Private schools are at their best when they serve a broadly defined public purpose, and when their missions address issues of equity and justice in our society. When a school with a unique purpose serves a population of students who are not otherwise well-served, everyone benefits.

Kamehameha is such a school.

PHYSICIANS

MEDICAL TORT REFORM IS REALLY A RED HERRING

After all of the media hype about tort reform, I keep wondering why nobody addresses what it all really is about — money.

If doctors are leaving, it is simply to earn more money elsewhere.

As it currently stands, I have no doubt that doctors in Hawai'i outearn at least 90 percent of the rest of us.

We all know that there is a cost for living in paradise. Many professionals in our Islands choose to sacrifice higher Mainland paychecks so they can live here and spend the day at the beach in January.

Tort reform is a red herring, and making House Rep. Tommy Waters the scapegoat is just a tactic to steer the public away from what really matters to some doctors — making more money.

MOTORISTS

TURN-SIGNAL LAW MUST BE BETTER ENFORCED

I believe the lack of proper turn-signal use by most Hawai'i drivers is a significant cause of motor vehicle accidents; and in the case of motorcyclists, a major cause of fatalities.

I'm guessing that many of the 5,639 injuries and 215 fatalities involving motorcyclists from 1996 to 2006 fall into the category of driving into the side of a left- turning automobile that did not signal the turn.

State law requires drivers to signal every time they intend to make a turn or lane change.

They also must begin signaling well in advance of the intended turn or lane change so others have time to see and understand what they intend to do.

How often do you see a car stopped in the center of a block, waiting to turn left into a parking lot or driveway, with no turn signal being used? Does the driver think everyone else is a mind reader?

How often have you waited for an oncoming vehicle prior to your left turn only to have him turn left in front of you without signaling his turn?

I have even seen police officers make turns and lane changes without proper use of signals.

I would like to see our elected and appointed officials and the police start having the law enforced.

TRANSIT

HOT LANES WILL COST LESS, CUT CONGESTION

O'ahu has about 800,000 vehicles, and the number will keep increasing. What are the city and the state doing for O'ahu residents, especially those on the Leeward side who drive their own cars and are stuck in peak-time slow-moving traffic Monday through Friday?

Here's what happens when vehicles are stuck in traffic. First of all, more pollution from car exhausts. Secondly, consumption of more fuel. Lastly, more wasted time.

Elevated highways or HOT lanes for buses and cars will cost one half the price of rail and will alleviate traffic congestion.

Once built, minimal cost is needed for annual maintenance compared to millions of dollars to run the rail per year.

Rail will not eliminate traffic congestion, according to the project's main consultant, Parsons Brinckerhoff.

People on O'ahu want the convenience of driving their own cars. We must give them additional roadways to ease their travel and reduce traffic congestion.

NEWER STEEL-ON-STEEL SYSTEMS ARE QUIETER

It seems that everyone so far has been critical of the noise that will result from a steel-on-steel rail system in Honolulu, using the systems of New York City and Chicago as evidence.

I would like to point out that both New York's and Chicago's mass-transit rail systems are more than 100 years old, and utilize technology nearly that old as well.

To be fair, people should look to the BART system in San Francisco, or TheRide in Denver. Both of these are steel-on-steel systems that are smooth and quiet.

I would imagine the city would choose these newer technologies over ones used in the 19th century.

THEBUS INEFFECTIVE IN ANY FREEWAY TIE-UPS

It seems there are people who think TheBus is a better mode of transportation for O'ahu.

In some respects it is. However, TheBus is not effective if there is another tie-up on the freeway similar to what happened on Sept. 5, 2006, when a military rig crashed into an 'Aiea overpass.

For those of you who live on the Windward side, there are three different highways you can use should one of the highways get shut down.

You try living on the west side, where day after day, even on a Saturday, the same areas always seem to be congested.

If there is another major accident on H-1 westbound, we are bound to sit in another mess, one in which even TheBus is useless.

RAIL SYSTEM WILL HELP US MANAGE RESOURCES

Steel on steel — noisy? Have you experienced a modern rail system on the Mainland? I'll take that option any day.

Those who oppose rail because it "might" be noisy probably don't live near the H-1.

I live on the 33rd floor above the H-1 freeway and even with the lanai doors closed, the noise is deafening. The constant sound of cars and trucks zipping down the freeway is heard throughout the day, every day. The dust and soot from the cars are relentless.

Constructing HOT lanes for more cars and buses is not the solution. The solution is to build a rail system.

I support rail because it will help preserve our environment and manage urban sprawl. A rail system will give us an alternative to driving on the freeway.

We have to be proactive and ensure that our keiki will have enough natural resources to support them through the next millennium. To meet the increasing demands of our limited island resources, we must support rail.

UH ATHLETICS

FINALLY, UNIVERSITY GOT IT RIGHT IN AD CHOICE

Finally someone got it right. Jim Donovan as the University of Hawai'i's new athletic director is an excellent choice.

With his extensive background in business and athletics, as well as his networking, the future of UH athletics looks bright.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Her name is Hinshaw. From a UH alumna, mahalo!

SCHOOLS

UNIFORMS CAN INCREASE LEARNING, SAVE MONEY

I applaud Campbell High School student Chantyle Ramones for her March 6 letter regarding the mandatory wearing of school uniforms. However I disagree with her stand against school uniforms.

Uniforms can make students feel equal. Social status is less of an issue when everyone is wearing the same clothing.

Uniforms improve students' individuality because they will express themselves through their personality and attitude, rather than through expensive brand-name shoes or jeans.

Uniforms can positively affect student safety by lowering student victimization and differentiating strangers from students on campus. Uniforms should make it easier for security and law enforcement to identify outsiders or intruders.

Most importantly, I believe uniforms will increase student learning and attitudes toward school by enhancing the learning environment, raising school pride and promoting organizational goals. Uniforms contribute to a more sedate, professional feel that can make it easier to focus on school.

Lastly school uniforms save money. Parents will no longer have to spend a fortune on school clothes.

Students should go to school to learn and not have to worry about being judged by the clothes they are wearing. As for the $5 rental fee for those who "forget" their uniforms, that lesson is called responsibility.

PLANT TREES, COOL DOWN OUR SCHOOL CLASSROOMS

More trees in schoolyards will help cool classrooms and lessen noise at the same time.

MAHALO

DE MELLO 'OHANA HONORED BY TRIBUTE

We would like to thank the University of Hawai'i-Hilo Alumni and Friends Association for honoring our dad, the late Eddie De Mello at its annual event.

Our mom, we the children and the grandchildren never dreamed he would be recognized so long after his untimely passing in 1974 at the age of 51.

Being able to hear the many great comments and wonderful stories about him from friends and colleagues warmed our hearts. We are also grateful for the Legislature's resolution honoring him. It was an emotional evening for the Eddie De Mello Family, and a chance to pass on a small portion of his legacy to his grandchildren.

We were again reminded of our dad's life work with the ILWU for the entire community.

This truly was a special night for all of us. Congratulations to all the fellow recipients.