There are bigger problems to tackle

What a relief that Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona has taken on the minimal problem of alcohol at University of Hawaii football games. I mean with rising homelessness, nightmare traffic and an epidemic with ice the Lingle administration tackles drinking at football games. Talk about being disconnected from Hawaii's problems.

What's next, heading a task force to handle blizzards?

Not only has Aiona imposed his social beliefs in banning alcohol at UH football games, but the representative for UH at the press conference was David McClain, a Lingle appointee. Why doesn't this administration attack the problems of Hawaii instead of their own personal social issues?

I hope the people of Hawaii remember how the Lingle administration acted first for themselves, not the people of Hawaii, when we go to vote in November 2006.

Games provide plenty of incentive to drink

First they tell us not to drink and drive. Now they don't want us to drink at University of Hawaii football games. What's next? No drinking at Little League games? Well, perhaps the killjoys proposing the alcohol ban haven't thought of these reasons why we should allow drinking at the stadium:

Segregation is a policy of the past

I wish someone would explain why trying to "fight the injustices of the past" should include executing injustices in the present? I moved to this island to enjoy the culture, especially the people. What I've come to experience is many doors slammed in my family's face because we do not have Hawaiian blood. This is sad because it's equality that many native Hawaiians have sought for years, and it now seems that we've allowed the scales of injustice to tip the other way.

Schools should be about providing opportunities for all children regardless of what kind of blood they have running through their veins. It's also curious and infuriating to me that if I were to speak of my blood in this manner I'd be labeled the "king of all racists," not an "activist." Our society should be moving forward towards inclusion of everyone rather than backwards to the segregation policies of the past.

Turnout for Hawaiian rally was disappointing

I was disappointed to see the lack of support for Kamehameha Schools at the rally this past Saturday. I am a non-Hawaiian who feels the decision by the 9th Circuit Court is a travesty to the wishes of the Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

There are more than 830,000 people living on Oahu today and only 15,000 show up? Realistically, there should have been 10 to 20 times more in order to show the federal courts we are serious about preserving the integrity of this prestigious school, our land, rights and policies that have been carried down for generations by our ali'i. If we do not show a serious show of support, even more could be taken.

What would be next? Eliminating the teaching of Hawaiian language or even the hula? Where will it stop? We all must come together as Hawaiian residents to protect this very fragile land of ours that the U.S. government is trying to covertly creep up on.

If there is going to be any future rallies, let us all really make some noise this time or else we will be haunted by the lack of echoes crying in the wind to be lost forever.

'Ballroom' teaches lesson in art of giving

Just as a blacksmith gives shape to iron, "they" forge kings, presidents and leaders, CEOs and a great citizenry. There is no human endeavor in our history and no promise for our future that is not profoundly touched and influenced by their blood, sweat and tears. The products of their labor fill the halls of governments, move companies, people NASA and build countries.

Who are these professionals? They are the unsung teachers of our country.

What motivates teachers? What is their reward? Go to see the movie, "Mad Hot Ballroom," a documentary about teaching ballroom dancing to under-privileged grade school students in New York City.

You'll be inspired. You'll understand. You'll appreciate that what teachers give, not just to their students, but to all of us, comes from a deep and very special place in their hearts. Most of all, be prepared to smile to light up a darkened theater.

Jurors in Hawaii have it better than others

In response to Jimbo Miura's July 31 letter complaining of the low jury duty pay, he should remember the saying "Lucky we live Hawaii."

In Cook County, Ill. the wage for jurors is $17 a day and no parking allotment. So Jimbo, "Lucky you live Hawaii."

Anyway, it's your civic duty to serve on juries.

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