No projects are included for Windward O'ahu even though we have some of the most critical infrastructure problems on the island.

For example, compare the top five with:

Since there is still time for the city to restructure the stimulus project priorities, I hope that the more pressing needs of Windward O'ahu will be included.

DOCTOR VISITS

WHY MUST TEENS HAVE SECRET TALKS

Although physicians say what teens tell them behind closed doors is confidential, do you really think these professionals will keep secrets from their parents?

A recent article regarding adolescent privacy during doctor visits said teenagers should have private conversations with a pediatrician without parents listening in on confidential information. Teenagers may trust doctors, but behind their backs, they may eventually tell parents what their child said anyway.

I don't feel the need to engage in private and confidential talks with my pediatrician, so I speak casually with my mother or father in the room with me.

If I inform my doctor about something I don't want my parents to know, my pediatrician will probably tell them sooner or later, if it were regarding something imperative. So why be secretive? I would also tell my parents what is wrong even though there may be severe consequences.

Why do teens have to consult a pediatrician and tell them their deep, dark secrets? We are there to see the pediatrician for a physical checkup, not a psychological checkup.

RENTS FALLING

LET'S ENJOY THIS TIME BECAUSE IT WON'T LAST

Decrease of rental rates can be a good thing.

Andrew Gomes' article "O'ahu rents likely to keep falling" (Honolulu Advertiser, March 17) shows that a 6.8 percent drop of rental rates indicated that the faltering economy is deteriorating. It will continue to fall over the years due to the economic contraction.

As a result of the high mortgage and wage cuts, countless people abandoned their homes. They are forced to seek lower-quality housing to save money and avoid becoming homeless.

Also, the basic law of economics applies to this issue. Another decrease in rates should not be expected because the supply for rental houses isn't growing much.

Despite the problems, a ray of hope struck the state's failing economy. The landlords are recognizing the limitations of the tenants so they reduced their rents.

This will be beneficial to citizens such as me and my family who are somewhat relieved from rental expenses. Also, the money saved will go to my education.

Therefore, let us enjoy the time of lower rent rates because it will not last long. Be grateful for the small blessings we have received despite the major crisis we are facing today.

HAWTEL BONUSES

WHAT SAYS GOVERNOR ON LEGISLATOR RAISES?

It is interesting that the governor has been very critical of the proposed HawTel bonuses, but has had little to say about the 36 percent pay raises our legislators gave themselves.

Hawaiian Tel's proposed bonuses are performance-based and not funded by taxpayer money. Since the company met its performance goals for last year, the bonuses appear to be deserved. Shouldn't companies reward loyal, hard-working employees whenever possible?

On the other hand, if legislators' pay raises were performance-based, how many of them would actually deserve even a 10 percent raise, much less 36 percent?

Is it political posturing on Gov. Lingle's part? If so, she is doing it on the backs of HawTel employees, many of whom earn less money than a part-time legislator.

HAWAII SUPERFERRY

SHOULD HAVE HEEDED LAW FROM THE START

Following the law in the first place would have spared the Hawaii Superferry, government and the community all the expense and agony we have gone through. Yes, there would have still been conflict and differences of opinion, but they would have played out within the procedures set forth in the EIS law.

Those may seem onerous and expensive, but not half as expensive as Superferry's arrogant journey has caused to date for all involved. If the Superferry had followed the EIS law from the beginning, it would probably be operating free of any lawsuits today. Unfortunately, the EIS law requires only disclosure of impacts and mitigating measures. It should, but does not, require the decision-maker to stop the Superferry based on negative impacts.

The Superferry refused to follow even this weak law because it saw itself as "above the law." The governor and the majority of lawmakers who took oaths to uphold the constitution and state laws helped the Superferry avoid the law. Thank God the Hawai'i Supreme Court understands its role in the separation of powers and checks and balances set forth in our federal and state constitutions. When we do not follow the rule of law, we weaken ourselves. If we do not follow the law, what is there to keep order and credibility?

The Supreme Court has given us a chance to restore our confidence in the constitution and our system of government. Real credibility and trust (pono) will come when government, in resolving this issue, effectively addresses the negative impacts of the Superferry.