It broke my heart to learn about the fatal accident during spring break. Two cars filled with teens, ages 15-18, were racing at high speeds on Moanalua Freeway and lost control. The crash killed boy and critically injured others.

This tragedy made me think about how many of my friends constantly race, thinking that it is "cool." Last fall, one was in critical condition because of a bad speeding accident. He was in the hospital for a long time and the doctors didn't know if he would survive; he is lucky to be alive today.

There are ways to prevent these tragedies. Police should enforce stricter laws about speeding by patrolling the highways and looking out for fast-moving cars. Maybe if there were greater consequences, people (especially teens) would think before driving recklessly.

Kristin Au
PEARL CITY

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