Brainstorm! Challenge

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We need bathrooms, not more laws

Build and maintain more public toilets before making laws to prevent urinating in public (Star-Bulletin, Feb. 26)! If it's a choice of peeing in your pants or doing it "in public," which one would you choose?

Don't the legislators have more important issues to work on? Or is this the only one they can solve together?

Steve Tayama
Waimanalo

Accused shooter not 'forced' to do anything

Regarding the story in which Miti Maugaotega, the suspect in the break-in and shooting of homeowner Eric Kawamoto, says he was "forced to fire" (Star-Bulletin, Feb. 26): I am sorry, but he was not forced to fire. He made several decisions:

>> to carry the gun
>> to make a forceful entry of Kawamoto's home
>> to use the gun

These were all his decisions and his alone. The problem is Hawaii's liberal judicial system allowing repeat offenders to go free after 30 or 60 days. Some repeat offenders who have been arrested for breaking and entering more than 15 times are walking the streets. My home was broken into and several items stolen, so I know how Kawamoto felt. It is an incredible feeling not to feel safe in your home. Had I been in his situation, I would have done the same thing that Kawamoto did.

Several states have the three-strikes rule: If you go before the judge three times, you are locked up for good. Another law in some states is that you have the right to use deadly force to protect yourself and your property.

Is it worth it to break into someone's home when you know that the homeowner might put five center mass into you? I do not care what the invader is carrying, I will defend my property and if he comes out on the short end, then that will save someone else's home from being broken into.

Russell Hoover
Kapolei

GOP should back TV noncompetitive clause

Local Republican lawmakers oppose a House bill to ban "noncompetitive" clauses in employment contracts for island television personnel, according to a recent AP story. They argue that the state should not meddle in private employment contracts.

This seems strange to me. Aren't Republicans all about "free markets"? Shouldn't this philosophical bent include the labor market? Surely they don't support "involuntary servitude"? Why constrain the supply of local talent in the face of media demand?

Ed Greaney
Kailua

We all should step up and pay for schools

A major problem that Hawaii's education system faces today is lack of funding. Everyone talks about how important education is, but no one is willing to pay for it. We all complain about the cost of things, such as increased taxes, and seemingly unnecessary budget cuts, but money makes things grow. We cannot expect the education system to "step it up," if we are not willing to "dish it out."

One problem that is produced from a lack of funds is a lack of classrooms. The number of students in classes has increased, which causes lack of attention to students who need help. The further a student falls behind, the harder it is for him to keep up. Eventually, he gives up.

We need to start looking at education as a priority. The government should be focusing funds on education. The results of a better education might not affect us right away, but in the long run it will be well worth it.

Kimberly Ushijima
Aiea

Give superintendent a chance to do her job

Schools Superintendent Pat Hamamoto knows exactly what's broken in our school system and has told us how it needs to be fixed ("Hamamoto details failures and touts more control at local levels," Star-Bulletin, Jan. 29). Why are we not letting her carry out her plan?

I couldn't care less whether the Democrats or Republicans support Hamamoto. It's infuriating to see how politicians are again playing their game, using the people as their pawns.

After hearing Hamamoto's speech to the Legislature, I felt optimism and hope for our kids. She's been there. She was right on target. I've taught in the public schools here for decades and, along with many others, "worked around" the broken system.

Many people who haven't been in the trenches at the classroom level, basing their opinions on lofty theory only, insist that the governor's reform proposal for local school boards is the only answer. What's broken is much more than the nature of the governing board.

The politicians and other uninformed screamers must put aside their own agendas, untie Hamamoto's hands and support her.

Lella Migita

Aiea

Airline management 'sticks it' to employees

Regarding the Feb. 17 business section article about US Airways and United Airlines: It is amazing what is "absolutely necessary" to bring United out of bankruptcy. Contracts were in place with health-care costs fixed for retirees. Now, under bankruptcy, where United's and chief executive Glenn Tilton's promises are worth as much as the company's stock, it is "absolutely necessary" to stick it to those loyal former employees.

Is it "absolutely necessary" under bankruptcy to designate key employees who do not share the pain of wage setbacks? Is it "absolutely necessary" under bankruptcy for management to monetarily reward themselves for revenue performance not profit performance?

Reading about robber barons in American history classes, I never thought they would be part of the future. Kudos to the flight attendants for standing up for their rights and promises.

Jim Sorensen
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