Brainstorm! Challenge

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Let red-light runners, speeders pay our bills

I recently moved to a residence on the Pali Highway, near Laimi Street. I have never lived on a street that was as dangerous. You'd better not step off that curb, young or old, without looking.

I believe we could fill the city coffers with speeding and red light tickets alone. I just don't understand why we don't.

Henri Proulx
Honolulu

Don't let Legislature take away your vote

We have seen our public school system decline for 20 years. The buildings and classrooms are not well kept up. In some schools, a circuit breaker blows when you flip a light switch.

School principals control only 3 percent of the budget. The Department of Education controls 90 percent of the education budget. It's hard to imagine any leader able to exercise their leadership when they control only 3 percent of the budget.

Governor Lingle's education reform bill puts 90 percent of the budget control back to school principals. This means there will be about $45,000 more per year per classroom. But this plan has been killed by the legislators.

Right now the majority in the Legislature is saying you should not get the chance to vote on local school boards. If you value your right to vote, you need to speak up.

If you support the governor's plan, contact your state representative and senator and let them know that you want local school boards placed on the ballot for the next election.

The Legislature cannot create local school boards. But legislators are the ones who decide if you get to vote on the idea.

Ryuji Yonemoto
Ewa Beach

Moanalua students, PTA join forces

The Moanalua Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association has taken on the mammoth task of raising $45,000 to replace the 10-year-old math textbooks that are inadequate in addressing the requirements set by the state's "Adequate Yearly Progress" and the federal "No Child Left Behind Act." Funding for this program should be provided by the state, but the sad truth is that it is not. The students need adequate textbooks now, rather than after the legislative dust has settled. Thus, in the spirit of pragmatism and putting the progress of our students first, the PTA has initiated this fund-raiser to meet this need.

Students, parents and teachers are waving signs in front of the school to encourage the community to donate money. The highlight of the fund-raiser is the "Strides Out Of Pride" fun run on May 14, during which students can raise more money from sponsors.

With education reform in the spotlight, our effort to provide basic supplies for our students is an example of how desperate our current situation is.

Moanalua Elementary School is fortunate to have the support of excellent educators, passionate parents and a dedicated community. I am proud and fortunate that my child is attending such a wonderful school.

Lori Shimoda
Honolulu

We all share the duty to prevent crime

It is really sad to see Micah White allegedly stab his mother and aunt and then set them on fire ("Suspect in fire turns self in," Star-Bulletin, April 7). This is a clear case of what our society is coming to, with families, friends and communities coming apart. Drugs, violence and disrespect -- they destroy everyone.

We all must take a stand for what is right and get rid of the drugs and violence. It begins with us parents and adults teaching our children right from wrong and being good examples for them to follow. With drugs, sex and violence all over the television, movies, music and books, parents need to take active roles in their children's lives. And as adults we should be supporting and helping parents raise their children with good moral standards. It is time to put family back where it belongs, first in everyone's life.

Alan Kim
Aiea

Aloha, Hawaiian offer kamaainas good fares

About a year ago, I wrote a letter to the Star-Bulletin regarding the high cost of interisland airfares and suggested that both local major airlines find ways to accommodate kamaainas who travel from island to island to make travel a win/win situation.

My hat's off to both Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines for taking our concerns seriously and finding ways to help us to travel more inexpensively. For example, the On Line Aloha Airlines $59 one-way fare for Aloha Pass members is a winner.

Thank you, Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines, for thinking about ways to make flying between islands more affordable.

Roger Murai
Aiea

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[ BRAINSTORM! ] Hawaii is popularly known as "The Aloha State." What might be a better slogan? To get started, think about what you might see around the islands -- rainbows, waves, sand, traffic jams, homeless orangutans ... Send your ideas by April 21 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.com Or by mail: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Or by fax: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson 529-4750