READERS RAGE ON ABOUT SPEED CAMERAS

Other safety laws go unenforced

Marilyn Kali, the spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation, speaks more like a dictator than a public official.

If the DOT is sincere and concerned about safety, what about a helmet law for motorcycle riders? What is the policy or law for a construction company diverting traffic without a police officer present? What is the law about the length of an object that could be placed on the roof of a vehicle -- such as a kayak, canoe or surfboard -- without a red flag at the end?

There are many other ways the state can generate revenues if it would enforce the laws.

P.Y. Ho

Keep traffic cameras -- they do the job

For 44 years I have driven the speed limit. Recently I drove to Costco to get groceries. While on Kalanianaole Highway, I noticed that traffic was moving at a safe, sane speed, no faster than the posted speed limit. The traffic was moving at the posted speed limit because of the presence of the photo-vans. Before the photo-vans were installed, the traffic on this highway often moved like "bats out of hell."

Speed kills. Keep the photo vans because they are working.

Joseph Zuiker

Increase speed limits on freeways

Immature attitudes in drivers are still the biggest problem on the roads. We should remember that the van drivers who are monitoring and issuing speeding tickets are doing the job they were trained to do. The public should not take this new law personally and insult or injure the van employees, even if frustration is part of the picture. Show some courtesy, anyway.

Our legislators should address the problem by passing laws that increase speeds on the freeways to 65 mph, with lower speeds where risk is greater because of terrain, weather conditions and heavier traffic congestion. This would require common sense, but common sense is like the common mango -- hard to find these days.

Hazel Yamada

[Quotables] "I get no parking, I get no concessions and I don't run the stadium. To me, that just doesn't make sense for a big-time athletics program." Evan Dobelle University of Hawaii president, on how much money the school could make if it managed the Aloha Stadium. The stadium currently is managed by the Stadium Authority, under the state Department of Accounting and General Services. "I feel a little bit better knowing that it didn't happen; however, we shouldn't underestimate stuff like this. I'm still cautious. I'm always cautious with my kids." Kim Medeiros Makakilo mother of 12-year-old Kapolei Middle School student Keoni Medeiros, on finding out that another student's story about being abducted at knife-point from a city bus stop was untrue.

Hurricane fund belongs to taxpayers

We need to remind our legislators that the hurricane fund is the citizen's money, held in trust by the state. The money belongs to the taxpayers.

If there were a hurricane tomorrow, we'd need the money. If the state cannot be trusted to guard the fund, it must be returned to the people. The state has no more right to touch the trust fund than the bank has to touch entrusted monies on deposit.

How dare the governor even propose such a robbery? We need to remind our legislators to keep the state honest. What part of "in trust" doesn't the governor understand?

Regan P. Timms

Waikiki programs draw island residents

The movie screen at Waikiki Beach for the city's Sunset on the Beach programs may be slightly imposing. However, the screen is removed when not in use and only the frame remains.

These programs have brought great benefits to our economy and have brought many local residents back to Waikiki. Brunch on Beach is another wonderful event.

We should commend and congratulate Mayor Jeremy Harris for his vision, and his staff for their support.

Joseph W.C. Young

Governor, Apana offer taxing solutions

Once again, Gov. Cayetano has shown his disregard for Hawaii taxpayers by proposing an increased tax on booze. And our very own Maui Mayor Kimo Apana, showing he knows a thing or two about the "plantation-mentality" socialism of Hawaii, favors any and all taxes for already overtaxed citizens. With his own special twist, Mayor Apana would like to increase taxes for tourists through rental car fees.

Showing that they have complete disregard for the health and safety of Hawaii's citizens, the Cayetanos and Apanas of Hawaii seek to stimulate the economy through increased taxation.

The source of the next tax dollar is obviously much more important to Cayetano and Apana.

Steve Baker
Kahului

Restaurant smoking ban too complicated

The recent efforts by the City Council to ban smoking in restaurants is a half-baked, grandstanding event. Simply put, a true smoking ban is outright -- in all restaurants and bars without exception. The Council's proposal appears so complicated with so many exceptions that employees of bars and restaurants will continue to be put at risk.

California enacted a ban on smoking in every restaurant and bar without exception. The restaurant and bar owners said they feared losing business, but they didn't. People tell me they eat out more often now because they do so without their eyes or throats being irritated by second-hand smoke.

Von Kenric Kaneshiro

Politicians don't need gambling

The politicians who say "we don't need gambling" are right -- they don't need it. They have jobs at the trough.

The tourism industry might benefit from gambling. Instead, let's extend unemployment benefits for those in the tourism industry indefinitely and fund them with money we don't have. Yeah, that's the ticket.

Stephen Dowd

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