Football coach's pay is embarrassingly high

When June Jones came to Hawaii, did somebody say "it's not about money," or was I dreaming? Now we learn the University of Hawaii football coach may be the highest-paid state employee ("Top of the Crop," Star-Bulletin, June 17).

Surely that's an embarrassment to the good man as well as to the state, and he becomes a lighting rod for controversy. Maybe he is simply the right man in the right place at the wrong time. Football used to be a sport. What is it now? And does the state have the will to regain its lost perspective?

Tom Dolan

Lowell rankles pols by remaining resolute

Thank you for the article "Checking Out" about state Librarian Virginia Lowell in the June 15 Sunday Insight section. Building the new branch library at Kapolei with the Legislature failing to fully fund the project to cover staff, books and maintenance is incredible! It's like a Marx Brothers comedy. Imagine producing an aircraft without the power plant and instrumentation and expecting it to fly.

The peevish attitudes of Lowell critics Sens. Bob Hogue and Fred Hemming are reflected in their criticism of Lowell's "nonpolitical" approach to managing the library system. This faulty logic is best represented by Hogue's own words: "She did a terrific job of getting the system back on course, but I think the timing is right for her to move on. The state is better served by someone more open to community concerns."

The point is, Lowell was concerned for the whole community and the effect of deep budget cuts. She openly expressed her advocacy for the integrity of the system and would not be subservient to the politicians.

So Hawaii continues on its way to mediocrity driven by legislative governance with its own agenda and plantation mentality.

Tony Locascio

Homeless take root in pineapple fields

I notice more and more homeless people every day in Hawaii. It seems they are everywhere. What bothers me the most is the homeless people living in their cars and setting up camps in the pineapple fields owned by Dole and Del Monte.

I live in Whitmore Village, which is surrounded by pineapple fields. Lately, I see more people living in the pineapple fields, and, as a result, thefts and drugs also have increased.

I have talked to Del Monte and Dole security personnel, and they realize there is a problem, but nothing seems to be done about it. I also had my city councilman write letters to Del Monte and Dole, and yet the homeless still remain.

Joel Nonaka

Drivers, please pay attention to cyclists

If everyone rode a bicycle to work for three months, we'd have a ton more considerate and responsible drivers. I think it's interesting that people equate toughness with the kind of car they drive. Try riding a bike to work every day and see if you last even a month out there in the chaos.

Most of the folks I know who have managed to ride for years share a number of things.

First, most of us have been hit at least once. Second, every person who has ever hit us or comes close almost always says, "I didn't see you." Third, we all ride defensively and with extreme focus. To let that focus slip even for a second means we, not you, are the ones who either get maimed or killed.

So drivers, I implore you, have consideration for others on the road. They may not be able to go as fast as you or get out of your way quickly enough, but please drive responsibly and patiently. Remember that one cyclist on the road means one less car contributing to awful, gridlocked traffic. Remember that cars create traffic jams, not bicycles.

The road is ours to share, and the challenge is yours.

Matthew Yee

Sharing culture is student's parting gift

I have been a student in Hawaii for the past three years and will graduate this week from Brigham Young University-Hawaii. It has been a wonderful experience and so very different from growing up in Mongolia. I always had good impressions about the friendliness of the people of Hawaii and was happy to learn the culture.

When people find out I'm from Mongolia, they often ask questions about my country. Then I began to realize that people know almost nothing about my country and its history. Mongolia is an independent country in the north- eastern part of Eurasia, between Russia and China. It is a full-fledged member of the United Nations and maintains diplomatic relations with more than 130 countries.

Some people may distinguish Mongolia by its name, "The Great Mongol Empire," established by Chinggis Khaan (or Genghis Khan). However, Mongolia has been a democratic country since a peaceful revolution in 1990.

Since then, Mongolia has chosen a path of building and developing a humane, civil, democratic society combining political and economic democracy. We also have shopping centers and soccer. In fact, there are more similarities than differences between us.

From here I will attend graduate school in Indiana, and I hope to return to Mongolia to teach, always remembering my time in Hawaii.

Batsukh Batmunkh
Laie

Hillary Clinton conquers her troubles

Soon I will nestle comfortably in my bed and read U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton's memoirs with earnest warmth and interest.

I am one of many millions throughout the world who have felt her pain and shame. We are also very happy and proud that she is now a senator and on her way to bigger and better things. She stands very tall among the female species. Her intellectual wisdom places her among the greatest of all women.

Despite normal feelings and expectations of love, educated women like Hillary realize the frailties and indiscretions of the male species and struggle beyond their good sense to forgive and forget.

She has conquered this hurt with unbelievable fortitude and common sense.

Jane Watanabe