MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WILL GO ELSEWHERE

I was deeply troubled to learn that Gov. Lingle and Ted Liu would "close down" the Hawai'i Film Office. At a time when the other 49 states are giving bigger tax credits to production companies, to bring cash into their economy, we would become the only one to close it by laying off the staff and the commissioner.

I understand and I am not against cutting the fat, but skinning the beast, cutting the fat and throwing the meat away is not going to feed us.

It just doesn't make sense. At least keep Donne Dawson to turn the lights on and off and to answer the phone to give a decent representation of our state's willingness to do business. Do not outsource a receptionist from another agency to answer calls from producers.

Millions of dollars are going to be going somewhere else again.

After the "Super Fiasco" of the ferry, the damages done to Act 221, and more, let's not repeat history today.

The game plan is to restore the economy, not to destroy it, because right now, our politicians are doing a good job at it.

GUY BELEGAUD | Kaka'ako

GRAFFITI

EYESORE NEEDS TO BE COMBATTED, ERASED

What is with all the graffiti on our streets? It is ruining the image of Hawai'i. It shows the poverty and disrespect that linger in our society. A very bad example to tourists especially in these bad economic times.

I say the police should step up night patrols to catch these criminals. It also wouldn't be hard to paint over the graffiti on our freeways and major highways more regularly.

SEAN FUKUNAGA | Pearl City

HIGHWAY PAVEMENT

MARYLAND'S 'WORN' ROADS STILL BEAT OURS

Recently I drove through a re-paving project in western Maryland on Interstate 68 at approximately 70 mph. One of the two west-bound lanes had been completed and was as smooth as any highway I've ever driven. To pass a slower vehicle, I carefully switched into the lane that hadn't yet been repaved. I expected it to be worn and bumpy. Instead I found it remarkably smooth — smoother than H-1 has been in 20 years.

What gives with local highway maintenance planning and our congressional delegation if Maryland is re-paving supposedly worn highways that we in Hawai'i would be thrilled to have?

MICHAEL P. RETHMAN | Kane'ohe

OCEAN FISH FARM

PROJECT OFF BIG ISLE NEEDS MORE STUDY

Hawaii Oceanic Technology Inc. plans to raise tons of 'ahi off our coast; however, the impacts on local species of fish and mammals are unknown. This project will dump tons of chemicals into the ocean and could have long-term repercussions on local fish. This needs more thorough study before they begin operations.

VICKI VIERRA | Kea'au

RAIL TRANSIT

INDEPENDENT AUDITS OF COSTS WELCOME

I am glad that, at long last, a third party has checked the city's math on the rail project. If we are going to spend $5 billion on a transportation system, then we, the taxpayers, deserve regular updates on how the costs are being managed. If an independent auditor like Jacobs Engineering says the city's numbers are legitimate, then I am satisfied for the moment.

I hope these updates continue by the federal government's consultants after groundbreaking.

DAWN KAWAMOTO | Honolulu

STATE DEFICIT

BUDGET, NEGOTIATIONS TWO SEPARATE ISSUES

The recent announcement of the closing of Kulani Correctional Facility should serve as an example of how the governor has handled negotiations with the public unions. Layoff notices without talking to people, no discussions with the Hawai'i mayor and information given to the news media before the people involved.

The budget and public union negotiations are two separate issues. The governor has used her public relations staff to fool the people into believing this is the same problem. The budget shortfall is not a consequence of public worker salaries. It is the result of the global economic situation. What the governor has chosen to do instead of addressing the economic situation is use the situation to attack public workers and unions.

Instead of putting forth a position that the people will survive this economic downturn. Instead of putting forth a plan to stimulate the economy. Instead of assuring the people that needed services will continue to be provided. She has chosen to use fear and threats to public worker unions to further her image and divert attention away from the lack of a plan to address the economy.

EGAN KAWAMOTO | 'Ewa Beach

CONSIDER DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Since the governor and public employee unions seem to be deadlocked, maybe there is another alternative to solving the problem. Instead of pay cuts, furloughs and layoffs, what if the employees agreed to defer a percentage of their wages until the economy improved?

In essence, the state would give each employee a warrant, bond or similar document encompassing a promise to pay the deferred wages at a later date when the economy improved. The deficit would be resolved and the employees would give up money in hand for payment in the future.

The deferred compensation could also be applied to the employee's retirement account if the employee so chooses. Of course, many details would have to be worked out, but the budget would be balanced and the employees would eventually get paid for the work performed.

TOM RACK | Kane'ohe