Closing arboretum was a big mistake

To close such an important place as Lyon Arboretum because the old cottages are unsafe is absurd. They've stood in neglect for many years but suddenly all is kapu until further notice. Who's responsible for the long neglect and who thought it wise to shut public access?

Lyon's botanical collections and the individuals who work there are its heart and soul. In this stagnant situation, the essential persons employed at the arboretum are unsure of their jobs and anxious about their research projects.

This wonderful arboretum is an immense treasure yet has always been understaffed. Public volunteers are necessary to upkeep and improve the value of this institution, but now are denied entry. Also tragic, a great number of citizens are cut off from many unique programs and activities.

Before the head betrays the heart, what must be disempowered are the University of Hawaii administrators responsible. If allowed to remain in destructive hands, just add Lyon to the swelling list of UH blunders.

Homeless monopolize Ala Moana park

As a nearby resident and an early morning walker at the Ala Moana Beach Park, I find the current state of this once beautiful park a total disgrace.

Not only have many homeless taken over our park, they are living in filth with their trash and leftover food items scattered all over.

Most of the restrooms have become impossible to use because of vagrants using them as a shelter.

How do we, as the "aloha state," address the homeless population? Why are taxpayers almost forced out of our park due to no implementation of law enforcement?

I have noticed a few homeless who care enough to sweep and pick up their trash. Unfortunately, most do not. It is equally sad to see so many people camping in cars overnight, some with small children.

Lastly, more trash receptacles should be placed close to every bench area so no one has any excuse for dumping trash elsewhere.

UH Warriors need to look past defeat

I was so disappointed that the University of Hawaii Warriors lost to Florida Atlantic. Tens of thousands of UH supporters were also disappointed.

Quarterback Timmy Chang will never be nominated as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Meanwhile, the Warriors should change to a balanced offensive and improve their defense. This was the first game of the football season. There is a long way to go.

Hannemann shows skills to lead city

After watching the prime time debate last week, I saw why Duke Bainum agreed to only one debate. He is a single-minded candidate with a single message: honest change.

Simplistic slogans cannot fix the complex problems facing Honolulu. During the debate, Mufi Hannemann demonstrated the vision, ideas and experience necessary to lead the city and its citizens. He is the only one who recognizes that businesses, workers, communities and governments must work together to fix the problems.

Hannemann convinced me he is the best man for mayor.

'Bully' charge against Mufi was unwarranted

Why would a mainstream newspaper like the Star-Bulletin commit to sensationalism in reporting the news? I'm talking about the article covering the mayoral debate that dragged onto the front page the comment Duke Bainum made about Mufi Hannemann being a "bully."

With no evidence of this term ever showing up in previous assessments of Hannemann's character, I would consider that a ploy to help boost Bainum's mayoral aspirations by your paper and to simply degrade a good man that you chose to smear in your editorial ways.

Aduja deserves to be re-elected

I contribute to worthy causes through my photographic abilities. I do not have the financial resources to donate money.

I have donated unused news photos to Sen. Melodie Aduja's campaign and have occasionally taken photos of the senator with prominent community members. This voluntary participation has given me greater insight than most into a courageous candidate who has served District 23 well.

The real story of Aduja that has been missed by my media friends is that the senator has weathered the horrific impact of her mother's death to cancer, the loss of her husband to substance abuse and the loss of a child, yet still faithfully served our district. I am amazed that with all these problems Aduja has been a hands-on legislator, frequently participating in recycling events and attending community meetings.

Aduja has avoided using these tragic personal events as an excuse for her lack of conformity to certain procedural campaign regulations.

Aduja has suffered so much in so short a time. Very few of us would have been able to function personally, much less as a legislator, under those conditions. Now that her problems are behind her, I have great expectations for her next term. I suggest we commend Aduja for her courage and extraordinary service to District 23 by restoring her to the state Senate.

Bad traffic designs slows driving on Oahu

Anyone who claims our traffic has improved is a bad "traffic scientist" and simply isn't paying attention. While we may not spend as much total time in traffic as some drivers on the mainland, that is probably mostly a function of the short distances of island commutes.

Oahu certainly holds its own as far as overall traffic obnoxiousness goes. As the Lunalilo on ramp/off ramp experiment shows, we are all suffering because of basic design failures.

I will explain this in simple terms for the benefit of whoever designed the H-1. Placing off ramps directly after and in the same lanes as on ramps is possibly the worst idea in the history of highways.