DROUGHT

WHEN WE WILL START CONSERVING OUR WATER?

It seems that we have a major drought and Hawai'i seems to ignore this fact.

Normal yearly rainfall in Honolulu is 28.41 inches; as of yesterday the entire rainfall for the year is 3.65 inches. We should have had about 19 inches by now.

Yet, the weather section in the paper says the normal rainfall for this time of year is 10.75.

Hydrologists, how bad is this drought? I notice the palm trees at Ala Moana Park look bad.

Where are the statewide water restrictions? Where is the law that golf courses only use reclaimed water instead of clean potable water?

Where is the law limiting watering to before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.? Is this drought from climate change?

When will statewide efforts to save water start?

TRANSIT

PROPOSED RAIL SYSTEM WILL BE AN EYESORE

Imagine an elevated concrete rail bed 30 feet wide snaking through our towns and countryside, blotting out the beauty of our green mountains, palm trees and blue skies.

This is the mayor's multi-billion-dollar planned blight on the beauty of our Hawai'i. There are alternatives that are much less costly, such as San Francisco's HOT lanes, which are not such an eyesore.

If we have a rail system, it should be a beautiful system similar to that in Hong Kong, with its marble, granite and polished brass stations, wonderful state-of-the-art trains and all underground. Keep in mind that Hong Kong is also an island with a high water table like O'ahu.

Remember that we will have to live with this monstrosity for the rest of our lives. We must stop the mayor's horrific eyesore blunder now before it goes any further.

SARAH PALIN

DOESN'T UNDERSTAND STEM-CELL RESEARCH

In a Sept. 11 interview, Charles Gibson from ABC News asked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin what her position is on stem cell research. Her response was, "We shouldn't create life to destroy it for research."

Stem cell researchers don't want to create more embryonic stem cells. They just want to be able to use some of the thousands that are being stored, or simply thrown away, in fertilization clinics across the United States. It would appear from Gov. Palin's response that she doesn't understand this issue.

Gov. Palin has been campaigning as an advocate for special-needs children. During her speech at the Republican National Convention, she looked right at the camera and pledged to stand by all parents of special-needs children if she gets to the White House.

Polls show that the vast majority of Americans (Democrats and Republicans alike), and especially Americans who are parents of special-needs children, are pro-stem cell research.

I am the mother of a 13-year-old who suffered severe brain damage during the birthing process. If Gov. Palin really wants to stand by me and the majority of parents of special-needs children, she would advocate for government spending on stem cell research. That, unfortunately, will probably never happen.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

BOE SHOULD REVERSE ITS FUNDING DECISION

Apparently, Special Olympics Hawai'i was not advised of the Department of Education's recommendation to pull the Special Olympics program from schools before the Board of Education's vote to cut funding for the program for public school students with disabilities.

When I've looked at schools for my son, Jason, who has Down syndrome, and when I've attended IEP special education meetings, principals have excitedly noted that they have Special Olympics.

Just how many IEP teams and principals did the special education administrator consult with before making a decision to do away with the Special Olympics service contract, potentially affecting all students with disabilities who otherwise have no other option to develop their physical abilities, learn team work, listening and cooperation skills? Not to mention just having fun and building friendships. See an educational pattern here, called learning?

The board must fully consider special education laws and reverse its decision to cut DOE funding for public school students to receive special education benefits through the proven-successful Special Olympics.

MAHALO

THANKS ARE DUE TO ALL RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS

I would like to give my sincerest thanks to all Red Cross volunteers from Hawai'i and the rest of our country.

They respond to every disaster where people are displaced or require assistance. Many of them are retirees who could be relaxing and enjoying life. Concern and aloha for our fellow islanders makes them go beyond their own considerations and give assistance as needed.

When the Red Cross called for volunteers for Hurricane Gustav, Hawai'i sent volunteers. They gave aid and aloha to our fellow Americans. They also gained experience and expertise in coping with hurricane disasters.

I hope everyone in Hawai'i will thank and support our volunteers. It is our support and donations that makes them available locally and nationally.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

DIFFICULT TO GET TO STADIUM TICKET OFFICE

I went to the Punahou-Saint Louis football game last week at Aloha Stadium. I am 70 years old, a Punahou grad, class of '55. The ticket office is down about 30 steps, and then back up the same 30 steps.

I am handicapped and have special plates on my car. With a cane, I managed to navigate the stairs, but my sister, who has had a hip replacement, could not. There should be some way to buy tickets without having to navigate the stairs.

I will not go to any other games until this is resolved.