Conditions in Hawai'i continuing downward

My wife and I have been coming to Hawai'i each year for 30 years. In all that time, we have seen a lot of changes, for good and bad, but this year we felt that Hawai'i — especially O'ahu — is downgrading itself. Three examples:

• The roads are in incredibly bad shape. Even on highways there are deep holes. We come from a country where frost and ice cause some holes, but these are repaired even in wintertime. Can you imagine what impression your potholes make on tourists seeing such miserable conditions?

• The Kodak show does not exist any more. Don't you know how many photos have promoted the Islands? These private pictures with the charming old ladies and Hawaiian warriors have provided more publicity than any commercial ad could. People are certainly ready to pay in order to see a show at such a wonderful location as Kapi'olani Park. Do it again, it will pay off (with any sponsor).

• The Ko Olina Resort has a "public access," but there are only 18 stalls for public parking. That is ridiculous and clearly just a symbolic "public access." Proposal: Each year, hold a lottery where some locals can win a parking place at certain times.

It is because we love Hawai'i and its people that we write these lines. We will continue to come again next year, when the holes in the roads are deeper and the cars are dangerously maneuvering around them. We will come anyway because we love the Hawaiian people with their charm, which is so special in these times.

Don't discriminate against senior drivers

Regarding Rep. Jerry Chang's bill requiring seniors over 75 to take a driver's test: Does Rep. Chang drive the freeways and other highways on O'ahu in non-commuter hours — during the day when most seniors drive them?

If so, how many senior drivers does he see driving at 15, 20, 25 mph over the speed limit, cutting in and out of traffic, on cell phones while driving? Or, are senior drivers the ones racing on the highways in the middle of the night, killing innocent people? And what about the drivers who tailgate, especially to get through a yellow, or even red, light?

We seniors were taught to stop when the light turns yellow, not continue through red. Perhaps if there were more marked police cars patrolling the roadways, it would slow these speeders down. They are dangerous to every driver.

AARP sponsors safe-driving classes at various locations for seniors 50 and over to remind us of safe-driving practices. Perhaps these classes could be expanded to include all drivers, young and seniors, particularly those who have received citations.

Please don't discriminate against the senior drivers 75 and over!

War is not in our interest or defense

I have been a teacher of the English language for 40 years, but I could never have matched the poignancy of Sunday letter-writers Nikki Wirtz, Beth Greenhill and Joan Loo, nor the eloquence of James Kauhi, in their opposition to what has become the national tragedy of this Iraqi war.

"Iraqi war" is the correct term as it is in no way a war in America's interest or defense.

The lives of those fine young men and women, so very many from Hawai'i, are a bitterly tragic loss.

The billions of dollars wasted to continue the face-saving operation are robbing our children and grandchildren of a better future.

It should be called International Guard

June Jones is the kind of person who takes the bull by the horns and does what he has to do without approval from the Legislature or anyone else.

We need coach Jones to change the name of the Hawai'i National Guard to the Hawai'i International Guard. This way our men and women will know without a doubt that when they sign up, there is a chance that their duties may take them outside the United States.

May God bless and protect our troops who remain in the war zone of Iraq and bring them home safely to their loved ones.

Expect the lawsuits

With the council's elimination of mandatory fee conversion, we probably can forget the city fixing potholes and roads or finding solutions to traffic and other infrastructure needs.

With the prospect of losing a multitude of lawsuits to fee applicants, our budget will go there instead. What's next, the council lobbying the Legislature to forgo statehood and return to a monarchy?