Letters to the Editor

'Greater Israel' more compelling

Mason Altiery's March 30 letter on the Middle East is dead wrong on several counts.

There are Israelis who believe in the concept of a "Greater Israel." But, until recently, they were a minority as long as most Israelis believed that returning the West Bank and Gaza would result in a genuine peace. More and more Israelis, however, are coming to the conclusion that the Arabs and Palestinians have no interest in a genuine peace, and who could blame them? No country can negotiate a peace with people who are killing its women and children.

Altiery's assertion that the land was home to the Palestinians (who are essentially Arabs) for "thousands of years" is false if he means the area of Israel and the West Bank and Gaza.

Finally, if Arafat is unable to negotiate a peace because of his fear of assassination (Altiery's assertion), then he truly is irrelevant and peace is impossible unless a more courageous leader arises or the Palestinians stop seeking political ends through unfettered violence, even against their own leaders.

Jonathan Becker

Cede roads to seniors

There appears to be a lot of concern about young folks driving. I would like to submit that the legal age for driving be increased to 60. This would give us older folks more room to wander!

Fritz M. Amtsberg

Brunches, movies add to wonderful atmosphere

In response to Lois Raynor's April 1 letter, I feel Waikiki does not need a break — not if we want our tourists to continue returning. The Sunday brunches and "Sunset on the Beach" are among the nicest happenings we've experienced in the 22 years we've lived in Waikiki.

Try walking if you can't drive, also a pleasant experience. Waikiki has become a beautiful place with a wonderful atmosphere.

We and our friends love the changes and hope the new mayor will continue the tradition.

Jan Nilsson

Beach is no place for Hollywood intrusion

Whoever inaugurated the weekend "freebie" movies in Waikiki has contributed to killing whatever magic remains here.

Visitors spend thousands of dollars to experience first-hand these tropical islands, especially Waikiki, and locals love the magic of the place. And what do they get? On weekends they get old Hollywood movies with over-amplified soundtracks that destroy any romantic notions they may have arrived with.

Let's keep Hollywood in the theaters and the visitors on the beach, viewing the moon and the waves, which have their own special soundtrack.

Keep a few food stalls because everyone likes to eat, especially if they are sharing with a loved one on the beach. To locals, this would be more appealing than old movies.

If city officials really want to do something useful, they should crack down on those motorcyclists who destroy what little tranquility that remains by gunning their engines and splitting bystanders' eardrums, especially on Sundays. And they should have all bus drivers operate quiet vehicles (it's amazing how some are so quiet and others so noisy), a situation that has improved over the last few years.

Failure to take these and other measures to enhance the magic of Waikiki can mean "Paradise Lost."

Charles Pomeroy

Politicians, supporters distracting drivers

As the political season approaches, I would like to voice my concern over the traffic hazards caused by politicians and their supporters distracting drivers along our roads and highways in Hawai'i. In addition to the politicians, other organizations have started this practice.

I have witnessed several near-collisions and sudden, hard braking by drivers who are waving to sign-wavers rather than keeping their eyes on the road. I also know of instances where sign-wavers were nearly hit by cars as they stood on the roadside.

Steps should be taken by the powers that be to put an end to this unnecessary practice before someone gets seriously injured or killed. Better yet, if the candidates and the people doing this could get together and all agree not to do this, they would all be free to spend their time on more productive pursuits.

Marlene Matutino
Kekaha, Kaua'i

Money for assistant could be used elsewhere

In regard to the April 3 article,"Voter education waiting for money," the reason the Office of Elections is "waiting" for money for this purpose is not clear to me.

According to the article, the chief elections officer apparently has an administrative assistant. Why in the world does the administrator of an organization as small as the Office of Elections need an administrative assistant?

Seems to me the Office of Elections already has some money that could be better used to educate the voters of Hawai'i.

Andy Tom