Letters to the Editor
Seaside memorials should be limited
Regarding seaside memorials: Check with one of the Waikiki clubs (I can't remember which) about the single memorial it maintains at the edge of the club's veranda for all the ashes that have been scattered in the water off the club's ocean frontage.
Obviously, concrete memorials in the sand on the public parts of beaches will not be acceptable if they proliferate. Those who want a permanent, personal memorial should have remains interred in a regular cemetery.
Edward Bonomi
HVCB marketing team should be retained
Regarding the switch in the marketing of the Hawai'i Convention Center from the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau to SMG: I read with great interest the Oct. 29 article "Marketing proposal draws questions," by Kelly Yamanouchi.
In 1998, I joined, as a volunteer, the innovative HVCB Kuhina (Ambassador) program team created by Sandra Moreno, which included Zenaida Mclin and Debbie Zimmerman in Honolulu and Sallee Pavlovich working out of HVCB's Washington, D.C., office. Working together, our team secured a commitment by the D.C.-headquartered American Psychiatric Association to bring its 20,000-person convention here.
This APA meeting is expected to generate $51 million in visitor spending and $4 million in tax revenue. Over the course of our four-year quest, I observed HVCB's superb marketing skills and worldwide contact network firsthand. The core HVCB sales team that now regularly secures projects of this magnitude is not easily replaceable.
Why would anyone chop down our tree of plenty, now maturing and bearing better-than-expected bumper crops exclusively for our Hawai'i 'ohana and replace it with a seed of untested value and conflicting loyalties, genetically coded to send its proceeds to Mainland associates?
The economic momentum to Hawai'i, sprouting from HVCB's proven formulas, is on the rise. It should neither be changed nor terminated because it works.
The Hawai'i Tourism Authority should direct SMG to subcontract the marketing of the Convention Center to Hawai'i's proven salespeople: the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Jeffrey Akaka
Kahala Avenue homes are a booming market
Regarding the Oct. 28 article about the low supply of buyers for Kahala Avenue homes: Boy, are you off base.
We just developed and sold a property on KŒhala Avenue on Oct. 23 for $3.8 million that was on the market for three weeks at $3.9 million. Two other properties also closed escrow the same week, one for $9.7 million and one for $7 million.
We are experiencing the hottest market in Kahala/Diamond Head since the bubble days of the Japanese market. We had approximately 50 sales in the Kahala area above $1 million in the last year. We are experiencing a relocation of Mainland people like never before who are retiring or moving into a second home in Hawai'i.
What is true is that some of those Kahala Avenue homes you mentioned are of the old era of design, left over from the Japanese market when the style was Mediterranean, a lot of marble, and the home took up most of the land.
For you to focus on a few homes and develop an article for the front page of the newspaper, one I might add that is supported by the real estate industry, and create a story totally out of the context of what really is happening in Kahala, is a form of yellow journalism.
The reason you mention that the $3 million-plus homes are not selling is not the market, but that there is no new inventory available. Your article is damaging to the very industry that is doing quite well in Hawai'i. The conclusion you should have drawn is that Kahala is a booming market.
Donald T. Eovino
Principal broker, Eovino and Associates
Marching band events showcase music talent
Recently, band directors voiced their concern that a new BOE policy to increase science education could squeeze music programs out of Hawai'i's middle schools.
They also worried that this could eventually adversely affect our high school music programs.
If you would like to observe for yourself one facet of what could be lost, you should attend one of the four marching band events scheduled during the first two weeks of November starting with the OIA Festival of Marching Bands on Nov. 4 and ending with the Mililani Trojan Bandfest on Nov. 16.
Each year, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Hawai'i's teenagers spend countless hours practicing their music, marching and maneuvering. The performances they produce demonstrate dedication, artistry and teamwork.
Music has enriched their lives. Give them a chance to show why we should continue to support music education.
Genevieve Hiu
Waipahu
Wahiawa pool showers need city's attention
It is good to learn of the new $4.8 million Olympic-size swimming pool at the Salt Lake District Park. However, our mayor should look into maintaining the recreational facilities he already has.
Case in point: the swimming pool at the Wahiawa District Park. In the men's showers, located in the restroom, there are five shower heads, but only one is in working condition, and it is just barely working. It shoots out a weak stream of cold water. The others have either the faucet handle, shower head or both missing. The water heater has been on the blink for the longest time: no hot water for rinsing off after a swim.
And, from what I hear from the ladies, their showers aren't in any better shape.
I just hope the showers will be fixed before Wahiawa's cool winter weather sets in.
Sadao Honda
Wahiawa
Mass-transit system for children needed
I found Ben M. Schorr's Oct. 29 letter concerning traffic caused by a Teachers' Institute meeting to be very interesting. I found traffic from the 'Ewa/Kapolei area to be relatively light and easy-going. I wonder if Schorr would like to address the greatly reduced traffic flow caused by the schools being out and the lack of mamas taking their children to school: one child per car.
Perhaps if someone could figure out a mass-transit system to accommodate the needs of schoolchildren, much of our rush-hour traffic woes would be taken care of (particularly in the mornings).
B. Judson
Kapolei
Jet Skis should not be used in surfer areas
I attend Waialua High School, and I am writing in regard to the Jet Ski issue. I've given careful consideration to the topic and I hope that being a minor does not remove my words' weight or meaning.
I feel these new rules may be a big mistake on the state's part as they unfairly favor a rich minority. You see, many North Shore surfers cannot afford these $10,000 machines. This is why the Jet Ski complaint isn't huge yet — only a small minority can afford them, thus, there are very few zooming around. But establishing rules favoring these few will have devastating effects as more start to arrive.
I've read that a Jet Ski has to stay away from a surfer by 200 feet. That is a very short distance by a craft that travels at 45 miles per hour. At this speed, they will hit a diver or surfer in 3 seconds. Where are the paddle-in surfers' rights?
Finally, the majority of my schoolmates live right here in front of a surf spot known as Hammerheads. The tow-in surfers want to make this spot a designated practice area. The school is only a mile away. Many of us teenage surfers need to keep this surf spot open because we do not have transportation and this is the spot nearest where we live.
If these people can afford Jet Skis, then they can afford to practice in a remote area. Practicing where the majority of the North Shore population lives is asking for trouble. I'm trying to prevent my death or that of a fellow classmate.
Garrett McNulty
Senior, Waialua High School
When you sense danger, slow down
Drivers on O'ahu are the most amazing creatures. I can never understand why they drive the same way regardless of the conditions around us.
Whether it is day, night, raining, gridlock, construction, pedestrians or all clear, we don't know how to slow down and increase our following distance.
This is why accidents like the 42-car pile-up occurred on Oct. 31 near Wahiawa. Next time you sense danger, slow down.
Michael Nomura
Kailua
Let's have more noise at UH football games
In regard to the Oct. 30 column "Thunder claps could help UH against Tide," by Stephen Tsai: Finally a voice that speaks up for more noise at UH home football games.
I thought I was the only one who thought the games were more quiet than a public library. Is it an NCAA or stadium rule to ban noisemakers? If it's a stadium rule, I think we should find new management. Let UH take over.
How can Bulldog Stadium allow everything (even screwdrivers) from ThunderSticks to air horns, while Aloha Stadium doesn't even allow little 7-inch plastic green megaphones? Since when was your voice an illegal noisemaker?
It seems as if every time our team plays away, they say that those stadiums are the loudest they've played in. I think we should have that honor. I've never been to an away game, but I can imagine what a true college football game would be. I thought having the home field advantage meant having the noise to go with it. I would think the stadium would do everything in its power to help that out. The ThunderSticks are a good idea for a start.
I remember previous games in recent years that gave away megaphones as a promotion. Did they suddenly change the rules? I'm all for safety and security — with bag checks to catch the weapons and screwdrivers — but what harm is a little noise to support the home team?
Ssshhh, not too loud now ... everyone whisper, "Let's go warriors, Let's go warriors!..." I won't sit so quietly.
Keith Takeda
Mahalo to estate for helping young artists
I wanted to commend the Estate of James Campbell for its sponsorship of the Leeward Young Artists Program.
For the past nine years, our children have been given the opportunity to share their artistic talents along with other youngsters in the Leeward District. The program not only recognizes the hard work of children and their teachers, but also gives parents and grandparents an opportunity to spend quality time with their children at this annual celebration of art.
Many thanks to the trustees at Campbell Estate for making this wonderful activity available to our children.
Michael Miyamura
Principal, Kapolei Elementary School
Delta Airlines already flying the Boeing 777
Your Oct. 28 issue gives Continental Airlines credit for "the first use of the new Boeing 777 in the Islands."
That's hardly correct. We flew into Honolulu three weeks ago on a Delta Airlines 777, which already was in service on its LAX-HNL route.
Given the struggle all the airlines face these days, I'd encourage you to post a correction so credit is given where it's due. (And by the way, the service on Delta was superb. Quite amazing given the circumstances.)
Jack Tyler
St. Petersberg, Fla.
Cal Lee's new gig as coach is exciting
I was not surprised, but obviously very happy, to learn that Cal Lee had accepted the head football coaching gig with the Hawaiian Islanders of the arena football league, a nicely written item by Honolulu Advertiser sports writer Kyle Sakamoto.
I think Lee simply missed the boat when June Jones was selected to replace Fred vonAppen as head mentor for the Rainbow Warriors, even though they remain and always had been buddies. Now it's up to coach Lee to take his gifted talents to another level and bring that same excitement to the Ward Avenue arena and all of his Hawai'i fans.
Can you imagine having another exciting football attraction in little Hawai'i? This could be the start of something big.
Kalani Kinimaka
Wal-Mart opposition doesn't make sense
I have never seen so much opposition to Wal-Mart coming up on Ke'eaumoku Street. Seems that the residents in that area would rather have more hostess bars and "massage" parlors open up in that area.
Shame on these retired people who object to Wal-Mart. They're the ones who would benefit from a part-time job or even just a place to meet their friends like those out in Kunia and Mililani and on Kaua'i.
P. Tachibana
'Ewa Beach
