UH FOOTBALL

LEGISLATORS NEED TO FOCUS ON BIGGER ISSUES

Thank goodness that having accomplished so much during their recent term, some members of our Legislature have decided that it's time to fix the University of Hawai'i's football teams' scheduling problems by calling the UH athletic director on the carpet.

I think that it's about time that they focused on a really important issue like this for our state instead of those minor, pesky problems like traffic, crime, homelessness and broken infrastructure. After they fix the football schedule, maybe they should focus on why UH doesn't have better plays and musicals; I believe that they should call the drama school dean up next to answer this question.

And those other deans out in Manoa: This should be a good shot across their bow that they better shape up because they might be next!

My one question to the Legislature is: Why didn't they call Herman Frazier's boss up to testify instead of him? Doesn't Frazier work for someone at the university, or is the Legislature his new boss? I don't understand why they are working on such "important" issues such as this one that will keep Hawai'i a great state.

I sure hope that they have a fall-back job because based on their performance, I'm betting that some/many might not be coming back after our next election.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS

ALL HAWAIIAN STUDENTS DESERVE TOP EDUCATION

If someone wants to sue Kamehameha Schools, it seems to me that it should be the Hawaiian children who cannot get into the Kamehameha Schools who should sue the estate.

Kamehameha Schools is making more than $800 million a year in income, and that doesn't include property appreciation. It spends a little more than $200 million a year on the schools. In my opinion, the Kamehameha Schools trustees are the ones who are not carrying out the wishes of the princess — to educate all the children of Hawai'i.

Kamehameha Schools is hoarding the income while the children of Hawai'i suffer sub-standard education and faculties. There is no excuse for this non-use of the funds specifically left for the education of the Hawaiian children.

All children of Hawaiian descent should at least be given the opportunity to attend Kamehameha Schools. Whether or not the other children in Hawai'i should be able to attend Kamehameha Schools is another issue and is up to the courts to decide.

Considering the amount of money at its disposal, Kamehameha Schools could and should be the highest quality school system in the world and should be made available to every child of Hawaiian descent without charge.

The estate has sufficient income and appreciation to achieve the superior education of all the children and still maintain the billions of dollars in principal that generate this income.

Whether it is greed, hoarding or overly conservative trust management, I do not know. But the children of Hawai'i are being cheated out of their inheritance by Kamehameha Schools.

SETTLEMENT OPENS THE DOOR FOR NEW PAYOUTS

The recent settlement between Kamehameha Schools and "John Doe" is not surprising. It would only be honorable if the sole purpose of the monetary settlement was to cover Doe's legal fees. One dime more and it's all about the money.

If he truly felt discriminated against and is passionate about righting a wrong, no amount of money would suffice.

I don't think Martin Luther King's civil rights movement would have had much impact if he said "I have a dream but I'd be willing to zip it for a few bucks." How about Susan B. Anthony? Would a fistful of cash be enough to buy her right to vote? Some things cannot be bought or sold. Methinks this was about the payola from the get-go. It won't be long before John Doe's cousin, John Q. Public, will be filling out his Kamehameha Schools application with pen and attorney in hand. Uh-oh.

AKAKA BILL

ROSEN UNINTENTIONALLY DRAWING MORE SUPPORT

Attorney David Rosen claims profit is not the motive in his plot to lure plaintiffs to sue Kamehameha Schools. What then is his purpose and what will be the result? Could Rosen be duping people into a scheme that will pump up support for the Akaka Bill?

Akaka supporters say the bill will ensure Hawaiians will no longer be threatened by the loss of programs to which they are now entitled.

Frivolous lawsuits prompt many people (Hawaiians and others) to suspect malice in the continuing efforts to use the U.S. Constitution to eliminate programs intended to help Hawaiians. They conclude that something needs to be done.

The Akaka Bill may not be the best remedy, but it's the only alternative on the table. Ironically, I believe Rosen and friends are drawing more and more supporters to it.

BROKEN SYSTEM

STATE FAILING TO OVERSEE OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

Recent headlines about state mismanagement of our natural resources needs a solution quickly. Our resources are so neglected that pristine beaches have become private condo and golf projects overnight. Most of the fish are gone. Even heiaus and burials have relieved development permits.

For hundreds of years community 'aha moku councils sustained up to a million people in Hawai'i. Elders with traditional knowledge about each unique community managed the ahupua'a. Our current system is a massive failure, and it's time to return to a system that worked.

UH

GAME PRICING THIS YEAR NO BARGAIN FOR UH FAN

Last year, eight home games. This year, I renewed my season tickets with only seven home games scheduled for the same price I paid last year. It is promised that if an eighth home game is finally scheduled, it will be free to us loyal season-ticket holders. Free? Did they raise the price per game so that the price of seven games this year is equal to last year's total price for eight games? Who are they kidding?

NOISE

HPD SHOULD TARGET NOISY LAWBREAKERS

After the city and HPD are done dealing with these hardened criminals (jaywalkers and non-seat-belt-wearing drivers), I know how they can pad their coffers even more. And it actually involves HPD enforcing the law.

At both ends of Waikiki, have officers stand at the ready to ticket and fine any motorcycle or moped that has a modified muffler. HPD would make a killing on Sunday, nailing the Harley crowd that destroys Waikiki's Sunday atmosphere.

As for mopeds, why are they allowed to pierce our ears every day, sounding like lawnmowers on steroids? Where are the fines? There are laws. Enforce them! Or is the Harley crowd a special-interest group too powerful to fight? The HPD and the mayor cannot have selective enforcement. Let us bring the noise level down.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

IF SENATOR CAN'T CHANGE THE TAX CODE, WHO CAN?

I recently decided to call my elected officials on a regular basis, because I wanted my voice to be heard. I have strong beliefs in America and what America was and should be. So I called Sens. Inouye and Akaka, and Reps. Abercrombie and Hirono. Three offices were very professional and listened to my reasoned arguments. One, Sen. Inouye's office, was not.

The same gentleman answered every time. I made a point that the senator should work to simplify the tax code. He interrupted me, stating that this would be too difficult. I laughed. If it is too difficult for an elected senator to change the tax code, then it would be impossible, because he's one person who can change it. It wouldn't be impossible.

If they can attempt to fast-track a 1,000-page bill on immigration through the Senate in one week, then a tax bill should be simple as well. Just write a one-word sentence, "From now on federal taxes will be 15 percent for everyone — no deductions — no anything." Now, how difficult is that?

NO SURPRISE

CARTER NOT IRRELEVANT, BUT BUSH SHOULD BE

Can anyone be surprised that the Bush administration finds Jimmy Carter "increasingly irrelevant?" Can anyone not be angry? After all, Jimmy Carter is a citizen devoted to the Constitution.

To the Bush administration, the American citizenry and the Constitution have been irrelevant from the beginning. The Bush administration is still enormously and tragically relevant. It needs to be made irrelevant through the simultaneous impeachment of George Bush and Dick Cheney.

ISLAND STYLE

HAWAI'I RESIDENTS MUST GET CIVICALLY ENGAGED

It seems that the island style of "live and let live" or "minding your kuleana" is going to be part of our own demise.

People in Hawai'i seem to lack any interest or knowledge, not to mention very little participation, in the democratic and political process. We have an administration, especially the president and vice president, who thumb their noses at the law. Freedom and the American way of life are being exchanged for the rule of corporatism, neo-conservatism, and the religious right.

While people are focused on the high cost of living, consumerism, racial inequalities, or other trivial matters, our elected officials act in concert with corporations and lobbyists to ensure maximum profits and solidification of power.

One day soon, all of our rights and liberties will be eroded in a "fight against terrorism." And by sitting idly by while it happens, each of us is held culpable and accountable.