TAKE A CUE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR

I have no idea why state and city employees think that they should be immune from cutbacks in a poor economy. It seems that the road to happiness begins with a job in the government. It's been a lifetime of pulling in a pay check, then retirement benefits, striking for more "money, benefits" while private industry suffers and lays off, terminates, or closes up shop. Why are you so invaluable?

The other day the HGEA spokesman made comments to this effect, that how dare anyone think of layoffs.

Hello! This is a very bad time; why are you so necessary when others make do with fewer employees? Get over it. Let's get this state working harder, producing more, saving money with fewer employees — you know, like private industry? Benefit cutbacks, sure. Many pay for their healthcare or at least a portion of it. Keep it up, Linda Lingle. Get this machine fine-tuned for once.

STATE BUDGET

GOVERNOR'S SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION CLEAR

It's ironic.

When Lee Cataluna's March 27 column was published, insinuating Gov. Lingle is trying to undermine education for Hawai'i's keiki, the governor was cheering on high school students at the FIRST in Hawai'i Regional Robotics Competition. Gov. Lingle spearheaded this hands-on educational program. In fact, just one column over, your paper ran an article highlighting these students' achievements, listing the governor as the event's host.

With the governor's support, educational robotics programs grew from 95 last year to more than 315 programs in Hawai'i public, private and charter schools, encouraging students to develop critical STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills.

Unfortunately, Cataluna's column is full of unfounded innuendoes and faulty information.

Hawai'i's public school system makes up half the state budget — $2 billion annually. But even in this tough economic environment of shared sacrifice, the DOE's budget will not be reduced as Cataluna claims.

Under the governor's plan, the DOE will receive nearly $115 million in new federal money. The DOE is not getting less funding, but more, thanks to the governor's plan to use the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. The governor's plan even restores the $60 million the Legislature cut from DOE's budget.

The 1,000 students at the Stan Sheriff Center this weekend showed through their innovation how out of touch Lee Cataluna is.

LINGLE HAS FORGOTTEN KEIKI ARE OUR FUTURE

Unbelievable! I cannot believe Gov. Lingle. I have always tried to be impartial since she has been our governor but after this fiasco with the federal rescue money going to balance the state budget, it is the last straw.

I have two grandsons who are in public school and another that will be in a few years, and, believe me, if we had the money to send them to private school, we would do so in a heartbeat.

It is not right that we have to watch our children and grandchildren struggle through the public school system with not enough books, nor enough teachers or programs to help when they are struggling.

She seems to forget that these very children are Hawai'i's future. We need to prepare them and give them the best tools we can to help them achieve to be the best they can be.

HAWAII SUPERFERRY

MINORITY SHOULDN'T RUIN IT FOR MAJORITY

Again the screaming minority overrides the silent majority in Hawai'i. They could care less about what the EIS stood for when they loudly protested the Superferry in 2007. I thought our country was founded on the concept of majority rules — a democracy and yet we let this loudmouthed minority ruin our businesses and livelihood.

How many whales did the Superferry kill? We need the elected officials and appointed judges to be compatible with the people's voices.

WHERE'S COMPASSION FOR OTHERS' JOBS?

About 200 former employees of Superferry, unemployed.

Members of the Sierra Club are employed.

Judges on the state Supreme Court are employed.

Please have compassion and try not to have others suffer while you are not. We should help others, not make their lives more difficult.

FERRY, CIVIL UNIONS

POWER OF MOB RULE SEEN IN RECENT LOSSES

The losses of the Superferry and civil unions are very sad examples of the power of mob rule.

NATATORIUM

PERFORMANCE VENUE WOULD BE A WINNER

Unfortunately, no one solution will satisfy all, but here's one idea that could be a winner for most.

Instead of a problematic pool restoration, use the monies toward constructing a large storm-proof concrete platform, topped with a large grassy area with a few palm trees surrounding to allow for a fine presentation of hula and music, much like the famed Kodak Hula Show and Hawai'i Calls programs. The Nat's grandstands are still in fine shape for a good crowd, and with the surrounding beauty of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, blue skies and evening sunsets at the ready, this would be the perfect setting for local performers to showcase what Hawai'i has to offer the world.

Add a live-feed camera to deliver the spectacular visuals to potential international visitors, and you couldn't ask for a better promotional setting.

Moneywise, it would be similar in costs to removing the old pool and building protective groins, or building a new pool. Profits from sales and advertising could eventually make it a self-paying venture, and maybe even a moneymaker.

The Natatorium War Memorial is one of the very few remaining vestiges from Waikiki's glory days and utilizing it in a worthwhile manner is both honoring the WWI fallen for which the Natatorium was built and celebrating its historic past, and can be a great asset to promote Hawai'i in a way that we sorely need for a better future.