KITTY LAGARETA

SHOULD THERE BE PROBE OF HIRING OF DOBELLE?

As I pondered how to write my letter chastising the state Senate for the vote against Kitty Lagareta, I opened my Sunday paper and found that Lee Cataluna had nailed it. Great job!

My only addition would be that since one of the reasons for not approving her was the handling of the firing of Evan Dobelle, maybe there should actually be an investigation (or an audit by Marion Higa) into the hiring of Dobelle. That might prove to be interesting.

INTERNATIONAL AID

MYANMAR TRAGEDY SHOULDN'T BE POLITICIZED

It's shameful, opportunistic, and disgusting that a terrible human tragedy — the Myanmar cyclone that killed tens of thousands — was politicized by Mrs. Bush to get across her personal, political agenda of a country about which she knows virtually nothing.

The AP story reported in The Honolulu Advertiser on May 6 was not much better, devoting nearly half of its text to political issues that had nothing to do with the natural disaster. It placed the Myanmar government in a "damned if you do and damned if you don't" situation.

If one is genuinely concerned with the plight of the Burmese people in this time of need, rather than capitalize on the tragedy either donate to the Myanmar Association of Hawaii (as reported by The Advertiser with the same AP story) or donate directly to World Vision, which has been working in the country now for approximately 30 years.

LUGGAGE LIMIT

AIRLINES CAN CONSIDER ISLAND TRAVEL NEEDS

I see all the airlines are implementing the one free bag check-in system.

Not long ago, we could check two bags at 70 pounds per bag. This changed to two bags at 50 pounds per bag.

Now it is one bag with a 50-pound limit.

We are captives in Hawai'i in visiting Mainland relatives and friends.

We must fly and we often, if not always, bring gifts of aloha that requires two checked bags.

Hawaiian and the other airlines should be well aware of this. When they implemented the one-bag limit they should have at least raised the weight limit for the one bag back to the original 70 pounds.

ENERGY COSTS

DOES AIRPORT HAVE TO BE SO OVER-CHILLED?

I refer to the lead article of May 5, "In Isles, rising energy bills fuel 'green' wave." Thank you for the prominent placement of a timely article on a very important subject. It is gratifying to observe that the public is gaining interest in conserving energy. Maybe this article will prompt even greater citizen involvement.

The article cites the activities of UH students in Saunders Hall, one of which was a survey that revealed that the building was too cold. This reminded me of a recent trip to Honolulu International Airport, during which I nearly froze while in the baggage claim area. When I arrived, I was literally the only person in the area; the huge volume of this room was being over-chilled for nothing.

It reminded me of a similar observation going back over 20 years, when I worked at the airport. I remember the gate lounges being very cold. At that time I suppose an argument could have been made that improving the temperature controls would not be cost effective.

However, oil just closed over $120/barrel; it seems that a considerable investment in reducing the energy consumption of airport spaces could be justified.

The Department of Transportation is to be applauded for incorporating solar energy in some of its current projects; I hope they will also examine this issue.

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS NEED NOT BE SO COLD

Great article in the May 5 Advertiser, "In Isles, rising energy bills fuel 'green' wave," but you only touched the tip of the proverbial (melting) iceberg.

If you followed up on The Hub survey at UH, you'd discover a very good reason why our public schools should not be equipped with air conditioning. I challenge you to visit any state or city office building and observe how many workers must resort to wearing sweaters and jackets to insulate themselves against the effects of thermostats set in the high 60s or low 70s.

It really is a bit ironic that we are forced to pay exorbitant indirect inefficiency taxes for things like ethanol when many thousands of dollars are wasted every week in these public facilities, not to mention the environmental costs.

A Cornell University study found that 77 degrees is the optimal office temperature from both a comfort and productivity perspective. Why then is 70 degrees the Hawai'i norm?

Jimmy Carter may have been one of our most incompetent presidents, but he had this simple measure right. Diminishing our dangerous dependency on foreign oil is a wise objective, but common sense, not legislative mandates or executive orders, should be the first step.

BENEDICT XVI

POPE'S VISIT OFFERED ALTERNATIVE FOR U.S.

The times are out of joint — a possible worldwide recession, the continuing wars against terrorism, global warming, a food shortage in various nations, the oppression of the Tibetan people.

In America, the race for the Democratic presidential nomination has turned into negative ads and personal attacks. The issues of race, gender, class and age have become a major part of the campaign, and it may very well divide the nation.

In sharp contrast was the visit of Pope Benedict to America. He stood in the shadow of his predecessor, the beloved and charismatic John Paul II. He was a quiet, humble church intellectual and seen only as a transitional pontiff.

Surprisingly, Pope Benedict struck a chord with Americans.

He was able to connect with Roman Catholics and non-Roman Catholics alike.

At a time when Americans feel adrift and fearful of the future, Benedict offered an alternative — a return to faith by Roman Catholics, as well as all Christians and all religions.

With faith, people will have a spiritual rock to rely on in these perilous times. Hope will return and Americans will once again rise to the challenges and overcome.

FACING TOMORROW

PROUD GOVERNOR WILL ATTEND ISRAEL MEETING

I just wanted to express how proud I am that Gov. Linda Lingle will be attending the Facing Tomorrow conference in Israel.

Many people don't realize that Israel is a key global leader in high-tech industries and is a driver of worldwide innovation.

By developing partnerships to this end, our governor is furthering the success of Hawai'i's future economy.

What a great opportunity to put Hawai'i on the world stage.

HOPES GOVERNOR ALSO VISITS WITH PALESTINIANS

When Gov. Linda Lingle and her two Cabinet members go to Israel for the Facing Tomorrow conference, I hope that they will make time to share Hawai'i's aloha spirit with Palestinians living in places like Bethlehem, Nablus and Hebron.

Heaven knows that the spirit of aloha would be welcomed by Palestinians in the Palestinian Territories, beleaguered by Israeli government policies.

On their return, we welcome a report that acknowledges a hopeful future for all citizens of Israel and Palestine.

CAR RACING

RACEWAY WOULD BE A WINNER SEVERAL WAYS

I was lucky to grow up with half a dozen racetracks in easy commuting distance, and as a result was fortunate enough to learn the skills that led to an enjoyable career as a professional race and rally car driver.

When O'ahu lost the raceway, would-be enthusiasts were driven onto the roads, and apart from a few Mainland moonshine runners on country lanes, I don't think anyone ever learned the motor racing business by speeding in traffic.

It is time some serious efforts were made by the Legislature to provide such a facility and to eliminate the carnage that misguided and frustrated driving is bringing to the state.

Most such venues make a good income, both from paying spectators and from drivers participating in special "track days" and driver's schools.

Just think of the extra tourist revenue if we could stage a NASCAR or Indy event in the Islands.