Does 'successful' UH football make money?

Touting a "huge, ramped-up, successful football program," University of Hawaii President Evan Dobelle said, "We spend a million taxpayer dollars a year at the university and generate $16 million that pay for our athletic budget" (Star-Bulletin, Aug. 21). He was trying to justify football coach June Jones' newly negotiated salary, which seems excessive to many Hawaii taxpayers.

Dobelle's statement was made at a conference on, of all things, economic and financial literacy, sponsored by the Hawaii Council on Economic Education.

Because Dobelle is the head of an institution that engages in economic research, I wonder if he would be willing to have his loose talk verified by a team of UH economists, with the goal of determining whether the UH football program is a net money earner or loser, if all costs are taken into consideration. Costs would include the coach's salary; the salaries of other coaches; administrative staff salaries and benefits; facilities construction and maintenance; recruiting, training, travel and publicity costs; and legal and insurance fees. Inspired UH economists should be able to complete the list.

Warren Iwasa
Honolulu

Jones lucky he's not a coach in England

What do I care for a University of Hawaii football season that always seems to be over before it's begun, and the ludicrous if not absurd salary paid to coach June Jones -- probably three times more than the U.S. president, plus myriad related perks. Not to mention that is the equivalent of about 10 coaches' salaries in the English Premier Football (soccer) league, whose teams play 40 games a season, which lasts nine months. Unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable.

John L. Werrill
Honolulu

What's green inside, brown on the outside?

Everyone is aware of water conservation, but to let the area around Aloha Stadium get so brown and neglected will give our tourists a bad image of Hawaii. It has been this way for months. They can spend millions of dollars on FieldTurf, but not for the grass or plants around the stadium. I noticed several trees that have died in the area between Pearl Harbor and Aloha Stadium.

Alvin Wong
Pearl City

Members of Reserve, Guard instill awe

Last month I participated in "Operation Bosslift." This venture was put together by the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserves, which flew 58 of us to the mainland on a Hawaii Air Force Reserve KC-135 to view Reserve and Guard operations. While on the mainland, we observed the following:

>> Live-fire exercises by Hawaii Army Reserves

>> The Naval Post Graduate School

>> The Defense Language Institute

>> The 129th Air Rescue wing (a California Reserve outfit) in operation

>> Coast Guard operations at Treasure Island

We then flew home on the same KC-135 tanker, and were fortunate to observe two in-flight refuelings of Hawaii Air Guard F-15's.

I was an Air Force pilot 37 years ago, flying the KC-135 and refueling fighters heading to the Vietnam theater of operations.

Later, I flew fighters. This put me on the receiving end of the "gas passers," so you might say I've done this before. It was certainly great reliving my past.

The tanker crews and the F-15 pilots were proficient in their refueling duties, which for most is a part-time job. What an amazing accomplishment!

This trip provided many memories and impressions, with the people the most memorable of all. All the reservists and Guard members were well trained, well equipped and awesome to observe in action.

I have a new respect and admiration for members of the Reserves and the Guard. I am grateful for their sacrifices on my behalf, on behalf of Hawaii and on behalf of the United States.

Jack Schneider
Honolulu

Sonny and group gave aloha to new resident

I enjoyed John Berger's article on Sonny Kamahele ("Halekulani mainstay Kamahele to retire," Star-Bulletin, Aug 25). The House Without a Key won't be the same without him.

I was fortunate to meet Sonny when I first arrived from the mainland nearly 20 years ago. I would linger over a drink at the Halekulani while Sonny and his group were performing. They were wonderful! And Sonny soon made me feel right at home in Hawaii. What a talented, kind and generous man he is.

I'll never forget you, Sonny. Thanks for the memories.

Mary Blair
Pahoa, Hawaii

Addiction is a disease, not a moral issue

I seldom read a Gathering Place that I totally disagree with, but you published one by Richard O. Rowland ("'Ice' use is a decision, not a curable disease," Aug. 28) that fills the bill. I have written about and researched crystal meth for more than six years. I've talked and listened to hundreds of ice addicts in recovery. I've contacted professionals all over the nation to get their opinions and advice.

I'm not a professional in the field myself, but allow me to quote from Kevin Kunz, whose guest column appeared in the Star-Bulletin on Feb. 27, 1999. Kunz, a physician at Kona Community Hospital, is a specialist in addiction treatment. He shared with Star-Bulletin readers the lessons he had learned:

>> Addiction is a disease of the brain. It is not a crime, not a lack of will, not a moral issue.

>> Treatment for drug addiction works.

>> Use of the criminal justice system and interdiction to reduce illegal drugs and their harm is misguided and inadequate.

>> Substance abuse must be treated like any other disease by Hawaii's health-care providers and insurance companies.

James V. Hall
Honolulu