Brainstorm! Challenge

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Pali overpass to H-1 should be two lanes

The Department of Transportation should look into painting a median strip on the Pali Highway overpass onto the H-1 freeway eastbound, which also splits off onto Punchbowl Street. In addition, a sign should indicate that the left lane is for H-1 eastbound and the right lane is for Punchbowl.

I can tell you from my daily experience using this overpass that there are two types of driving habits, depending upon the time of day. Generally, on regular business days, vehicles automatically assume the respective lanes they wish to proceed onto, with the left lane used for entry onto H-1 eastbound and the right lane for entry onto Punchbowl Street. But on weekends this mind-set disappears so that a single lane takes the overpass. Unfortunately, when this occurs, those of us who use this overpass during the week expect there to be two lanes, which results in some grumbling.

My suggestion is that the DOT try this out. It would involve only painting a line and some traffic signs. I'd even paint the line and donate the paint.

Jack Schweigert
Honolulu

Don't vote for Bush simply out of fear

A president is supposed to be a man or a woman the population agrees with, not a person the population supports because they are afraid not to. The population is allowed to support or not support the president. It is not a crime to dislike war or to dislike bloodshed.

A president is supposed to be an elected official, not a Supreme Court choice who can guilt-trip an entire nation with his words, "If you are not with us, you are against us."

People voting for George W. Bush, please stop and think. Are you voting for him because he is the better candidate or because you are frightened not to?

Jane Anderson Harvill
Honaunau, Hawaii

Second-in-command deserves protection

I was upset to read about Senate Bill 2372, which aims to remove the protection for the lieutenant governor's family. It seems almost surreal that the Legislature would put a family in danger for the purpose of party politics. It is more than convenient that since statehood Democratic governors' and lieutenant governors' families have been protected, but as soon as a Republican takes office, the protection is to be removed.

The amount of protection provided for family members is not publicly known. That very lack of knowledge is a deterrent. The Democratic Legislature wants to remove the deterrent by proclaiming in law that the lieutenant governor's family has no protection at all.

Just the fact that we live in a world of post-Sept. 11 terrorism should be enough to keep the protection. The fact that Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona has, as mentioned in your article, served as a high-profile judge in the state's first drug court and has taken the lead in the fight against "ice" should make all of us concerned about the protection of his family.

The lieutenant governor is the successor to the governor in case of emergency, and the office deserves the full protection that such responsibility entails.

I urge all Hawaii residents to call on the Legislature to continue protecting the families of the governor and lieutenant governor, whether they are Democrats or Republicans.

Frank Lavoie
Honolulu

Isle values change and paradise is lost

I first came to Hawaii in 1958. The superstructure of the USS Arizona was still above water, jet travel was yet to come, Ala Moana Center was under construction and you had yet to acquire statehood. Since then my wife and I have visited the islands some 24 times and enjoyed it as a winter break.

During the last decade or so, we have witnessed a decline in the human aspect of your paradise. Gone are the Polynesian Pub on Kalakaua Avenue and the Two Paddle Pub in the Outrigger. Our beloved Liberty House was taken over by Macy's of New York. Also gone is affordable accommodation in most of Waikiki.

Downtown Waikiki and Ala Moana Center have gone to high-end clientele who worship at the altar of international designer houses.

While these international houses are prospering through these times, Hawaii and especially Waikiki have turned their backs on the very generations that created them. As an avid golfer I am puzzled that when I drive past some of your excellent golf courses, there are very few golfers enjoying the links. On further investigation I am shocked at the green fees being so high. One would think a full course with more clientele at the 19th hole and pro shop would be more desirable.

Many of our friends are declining to visit your state for just these reasons.

Ronald F. Espin
North Vancouver
British Columbia

Canada

Eastbound H-1 drivers lucky to find LCC

The Department of Transportation should correct the signage problem for Leeward Community College. For those traveling eastbound on the H-1, there is an exit sign for Leeward Community College. Upon taking the exit for LCC, you will see two signs: one for Waipahu and the other for Honolulu and Pearl City. There is nothing indicating whether you should take the Waipahu exit or the Honolulu or Pearl City exit to get to LCC. If you decide to take the Honolulu-Pearl City exit, you will miss LCC, and you will have to go all the way to the Pearl City exit, double back, travel back to Kamehameha Highway and then head westbound. Then the signage for Leeward Community College is clear and well marked, but you will have wasted time and energy getting there.

If you take the Waipahu exit, you will end up heading in the correct direction toward Leeward Community College. If you miss the Waipahu exit, like we did, you will be very upset.

For all the travelers on the road who venture to LCC from the west, a proper, well-marked sign for Leeward Community College would save an abundance of time and energy.

Jason Tani
Honolulu

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[ BRAINSTORM! ] Does Honolulu need a city museum, and what should be in it? Does history matter? If so, whose history? Bishop Museum is one of the leading cultural museums in the United States, but it is not a history center. Honolulu seems to be the only state capital city without a municipal museum. Does Honolulu need a city museum? What should be in it? Where should it be? Should such a museum be a collection of artifacts or a learning center? Would such a museum be geared for Hawaii education or for entertaining tourists? Send your ideas by March 17 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.com Or mail them to: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Fax: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson 529-4750