It's genius to switch jobs of former aides

Congratulations to Governor Cayetano for his stroke of genius in nominating Earl Anzai for attorney general. Now for the obvious follow-up: Margery Bronster for budget director.

W.W. Robinson
Via the Internet

People should report negligent drivers

The tendency of drivers to violate pedestrians' right-of-way in marked crosswalks with great abandonment has become epidemic and increasingly fatal. A simple remedy might be for the police department and/or city administration to put all citizens on notice that such violations will not be tolerated.

As part of the remedy, every citizen, pedestrian and driver should report any violator's license number to 911.

If drivers understand that the whole world is watching and that their license numbers can be used as evidence against them that they have violated the right-a-way of pedestrians, their behavior and attitudes will change very quickly.

The first offense could result in a $25 and each subsequent violation would double the last fine imposed.

Robert A. Farrow
Via the Internet

Visitors feel unwelcome at Ko Olina lagoons

If you haven't visited the four beautiful lagoons and beaches at Ko Olina Resort yet, don't bother. The owners of the resort apparently do not want us there. It appears the resort is only for their privileged guests.

As you drive into the resort, you are greeted by a person at the security gate and immediately handed papers listing numerous things you cannot do and places you may not visit on the property.

Then, as you drive toward the last lagoon (the only one at which visitors are permitted to park), you will see formidable security people and orange traffic cones blocking the entrances to other areas of the resort.

When you arrive at the beach, there are signs posted which include a long list of things you are not allowed: no umbrellas, no music, no bikes, etc. The list is long.

That is not the end of it. Security personnel comb the beaches to make sure no one takes anything into the water like rafts, rings or floats. Someone was even given a warning for hanging a towel on a branch to dry.

We cut our visit to Ko Olina short. No, it wasn't the weather but the overwhelming feeling that local people are intruders at the resort. It was a disappointing, demeaning and absolutely unenjoyable day at the beach.

Marilyn Walsh
Via the Internet

There's no redeeming value in burning flag

In response to Diane Chang's July 5 column, "Protecting the right to burn the flag, " I believe that burning the flag should be illegal because it:

Undermines all that is good and right with this country.

Insults all the men and women who have lost their lives fighting for our nation.

Sends a message to our children that nothing in this country is sacred or above defamation.

Says that we as a people are more interested in protecting the counterproductive acts of a few than standing up for what we believe as a nation.

Pollutes the air.

Bret R. Hinerman
Makakilo
Via the Internet

Quotables "I'm finally relieved. (The contract negotiation) was long and kind of frustrating but, finally, I'm a Giant." Jerome Williams RIGHT-HANDED PITCHER AND HIGHEST MAJOR LEAGUE DRAFT PICK EVER FROM HAWAII After the Waipahu High graduate signed with the San Francisco Giants for a bonus of more than $800,000 "My girlfriend and I just looked at each other and wept. It was a moment for all of us, for all the people who were part of this history." Alexis Kane CO-HEAD COACH OF HAWAII PACIFIC'S WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM Describing the thrill of being in Pasadena's Rose Bowl, with more than 900,000 other fans, watching the U.S. team win the Women's World Cup

Rule changes will help fill convention center

The Hawaii Convention Center Authority (HCCA) recently approved the use of the Hawaii Convention Center by Hawaiian Island Ministries (HIM) for its Honolulu 2000 conference to be held March 2-4, 2000.

Until this year, use of the convention center by a local organization was strictly prohibited because its primary purpose was:

1) To attract out-of-state conventions that would bring people to Hawaii to fill hotels and pump new money into the local economy.

2) To not compete with businesses that provide facilities for weddings, fund-raisers, meetings, conventions and other local gatherings that may want to use the convention center.

However, because the center has not been used as much as its supporters expected, and because tough economic times require innovative ways to utilize its untapped potential, the policy was recently modified.

Now, with the modification of its out-of-state policy, the HCCA has created a win-win situation: The center will receive some badly needed income and HIM will be able to sponsor its largest and best conference ever.

More important, thousands of people will be fed by outstanding Christian speakers and workshop leaders.

Thank you, HCCA, for allowing this to happen.

William T. Kinaka
Wailuku, Maui

Shark finning is an inhumane practice

To those persons involved in the repulsive torture and killing of sharks, and to the politicians and government authorities who allow it to continue, you are making a huge mistake.

I can't think of a more cruel thing to do to an animal than cutting off its arms, legs or fins, and then throwing it back to die a tortured death. The longline fishing industry is also killing turtles, sea birds and large marlin, and all because of greed.

The shark or "mano" is a Hawaiian and Polynesian aumakua or god of the ocean, and considered a protector of the ocean and the family. This practice is an insult to all the people of Polynesia and should be banned entirely.

By decimating the shark population, it is highly possible that the entire ecological balance of the ocean is in danger.

Please call and write to your state and federal representatives and demand an end to this uncivilized madness. Pass the shark finning bill, HB 1706, during the special legislative session.

Bart Cahoon
U.S. Merchant Marine Officer
1st Lt. USA (Ret.)

Let's temporarily fill Natatorium with sand

Seeing the Natatorium restored to its original condition would be nice. However, there are many different opinions about whether it should be restored and how much should be spent on it.

Since the pool has become controversial, maybe we should fill it up with sand for now. We could then use it as a beach volleyball court or a place for concerts and shows. Filling the pool with sand will make it easier if we decide to later restore the Natatorium to its original condition.

Terence Okuda
Via the Internet

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