TURN SITE INTO BEACH VOLLEYBALL ARENA

Well here we are again, talking about what to do with the Natatorium. I thought people would catch on to the idea I wrote to the editor last year. Turn it into the "War Memorial Beach Volleyball Arena," from the beautiful beach at Waikiki. This arena could hold national as well as international contests. At the same time, open to local use. Plus the advertising of Waikiki can only help tourism. We could also open up the area across from the zoo to sunbathers. So fill the polluted hole up, fix the bleacher, and let's play volleyball. So please, all you volleyball players, or lovers of volleyball, call your nearest politician and let them know we need a place to play.

Tim Rajkowski | Kailua

SHOPO

PRAISE FOR DECISION ON CORREA CONTRACT

On behalf of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, I would like to thank the members of the Honolulu Police Commission for displaying the utmost degree of courage, fortitude and fairness in their recent decision not to renew Chief Boisse Correa's contract. SHOPO deeply appreciates the tremendous responsibility and pressure involved in making such a difficult decision.

SHOPO's opposition was not personal, but done in furtherance of our fiduciary responsibility to our membership and their families; hence, our survey to poll the membership about their feelings and opinions of Chief Correa.

SHOPO acknowledges the commission's decision was neither political nor personal in nature, but was made solely in accordance with their sworn duties to uphold the honor, integrity and independence of the HPC. We are appreciative that the commission continues to serve and act not only in the best interest of our police officers, but also in the best interest of the community.

We are confident the Ho-nolulu Police Commissioners will display that same degree of professionalism, enthusiasm and fairness in its selection of the new police chief.

Tenari R. Ma'afala | President, SHOPO

STATE FURLOUGHS

HGEA NOT REFLECTING A REALISTIC APPROACH

The governor has announced a program to furlough state workers for three days each month. I am a retired state worker and have family members who are employed by the state. I was truly sad to hear the announcement but also understand why the decision was necessary.

I do not understand the position taken by the HGEA. It is far better to have people retain their jobs with a required three-day furlough than to have hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals laid off. A furlough program will not affect the employees' overall pay schedule but will result in a loss of income. When the economy rebounds, the basic pay schedule will still be in force and will not affect future retirements. I think HGEA is posturing for union members and does not reflect a realistic approach to the state's economic plight.

Don Chambers | Mililani

LEADERSHIP

STRENGTH NEEDED IN STATE GOVERNMENT

I can agree with your editorial on May 29. In this time of economic uncertainty strong leadership is needed. But you did not seem to include the governor. What is the role of state government in this? Across-the-board cuts is not leadership. Cutting payroll and health costs do not stimulate the economy. Digging in and not doing anything to generate income is not going to solve the problem.

In Kathleen Nullet's letter (May 29), she is right that by cutting salaries and benefits to government workers it will only cut spending by that group. If furloughs or job cuts occur, will the people of the state understand when things happen slower? It seems the mayors of Hawai'i understand and are making do with what is being dealt to them.

As new money from the federal government comes down, if government workers are furloughed, who will oversee the construction and contracts? Will we depend on the private sector to keep to all specifications of their contract? Will those receiving the contracts "share the pain" and work for less?

Yes, leadership is needed. But not one who abdicates responsibility. Not one who attacks her employees. Not one who uses the media as a bully pulpit.

Egan Kawamoto | 'Ewa Beach

ALA MOANA BEACH

DLNR SHOULDN'T MESS WITH BUOYS

I agree with the comments you have published against DLNR's proposal to install buoys to separate swimmers and stand-up surfers at Ala Moana Beach Park. This fails to recognize that this is an area specifically designed for safe ocean swimming and that not all swimmers are created equal.

I have been swimming there for 30 years and remember when canoes and kayaks were banned because they presented a safety hazard to swimmers. The sudden popularity of stand-up boards is no different, but at least standing up, a paddler can see swimmers from farther off.

Buoys will just make a no-man's land of 2,000 meters of water, in which it's every man for himself. Not all swimmers navigate well, but even a novice stand-up paddler seems to do OK. I have never had one even come close to me. Also, most new paddlers (especially kids) need to stay close to shore, so forcing them out into the deep water would be intimidating and unsafe. So who is complaining? Leave it as it is.

Brian Barbata | Kailua

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