Letters to the Editor

Other vital issues need our attention

If the governor and the Legislature feel the issue of legalized gambling to be of such importance that it be put to the voters by referendum, might I suggest there are other issues of equal importance to the voters worthy of similar consideration, including:

• Repeal of the Jones Act.
• Mandatory motorcycle helmet laws.
• Institution of the death penalty.
• Fluoridation of our drinking water.

Finally, it is my assumption that if the voters were overwhelmingly for or against legalized gambling, this would influence the actions of the Legislature. Hopefully, following the voters' mandate, they would approach these other issues with equal vigor.

Round-trip airfare to Hawai'i outrageous

Last week, I went to my travel agent to begin planning our June trip to Hawai'i. Suffice to say that I was shocked when he told me that the airfare from Reno to Maui (via San Francisco) would be a little over $900 per person.

This is simply outrageous. We have been visiting Hawai'i every summer since 1996 and usually paid anywhere from $400 to $500. With Hawai'i reeling from a lack of tourists, one would think that more pressure would be brought to bear on the airlines, which seem to be trying to recoup their losses on other flights by gouging on fares to Hawai'i.

Northwestern islands must be protected

Regarding your Jan. 16 article on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ("Island chain access enters public debate"): You described very well the multi-agency jurisdictions and the state's proposed fisheries management area in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).

However, you neglected to mention the ecological and cultural importance of the NWHI to the people of Hawai'i as well as to the rest of the world. These islands, atolls and banks represent one of the last remaining intact coral reef ecosystems left on Earth, as well as being of important cultural significance to the Hawaiian people.

For these reasons, the NWHI deserves the maximum protection possible. The uniqueness of this area and the decline of coral reefs around the world mean that we have an obligation to the people of Hawai'i and the rest of the world to conserve the NWHI for future generations.

Mayor is handling development well

If there's one thing Mayor Harris and his posse are doing well, it's beautifying Honolulu. Case in point — Waikiki. The state is now talking about its wanting to take over, citing piecemeal city development.

Should the mayor take over state government, it would continue his vision of beautifying the city, which I think is one area he's handled well.

"Piecemeal" has been OK so far. I wouldn't want the beautification to take prominence over some more pressing issues we all know about.

Checking speedometer no excuse for disaster

We have no problem driving while changing a five-disc CD player, scanning radio stations, monitoring the kids in the back seat, engaging in heated family arguments on cell phones, rechecking rear-view and side mirrors and wiping up scalding coffee spilled in our laps.

However, occasionally glancing at the speedometer while driving with two hands on the wheel makes us swerve off the road, crash into another car or kill a pedestrian?

Just because it's law doesn't make it right

Regarding those who spout the self-righteous phrases "the law is the law" and "stop ya belly-aching": So you're for tickets issued to thousands of rush-hour commuters who are unable to make the minimum 40 to 45 mph, right? After all, there is nothing on the signs that give exemption for bumper-to-bumper traffic caused by too many cars going to and from work or due to an accident.

What? But we have to have common sense and realize that?

But "the law is the law," remember? Or do you advocate selective enforcement of the law?

You know the law once prohibited African Americans from sitting in the front of a bus and drinking from the same water fountain as whites. Just because something is "the law" doesn't make it right.

And yeah, a whole bunch of people told the same "quit ya belly-aching" to those who fought for common sense and fairness.

Zero tolerance for traffic tickets has neither.