There's even evidence suggesting this "epidemic" has reached the Legislature and police stations where we see yet another symptom, total apathy, as evidenced by failure to adequately address public safety issues.

How to counter this epidemic? Stop "users" by enacting and enforcing laws that provide sufficient deterrence to block effects of this vicious "drug." Bottom line, lawmakers and cops, get off your butts and fix this problem. Precious lives are at stake.

It's a matter of health at our public schools

The unsanitary condition of many of our public school restrooms is deplorable but maybe not all that surprising ("School restrooms 'pathetic,' " June 7).

While most people wouldn't admit it, studies have shown that post-restroom hand-washing practices are in general abysmally poor. Perhaps then one can see how providing soap, water and (for Pete's sake!) toilet tissue for our school restrooms might not be a top-of-mind school management issue.

Ever visited a public restroom and noticed folks bypassing the sink? How about those who opt instead to touch-up lipstick or comb their hair? For an eye-opener in how this "innocent" omission in hygiene affects you personally, chat for a second with any microbiology professor you can corral. It will make you think twice before grabbing that restroom door handle.

Parents shouldn't have to send kids off to school with a stash of supplies to ensure that they can wash up. Access to a clean, safe, stocked restroom is not a matter of convenience but one of public health.

Oregon's experience shows law can work

I was very pleased to see the recent ruling of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. This is an important issue for all of us in Hawai'i as we look forward to passing a similar law here.

The experience in Oregon has shown us two things: that carefully crafted laws allowing physician aid in dying are practically unassailable, and that they work.

The law was first passed by ballot in 1994 and survived a 1997 repeal measure by an even greater margin of votes. Then-Attorney General Janet Reno prevented the Drug Enforcement Administration from moving against the law in 1998, only to have the hunt resumed by John Ashcroft in 2001. Now the U.S. District Court and the 9th Circuit Court have declared Mr. Ashcroft's positions invalid. Obviously, this law is desired by the people of Oregon and violates no federal rules.

And the law is working! Since it went into effect in Oregon, out of approximately 30,000 deaths in Oregon yearly, only 29 to 30 people who were dying have used the law to hasten death. That is only one-eighth of one percent of all the deaths in Oregon since 1998. Even more importantly, these people were not consigned to a difficult, frightening or suffering death, but were able to exit this world on their own terms.

None of the dire predictions regarding this law have come true, but many of the best have. This is a good law. It enhances freedom and furthers choice. It is past time we had one like it in Hawai'i. 

Fewer inexpensive rooms will hurt you

Regarding your June 3 article "State views sustainable tourism": We have been coming to Hawai'i for a number of years but we and most of our friends who visit the Islands fear this may be our last year. Why? Most of the inexpensive hotels are going to be turned into owner time-shares.

We love coming to Hawai'i, but with the price of airfare, and now the price of accommodation, we all feel this will be out of our reach. It takes us two days each way to come to see your beautiful islands that we love, but with all the family hotels going up-market and out of our price reach, we feel very sorry but to say, "Hawai'i, you have lost many of the U.K. visitors."

We are also sorry to say "Europe is going to be a cheaper option once the pound/dollar position changes."

We read your paper on the Internet every day. We all hope you can print our e-mail to let your governor know she is going to lose much revenue from the visitors from the U.K.

Environment program well worth the effort

As a single, working father, I find my time with my son is limited. I was grateful when his teacher asked me to go along on a field trip with his class. I had to take the time off work, but it was well worth it.

I had never seen my son so happy and enthusiastic about school as he did activities and learned about nature with his classmates. The field trip was part of a water pollution and environmental protection program that my son's class was participating in.

I was surprised to hear that Mike Gabbard was the president of Healthy Hawai'i Coalition, the organization that brought these special classes to my son's school. I had heard of Mike Gabbard as a politician, but didn't know about this great kids program that he founded. Getting kids to learn about and love the land may help protect Hawai'i from more of the overdevelopment and pollution that we see today.

My son loved this program, and because of that, so did I.

Chinese language tech deserves raise

In Vicki Viotti's June 1 article "Non-English books find way to libraries," library assistant Julian Hui is identified as Liliha's Chinese language technician. I wish it were true!

By definition, a technician is a higher-ranked, better-paying job based on years of experience and special knowledge. Julian most certainly has the credentials but works in a civil service system in which newly created positions are rare. Since 1997 when we first held a fund drive for collection enlargement, he has worked beyond the call of duty to collect popular Chinese materials. He is paid at an entry-level position.

If all facts were known, Julian would sometime be named Employee of the Year. He once held a higher essential clerical position, but prefers to work at a job where responsibilities can be juggled to make time for service to the Chinese immigrant population. As readers probably know, a book in one branch library can be sent to any public library, statewide. One dedicated person who speaks the languages and knows the culture can make a huge difference. The proof of the accomplishment is the high circulation of this minority collection.

Better than an employee-of-the-year award, establishing a Chinese language technician position would be the best tribute of all. Some say the impossible only takes a little longer. If the 56,600 people in Hawai'i who self-identify as Chinese were to take action, maybe it could happen.

Civic participation is a big, big problem

While Jim Hall may be correct about the antiquity of our registered voter database (Letters, May 26), a more salient measure should be used for voter participation: how many people voted who were old enough to do so (regardless if they registered or not).

The 2003 Census estimated that we had 960,466 residents who were 18 years or older. The 385,462 who actually voted means that only 40 percent of people old enough to vote did so.

More disturbing, that means a candidate could be elected or a proposal could be passed by 20 percent plus one of the eligible population. So I think it is fair to say that lack of civic participation is a big, big problem in the state of Hawai'i.

Software revolution is here for the taking

A hearty round of applause is well-deserved for HOSEF (Hawai'i Open Source Education Foundation).

So what is HOSEF and what does it do?

HOSEF recycles computers into open-source computer labs for our schools and provides support. These low-cost labs provide computer education for our youngsters at about one-third of the cost of conventional systems. They also reduce the amount of garbage going to our waste dumps and provide an alternative to proprietary software in our classrooms.

So why is all this important? I am glad you asked!

Open-source software is community-driven and gaining ground fast on the dominant operating system from Redmond. Hawai'i is fertile ground for developing a fledgling tech industry. And due to the popularity of a homegrown flavor of Linux called Fedora, developed right here in our own backyard by a former Mid Pacific Institute student, we have a huge opportunity at hand. HOSEF is offering low-cost and free training to teachers in our school systems to learn this software and use it in our schools. This will give our youngsters a chance to learn something new and be in on the ground floor of a software revolution.

If you are interested in seeing HOSEF supply your school with a computer lab, visit the Web site at www.hosef.org and see what the buzz is all about.

Aiwohi case begs ethical consideration

The manslaughter charges against Tayshea Aiwohi involve many ethical considerations that we are unprepared to face. Without proper education and clear evidence on the effects of crystal methamphetamine on developing fetuses, how can we hold Aiwohi accountable?

Current scientific studies, however, do send one clear message to expecting mothers: Prenatal alcohol exposure at any dose and any time will have a detrimental effect on the developing fetus. Non-fatal effects range from cognitive and neurological defects to physical dysmorphologies. Social to heavy maternal drinking leads to both spontaneous abortions and perinatal deaths.

If we can charge Aiwohi with manslaughter, can we arrest all mothers who consume alcohol during pregnancy? Moreover, can we penalize women for any potentially harmful activity they partake in while pregnant? These women are undoubtedly hurting their unborn children. This leads us to the persistent question:

Where will the line be drawn between a mother's personal decisions and the rights of her developing child?

Crackdown is needed

After years of driving a patrol car back on the Mainland, I am amazed at the number of drivers who tailgate. It will take a horrible accident to push enforcement. Is there a strong lobby against saving lives?

Sand continues to upset education booth volunteers

Back in 1990, an editorial in The Honolulu Advertiser inspired the birth of an education program at Hanauma Bay, supported by volunteers. That little acorn has turned into a magnificent tree — and today, the Hanauma Bay Education Program has been lauded by many organizations and institutions.

We have been pleased with the creation of the new education center, including the education booth at beach level.

One problem that has continued to irk the volunteers has been the infiltration of sand and water onto the paved pathway leading to the education booth. The source of the problem has been a small sandy patch between the snorkel rental shop (on a higher level) and the pathway. Dry sand blown onto the pavement as well as sand drenched with rainwater (or water from the snorkel rental shop) is swept or shoveled away by the volunteers at the education booth. Time and energy are wasted every day by volunteers (including women and "not-too-young" retirees) who try to keep the pathway clean and accessible to visitors.

Isn't this a park maintenance task?

More than six months ago, the matter was reported to bay authorities, seeking their help. We suggested replacing the sand with some kind of vegetation (grass or plants, as deemed appropriate by the experts); also, a drainage system be devised to rechannel the water from the snorkel rental shop.

During follow-ups, we were told that the problem has been referred to the appropriate city office. On the most recent follow-up around two weeks ago, we were told again that they have heard nothing further regarding any corrective action.

We understand that money from admission and parking fees is to be used solely to finance operation and upkeep at Hanauma. Isn't this a bona-fide use of money from that fund? How about giving back some aloha to those who have freely volunteered their time and energy at Hanauma Bay, some as many as 14 years. Help!