HAWAI'I CONSTITUTION DOESN'T NEED CHANGING

There is nothing wrong with Hawai'i's Constitution. As I have pointed out in previous letters, the people who wrote both the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Hawai'i, were dedicated and well-intentioned, and were committed to producing a document that would serve the best interests of the people of the country and the state.

The problem with constitutional conventions is that people who participate in them have a tendency to politicize the process to serve their own ends.

A proactive Legislature and a proactive governor, with the best interests of the people in mind, can effect almost every change that can be made by a constitutional convention. That's what they were elected to do and that's what they should do instead of passing the buck to a conglomerate of citizens, each of whom has his or her own agenda.

It's much easier to repeal a legislative mistake than it is to amend a constitution.

MOTORISTS SHOULD BE GIVEN MORE WARNING

Waimanalo has a cherished tradition in its annual Christmas parade, a cheerful event for the local community.

Since the parade effectively suspends circle-island traffic for nearly two hours on that busy Saturday morning, blocking hundreds of unsuspecting motorists on the side roads in Waimanalo Valley, it would be helpful for the city to clearly advertise this for at least several days in advance (as it does with the closing the Pali Tunnels or for the marathon), and for The Advertiser to make an effort to alert motorists to take an alternative route if possible.

RUNNERS SHOULDN'T SWEAT TIMING PROBLEM

Honolulu Marathon President Jim Barahal should be commended for holding himself and the organization accountable for the race timing problem.

Not many people in this day and age will admit to screwing up. I think it is awesome that every effort is being made to correct what unexpectedly and unfortunately took place.

To those runners still upset about not getting an "accurate time" in a timely manner, don't sweat it. There are more important things in life then worrying about what place and time you finished the race. Just feel fortunate you had the ability and opportunity to experience something 99.9999 percent of the world's population can't even afford or enjoy taking part in.

And if you're still upset that you don't have proof you actually finished the race, I'd be happy to give you my finisher's T-shirt. After all, it's only a T-shirt.

DESPITE TIMING FIASCO, STILL THE BEST RACE

Most people are not likely to agree with what I'm about to say in regard to the Honolulu Marathon's timing fiasco. However, I think it needs to be said.

There is no other marathon that can compete with our friendly and enthusiastic volunteers, amazing weather, number of aid stations, scenery, quality traffic control and running course.

My wife and I have completed many marathons in Illinois, Oregon, Idaho, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Memphis, Ohio, and so on. And, we have concluded that the Honolulu Marathon is logistically the best.

Look on the bright side, at least the Honolulu Marathon didn't run out of water and shut the course down like in Chicago.

Oh sure, the new chip and timing system should have been working properly. But unless you are an elite runner competing for money and/or a potential record breaker you should be satisfied with the simple fact that you finished the daunting race.

Let's be honest, if you don't fall within one of those categories mentioned above, but time is still vitally important to you, then I suspect you monitored and kept your own time all along the course. You can probably tell us all what your exact time was at any specific mile marker.

IT HAS BECOME OBVIOUS RAIL IS WRONG FOR O'AHU

It has become obvious that fixed-rail costs have risen significantly since our last encounter with O'ahu mass transit.

It has become obvious that support for fixed rail has not grown. It may have even have declined. It has become obvious that the projected ridership of fixed rail is not high, maybe even less than before.

It has become obvious that the analysis of fixed rail has not improved. It has become obvious that we may not be able to afford a fixed-rail system. It has become obvious that with the amount of time people spend not going anywhere on the freeway something has to be done.

Therefore, considering all of the above statements, why we need some form of mass transit is rather obvious. That the city is pushing a fixed system seems obviously wrong.

AWARENESS WOULD HELP CURB HOMELESSNESS

Homelessness is becoming an enormous problem in Hawai'i.

Many people find it uncomfortable to be in the presence of a homeless person. I am writing this letter because I believe all Hawai'i residents should be more aware of the issue of homelessness in order to make a change.

I have learned through various articles that there are multiple efforts to get homeless people off beaches and into affordable housing and shelters.

The only setback to these projects is money.

A lot of people complain about those who linger around the streets with shopping carts and plastic bags, but few people make an effort to help these people out.

My suggestion to aid this problem is for government to make Hawai'i residents more aware of the efforts to solve this problem. Some examples could be to launch more public service announcements and fundraisers. If this is done, I think people will be more willing to help the situation.

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