Letters to the Editor
BOE HAS QUESTIONS ON SCHOOL PRIORITY LIST
I wanted to address M.A. Shepherd's concern (Letters, Dec. 6) that Wai'anae was forgotten when air conditioning of schools was prioritized.
I requested that the air-conditioning issue be heard in my committee when Campbell High School students and faculty came before the Board of Education to testify not only on heat, but also noise from low-flying military jets.
The priority list that was reported on in The Advertiser was put together by a heat-abatement consultant hired by the Department of Education.
The BOE had grievous concerns and questioned the list, which did not include Wai'anae and 'Ewa schools.
Therefore, I scheduled another Support Services Committee meeting on Dec. 17 to revisit this important issue, which is a definite factor when it comes to student achievement.
Please assure M.A. Shepherd that Wai'anae has not been forgotten.
Lei Ahu IsaChairperson, Support Services Committee, state Board of Education
COMMUTING
COULDN'T SUPERFERRY HELP RESCUE WAI'ANAE?
How about running the Superferry to Wai'anae and back during times of emergency? It would ease some traffic. Just a thought.
David LeeHonolulu
BAD DRIVING HABITS PART OF TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE
Why do people go 35 mph on the freeway? Why do people slow down when they are trying to merge onto the freeway?
These are just some of the reasons why traffic here is getting worse and worse daily.
Here's more: People don't use their turn signals, they don't have good judgment when changing lanes, they use their cell phones while driving and forget about everything else, and they drive like they're the only ones on the road.
People need to wake up and pay attention while driving. If driving has become too difficult for some, then maybe a refresher course in driver's education is needed.
Walter Gouveia'Ewa Beach
NEW BUS ROUTES NOT BETTER FOR AREA SENIORS
As a practicing ophthalmologist, I take issue with Morton L. Brown (Letters, Dec. 11) over the following points:
Before, they had both the No. 58, which was a straight trip from Koko Marina, or the No. 1. The bus riders had a choice every half hour and could make their medical appointments in a timely fashion.
I do not think the new schedule is "better and more rapid," as Mr. Brown indicated in his letter.
Please bring back a bus that travels from upper Lunalilo Home Road and turns onto Kalaniana'ole to 'Aina Haina/Kahala, which is a straight shot for the seniors who rely on TheBus for their medical appointments, groceries and the opportunity to maintain an independent lifestyle.
Joyce H. Cassen M.D.'Aina Haina Eye Center
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
RANGE OF INFORMATION OFFERED TO TEENAGERS
I would like to take this opportunity to clear up some misinformation in the letter from James Roller (Dec. 11).
Planned Parenthood does not view abortion as a method of birth control. Planned Parenthood views birth control (contraception) as a means to prevent pregnancy. We do not advocate abortion as a form of birth control.
Mr. Roller seems to equate sexuality education as something that only speaks about abortion. This couldn't be further from the truth. The medically accurate, comprehensive sexuality education that Planned Parenthood provides includes factual information on abstinence, condoms, contraception, anatomy, puberty and sexual decision-making. Our programs are science based and nonjudgmental. If someone asks about abortion, we will provide factual information on both viewpoints.
The key to reducing unintended teen pregnancy is through honest, accurate and factual education and information. We need to acknowledge that teens have the right to such information; that they deserve respect and should be valued; that society has a responsibility to provide its youth with the tools they need to deter unintended pregnancy and STIs; and, in turn, that youth have a responsibility to use that information to make informed decisions to safeguard their health.
Sonia BlackistonDirector of education and training, Planned Parenthood of Hawai'i
CITY GOVERNMENT
LETTERS FROM OFFICIALS ARE JUST BACK PATTING
Once again, someone complained about city government, and once again a city official responded (Dec. 13) by waving nothing more than a PR letter praising our do-nothing mayor.
The subject is not as important as the phrases used in the response by Jeff Coelho, who heads up the city's Department of Customer Service. Try these on for size: "His leadership style put him on top of the city's proactive role," "the mayor and the city were more than capable," "we immediately saw the potential."
The amount of self-serving, back-patting pap that comes out of Mayor Mufi Hannemann's office is truly appalling. That's a heck of a legacy to leave behind when he's not reelected. 'Nough said.
Jason KokaainaWaipahu
STREET REPAIR
FASI WOULDN'T HAVE LET CITY ROADS GO TO POT
Kudos to the city's pothole repair workers, but Honolulu roads are intolerable!
The issue dates back to Jeremy Harris and a complicit City Council.
Now Mufi Hannemann is tasked with the indomitable project of road repair.
Frank Fasi would never have let the Honolulu roads go to pot.
William KingHonolulu
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