Letters to the Editor

Princess' will says to help needy, orphans

The April 20 letter from Sean Uezu makes a very good point about the admission policy of Kamehameha Schools, which he calls flawed. He notes that only 15 percent of students come from lower-income and orphan Hawaiians, who desperately need the most help. The vast majority come from the best and the brightest students, who already have the basic tools needed for success.

This is not only questionable policy but it also conflicts with the will of Princess Pauahi Bishop, which requires that the trust funds be used for "the support and education of orphans, and others in indigent circumstances." There is no mention of devoting funds to the support and education of others.

Let the people vote on education reform

I agree with Cathleen Matsushima (Letters, April 19). Power to the people. Let the people vote on education reform. No more of these slick PR images.

The education system is failing our children. I really think the "old-boy" and "old-girl" network at the Legislature has failed our children when the students do not even have any textbooks.

The legislators should have some of their own medicine, like when they tell us to pay our taxes or they will put us in jail. Let us vote on education reform and give our children textbooks, or we will put you in jail on charges of incompetence.

Commissaries are also accepting donated food

Your collection sites for the 2004 Hawai'i Food Drive has a glaring omission: military commissaries (all services).

I, along with thousands of military (active, reserve and retired) use these. We also can buy more for less. I and others find this extremely convenient to participate and donate right at a "food" store. We have been donating since the beginning and will continue to do so with zeal and compassion.

Do not overlook or ignore this tremendous and generous resource.

Restriction of Vili isn't why the games are dull

On April 17, The Honolulu Advertiser printed Bernardo P. Benigno's letter, which blamed the restriction of UH mascot Vili for the UH men's volleyball team's losses and loss of fan excitement. His reasons are wrong.

For the record, Vili was not banished but restricted by the university athletic department for his excessive actions and taunting of the visiting college players. This is an NCAA rule, and Vili is not a student.

It seems that Benigno attends the games to be entertained by Vili and not watch to analyze the games. The players play the games, make it exciting and enjoyable. The coaching staff is responsible to coach and manage the team better to win games, which is not done. When the team loses, fan support diminishes.

At the Wahine volleyball games, there are always large crowds and a young fan base. It's fun and exciting because of good coaching and the college atmosphere, with the band and cheer team performing. That is lacking at men's games because coach Mike Wilton banished them.

So, Mr. Benigno, there are factors other than Vili being banished that caused your feelings.

Legislators didn't learn from past malfunction

The move toward implementing another form of traffic cameras to catch speeders doesn't address one of the problems that arose during the failed van cam project a couple of years ago.

The new program, apparently spearheaded by Rep. Joe Souki, does not deal with catching the actual driver of the vehicle. The cameras would take pictures of the alleged speeder, but is it going to be clear enough to show who is actually driving? That was one of the problems the last time and one that even the courts questioned.

With an already financially strapped state, don't make mistakes that we, the taxpayers, are going to be responsible for.

The sound of freedom

In the April 20 letter titled "C-17s would make life unbearably noisy," Rick Ermshar refers to the C-17s as being noticeably louder than what Kane'ohe already puts up with from the Marine Corps Base.

When I was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington state, there was a sign at the main gate as you entered this A-6 and EA-6 jet base community. The sign read, "Pardon the jet noise, it's the sound of freedom."

Tillman was our MVP

Pat Tillman is a great role model. The man gave up millions to answer the call of his country. Tillman should be honored by the NFL by renaming the MVP award the Pat Tillman award.