FINANCIAL TROUBLES

MANAGEMENT TO BLAME FOR SYMPHONY WOES

Both of Honolulu's newspapers have written numerous editorials regarding the Honolulu Symphony. They have fairly portrayed the plight of the fine musicians and the value the symphony brings to our community. I believe we all recognize the importance of this cultural icon. Unfortunately, what the newspapers have not addressed in their editorials is why the symphony finds itself in this latest financial crisis.

This institution is run by a dedicated board of directors who together with the management it employs, has as its sole purpose the responsibility of bringing financial viability to the organization.

Regretfully, management and the board have failed to accomplish this task and are responsible for its current financial condition. Don't look outward at "The Lion King,' look inward at current management.

Continuing to throw money at an institution because we love it, without any systemic change in how it operates and its plan for future health is folly. How often do they think the public will continue to come to their aid?

There has been much finger-pointing on what has caused this latest financial morass at the symphony, and yet we do not know why. This is not a sacred cow that we are talking about; it receives public money, and the public deserves and has the right to know how their money is spent.

Finally, is it really in this institution's long-term best interest to have poor financial performance continually rewarded without significant changes in how it operates? I think not.

TRANSPORTATION

ALTERNATIVES WILL BRING CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR

I agree with Panos D. Prevedouros (Letter, May 12) that higher gas prices won't necessarily drive commuters to public transit. This tells us that people are willing to "pay the price" for efficient and comfortable means of transportation.

So how can we as an island community encourage people to drive smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, use the bus or bike to work? There are a few low-cost options that have proven effective in other countries.

Buying and operating a large (gas-guzzling) truck or SUV has been very cheap for most people in Hawai'i (including myself). Not so in most European countries, where the governments often impose hefty taxes on new vehicles, based on the vehicles engine size and fuel efficiency. Smaller cars have the added bonus of being easier to park, and they cause less wear and tear on the roads.

Living in East O'ahu, I am amazed that City and County of Honolulu does not allocate one of the three lanes along Kalaniana'ole Highway for buses and taxis during rush hour. A dedicated corridor for public transportation all the way from Hawai'i Kai to the University of Hawai'i-Manoa to Downtown would make buses much more competitive. Many people now won't use TheBus because it takes too long.

Make it safer for people to bike to work by providing continuous bike lanes along the major commuter routes on our island.

Only when public transportation and bike lanes provide a real alternative will we change our behavior.