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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, September 22, 2007

Letters to the Editor

FOOTBALL

BOISE STATE BRONCO FAN CELEBRATES UH'S HAKA

As a graduate and avid fan of Boise State, University of Hawai'i fans may not be too interested in my opinion, but fear not, Warrior fans.

This member of Bronco Nation was disappointed to see that Karl Benson and the WAC discouraged and even penalized you for your team's performance of the haka.

I think you should be proud of your team, your successes and your heritage. The team's performance of this dance highlights one of the most fascinating, strong cultures in the United States.

Intimidating? Heck yes, but it is exactly what is good and pure about college football and your pride in your culture.

I applaud your defiance, Coach Jones. I won't be cheering for you on Nov. 23, but I will for every other game, and pre-game, along the way.

Amber M. Beierle
Boise, Idaho

TOURISM

TO KEEP WORKERS, START PAYING DECENT WAGES

According to the Sept. 17 article, "Hawai'i struggles to attract qualified hospitality workers," the Hawai'i Tourism Authority is paying the University of Hawai'i $276,000 for a report that contains strategies for attracting and keeping hospitality workers.

Russell Uyeno, a UH consultant, said industry officials sometimes have a hard time finding qualified people willing to work. Mr. Uyeno said among the comments they heard were:

  • "We're forced to hire people that are barely employable."

  • "We're forced to tolerate bad behavior on the job."

    HTA could have saved $276,000 of taxpayer money by asking any of the barely employable hospitality workers what is needed for attracting and keeping quality hospitality workers. The barely employable worker would have told HTA that the industry could attract and keep quality hospitality workers by paying workers a decent livable wages.

    Paul J. Watson
    Mililani

    SUPERFERRY

    HAS ALOHA SPIRIT BEEN LOST IN FERRY ISSUE?

    I've been reading about the Superferry situation, and about Kaua'i residents not wanting folks from O'ahu coming to their island and making harsh comments about stealing their property, i.e. surfboards.

    Have you all forgotten the necessity of the aloha spirit and how we must cherish it and teach it to our children?

    H. Robert Rocha
    Pearl City

    ADVERTISER

    BURRIS' WRITING WILL BE MISSED UNTIL HIS RETURN

    How dare you? Announcing the retirement of Jerry Burris in an "end" note, in italics, at the conclusion of one of his great columns.

    Over the years, I have watched Jerry Burris grow into one of the greatest assets in the journalistic pool in our state.

    When writing on issues relating to social issues, education, politics and political figures (to include his Akamai Politics blog), as well as Pacific and Hawaiian issues, his writings have always been well thought out and to the point.

    His astute assessments, evaluations and projections will be missed. One can only hope that your "end" note advising that he will be back for the January legislative session will entice the legislative leadership to call a special session — and his return will be sooner, rather than later.

    Jerry B. Norris
    Manoa

    O'CONNOR FAMILY IS GRATEFUL TO CREAMER

    September marks the seven-year anniversary of then-19-year-old Erin O'Connor's car accident.

    Despite only a 10 percent chance of survival, Erin beat the odds after multiple surgeries and double amputations above the knees.

    The driver who ran her off the road on the Big Island never came forward and was never identified. Despite his cowardice, Erin bravely faced the future and her fate, and has been living with family in Florida.

    Erin's story and the outpouring of aloha would never have happened without the wonderful articles written by Bev Creamer. Erin's 'ohana is eternally grateful to this talented writer and saddened to see her leave The Ho-nolulu Advertiser.

    We wish her all the best in the future.

    Auntie Kathy O'Connor
    Honolulu

    HAWAI'I KAI

    CITY SHOULD COLLECT CEMETERY FIRM'S FINES

    In the article, "Fines mount at unfinished cemetery in Hawai'i Kai" (Sept. 11), Trappeur Rahn, senior vice president for PRM Realty Group LLC, which is developing the Hawai'i Kai cemetery called Paradise Memorial Park, said: "We still don't know if we will still owe the fines," and "We don't know if our plans have been accepted."

    Why does Trappeur Rahn think his "new plans" would satisfy his $240,000 debt for violating city permit regulations?

    That money belongs to the city, which means us, the people.

    So, to the Chicago-based firm developing the Hawai'i Kai cemetery and to the city's corporation counsel, who is currently reviewing this case, I say "show me the money" because "we the people" need it.

    The city should collect the $240,000 racked up in fines and spend it where needed. Or are we that rich that we can write it off?

    Elizabeth Reilly
    Hawai'i Kai

    PEDESTRIANS

    FLASHING GREEN LIGHTS PROPOSED FOR SAFETY

    Vancouver, B.C., has a brilliant idea: flashing green traffic lights.

    They alert drivers to the possibility that a pedestrian may push the button to cross and the green light will promptly change to yellow and then red, allowing the pedestrian to cross safely.

    If Honolulu would adopt this easy solution, I am certain that the number of pedestrian injuries and deaths would diminish greatly.

    Pamela Menter
    Waimanalo