DONE RIGHT, MILLIONS COULD BE RAISED

It's time for a lottery in Hawai'i — let the public vote — and earmark revenue for education. States with similar populations to Hawai'i, such as Maine and Montana, are successful. Revenue generated is $200 million to $300 million annually and residents win prize money weekly.

Let's not be holier than thou — today churches and organizations have lucky number draws where cash prizes are awarded. Hawai'i residents have been sports gaming from the beginning of time — Jan Ken Po, Super Bowl and Vegas junkets. If it is done pono, it will be successful and good for Hawai'i residents.

Larry Helm | Ho'olehua, Moloka'i

MAKUA TRAINING

FALSE CLAIMS DENYING SOLDIERS USE OF LAND

We of the VFW fully support U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye's recommendation to end the nitpicking so our soldiers can return to training in Makua. U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie's reference to sacred sites has never been substantiated as to its religion or god.

The reason Hawaiians left their religion more than 190 years ago was because of the cruel resultant punishment that was usually death for sinning. Protesters have been falsely using sacred to justify their claims while denying that the lives of our soldiers are far more sacred than anything to be found in Makua.

If William Aila Jr. and Malama Makua are so interested in the 'aina, why are they allowing the rest of Makua to be used as a rubbish dump?

We should not forget that our soldiers, who are our 'ohana, neighbors, friends and loved ones, are being sent to defend our freedoms by those whom we elected.

Bill Punini Prescott | Commander, Wai'anae VFW Post 849

KAYAKING

GUIDED TOURS SAFER OPTION FOR RENTERS

There is potentially a very dangerous situation occurring daily near the Mokulua islands off of Lanikai.

Last week, over a two-day period, local surfers rescued five people in three separate incidents involving visitors and rented kayaks. The surf was not unusually large and the winds were light.

In each case, the unguided visiting kayakers ventured into areas where the combination of shallow reef and unpredictable waves make for a very dangerous situation for those unfamiliar with local waters. Fortunately, the inexperienced kayakers were wearing life vests and alert local surfers were close by to render aid after the kayaks flipped over.

I'm not sure exactly what type of paddling instruction is given to renters of kayaks, but it's apparently insufficient. A short safety briefing on land is not enough. A brief paddling instruction in calm water only gives a sense of false security. signed liability waiver can't avert a tragedy.

Some kayak rental companies offer guided tours. Inexperienced kayakers and those unfamiliar with local conditions should not rent kayaks unless accompanied in small numbers by experienced and knowledgeable guides.

Dana Edmunds | Kailua

STATE FURLOUGHS

TAKING CUT BETTER THAN BEING LAID OFF

I have been in the employment business for the past 28 years and this recession is the worst I have ever seen and is predicted to get worse. It seems that the people of this state who are complaining about the governor's decision to furlough the state workers are not really seeing the true picture of what is happening in our state and the world.

This is not a matter of raising taxes to cover the shortfall, since the businesses themselves are struggling to survive.

Once they have more to pay toward taxes, that will mean more loss of jobs, or the people of our communities who have to pay for the increased taxes will purchase less because of the higher costs, which means less business for those companies.

I just met a woman who was laid off from her job of 36 years, and believed she would retire with that company, and her husband was recently laid off from his job of 36 years, too.

How do I help people find jobs when there are very few jobs in our community? I am sure that those people who don't have jobs right now would prefer to be a state worker.

Signe Godfrey | President, Olsten Staffing Services

BURNS AND GILL

FOND MEMORIES OF THAT ADMINISTRATION

Having served under John Burns and Tom Gill, both in the buildup of the Democratic Party and the state Cabinet of the '60s and early '70s, I find myself in full accord with the accolades expressed by your talented writers and the interpretations expressed by Tom Coffman on the lasting accomplishments of Tom in commemoration of his recent passing.

Land use was perhaps the dominant issue of the day, and its propagation perhaps Tom's continuing legislative legacy. Having found myself often on the short end of many commission decisions, what I learned from both executives was that the economic and demographic needs of the times did call for "highest and best use" but "not so fast."

On a less formal note, I do recall the time in 1970 when Tom and I were charged with construction and activation of the Hawai'i Pavilion at the Osaka World's Fair. Ours was located next to the Soviet Pavilion, and in the process Hawaiian maidens were to teach hula to Soviet ballerinas in exchange for the latest ballet steps.

Tom may not want to claim credit for a prelude to ending the Cold War, but memory does bring forth that recollection.

Shelley Mark | Honolulu