Ban alcohol in stadium but not in parking lot

Regarding the proposed ban on alcoholic beverages during University of Hawaii football games:

Give us a break. If the ban is put into effect, I will cancel my season ticket.

With rail, paradise might make comeback

The majority of our City Council members, except two, approved tax increases for our long-awaited rail system; it is absolutely excellent news for all of us.

Unfortunately, two of our Council members were manipulated by a few who opposed the excise tax increase because they'll not use the rail system. I do not believe all of the two Council members' constituents have that kind of attitude. We must remember that the three tunnels leading to windward Oahu also were paid by all Hawaii, to include federal funds allocated by Congress paid by all Americans (taxpayers).

I'd like to offer my praise and congratulations to Mayor Hannemann and his transportation staff, as well as Rep. Neil Abercrombie for his part in getting federal help from Washington to build our rail system. And of course our City Council members who are for progress.

You can say, "Oahu is no longer a paradise." It took me three hours on the road today and it's getting worse.

Spirit of adversity invades dream trip

It has always been our family's dream to visit Hawaii. Recently, our dream came true, or so we thought.

On the second day of our vacation, our rental car was vandalized and our possessions inside (which were not in sight!) were stolen. This occurred in broad daylight in a public place in a span of less than 20 minutes.

While the Honolulu police were very professional and sympathetic, we were still left with a gut-wrenching feeling. We got the distinct impression that it is open season on tourists with their easily identifiable rental cars. The thieves not only stole our things, they stole our fun.

For a state where tourism is a major factor in its economy, you should consider the implications of unhappy tourists. To us, aloha has a new meaning. It has become an acronym meaning "A Lesson Of Hawaiian Adversity."

Driver should always yield to pedestrians

I have lived in Japan for almost six years and pedestrians here have the right of way, even people on bicycle using the crosswalk. When the light is green for pedestrians, all vehicles stop. Even without traffic lights, when someone is ready to cross, drivers stop for the pedestrian.

Hawaii laws are too lenient. They should make heads roll when drivers don't stop for pedestrians. A $500 fine would great, too. Hit a pedestrian in Japan and pay out lots of "gomen" ("I am sorry") money. Now, I am going to hear that Hawaii does not have enough manpower. That's a poor excuse; can you imagine how many people live in a city in Japan? Once drivers get educated, things will fall in place.

Hope all of Hawaii gets better.

How to write us The Star-Bulletin welcomes letters that are crisp and to the point (150 to 200 words). The Star-Bulletin reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Please direct comments to the issues; personal attacks will not be published. Letters must be signed and include a daytime telephone number. Letter form: Online form, click here E-mail: letters@starbulletin.com Fax: (808) 529-4750 Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813