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Hawaii golf resorts
are better than par

THE ISSUE Hawaii's golf resorts have earned top marks by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

AS Michelle Wie amazes sports fans with her youthful prowess on the nation's fairways, her home state continues to be recognized as America's top vacation destination for golfers. With Wie as its ambassador to the golf world and with its acclaimed golf resorts, Hawaii has no problem maintaining its unparalleled reputation as golf paradise.

Only two days after finishing last week's LPGA Championship as runner-up to probably the greatest woman golfer in history, Wie became the first female to qualify for the adult men's U.S. Golf Association championship tournament. Fans and even her competitors lined up afterward for autographs of the Punahou sophomore, a superstar at age 15.

Meanwhile, Condé Nast Traveler magazine published its 10th annual list of top golf resorts, according to a poll of its golfing subscribers. The first five spots went to Hawaii resorts, led by Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island's Kona-Kohala coast, followed by Lanai's Manele Bay Hotel and Lodge at Koele, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui.

Readers rated the resorts in categories of golf course design, speed of play, rooms, service, food/dining and other facilities; Hawaii was No. 1 in each. Hualalai led in service, food/dining and other facilities. Maui Prince Hotel was among three resorts with perfect scores for course design, for Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s design of the Makena Golf Courses' 36 holes. Tops in the nation for rooms went to the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina. Play was speediest at Koele.

Earlier this year, Golf Magazine included eight of Hawaii's golf resorts among the nation's top 25. No other state had more than two of what the magazine called its gold medalists.

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau partnered in January with the Golf Channel in 100 hours of programming focused on golf in the islands. Future efforts should be made to spread the word that Hawaii has wonderful turf as well as sand and surf.

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Law and order in parks
should be reasonable

THE ISSUE Enforcement officials will keep watch at state parks and harbors to curb illegal activity.

PEOPLE will likely notice a stronger law enforcement presence at parks and harbor facilities this summer as the state steps up patrols in an attempt to curb illegal activities. Those conducting themselves properly will have nothing to worry about, but officers should be careful not to appear so intimidating as to prevent park users from enjoying the outdoors.

More than 300 officers from county police, the state land department and the Sheriff Division will patrol 54 parks and 21 small boat harbors around the clock daily to check for illegal activity such as drug dealing, drinking, theft, vandalism and unruly behavior.

In making the announcement, Lt. Governor Aiona did not point to any specific disturbances that might have prompted the heightened enforcement, but said both residents and tourists "have a little fear in them" when frequenting parks. Peter Young, director of the state land department, also did not cite particular incidents, referring only to chronic problems of lawlessness at public facilities.

The effort might be aimed, in part, at homeless individuals who frequently camp at parks and beaches. The city and the state have attempted to clear public areas from time to time, but because the homeless have little choice, they often return to the same sites, much to the frustration of authorities. The constant patrols would certainly discourage people without permanent dwellings from setting up tents or living out of their cars for even a few days.

While the patrols would enhance safety, law enforcement has a fine line to walk. Many people who picnic and camp quaff a few beers at public parks where alcohol consumption is illegal. Card games where a few dollars change hands also take place. Officials say the intent of the patrols isn't to conduct mass arrests, and that officers will use discretion, which requires skill and tact to avoid confrontations.

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