Reardon was just doing his job

Dave Reardon said it right: "Win more football games" ("Coach’s tantrum adds another loss to bleak record," Star-Advertiser, Further Review, April 2).

How more poetic than that phrase?

In life, we have to agree to disagree, and if University of Hawaii football coach Norm Chow wants more positive criticisms, the easy way out is, yes, win more games. The media, fans and the public deserve better, and hopefully this is the year there will be a huge turnaround. Anything less is cause for change.

If Chow wants respect, he must respect others, and as one who has had tremendous successes at mainland colleges and in professional ranks, surely he can do better. This is not the way to start the new season.

Reardon exercised his freedom of speech, and in his chosen profession he has every right to say and write what he sees and hears, and make the right judgment to keep the public informed.

Tom Sugita
Pearl City

Give publicity to good teachers

Great article regarding the "extraordinary" strides at Waipahu High School ("Education official endorses isles’ ‘extraordinary’ strides," Star-Advertiser, April 1).

It shows what money can do for a program, thanks to dollars from Race to the Top.

However, the nearly full-page write-up did not say anything about the teachers and their contributions toward the success of those projects. Teachers always seem to be left out of the equation.

I hope to see a follow-up article about those public school teachers.

Odetta Fujimori
First president, Hawaii State Teachers Association
Waialae Nui

Choice of words is not the issue

If some found state Rep. Faye Hanohano’s words uncomfortable, perhaps it is because they revealed a terrible truth; 55 years after statehood, the economic, social and health needs of the Native Hawaiian people are still largely unmet.

Their life expectancy, for example, is six years shorter than the state average.

As an elected official, Hanohano has the right to express herself in any way she chooses. Those who are quick to judge should remember that the cause she champions — justice for Native Hawaiians and an improvement of living conditions for those who are poor and vulnerable — is what should concern us. Not her choice of words.

Michael Markrich
Kailua

2 more tips for pedestrian safety

In response to Howard Takara’s 10 ways to make it safer for drivers and pedestrians ("Here are 10 ways to make it safer for drivers and pedestrians," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, March 17), I’d like to add two more:active scanning of crosswalks and being aware of your left pillar blind spot.

Just as good drivers actively look at traffic lights to see if they are red, drivers should sweep their eyes across every crosswalk they approach, to make sure no pedestrian is there.

Drivers also should pay attention to the dangerous blind spot behind the front left pillar, which hides pedestrians.By the time a pedestrian appears outside that blind spot, it may be too late. Left turns are dangerous, as pedestrians might be in the crosswalk on your left, but your pillar hides them. Look out your left window or lean forward in your seat so you can see the entire crosswalk to your left.

Jeremy Morrow
Aiea Heights

Soccer fans will miss ‘Big Al’

The Hawaii soccer community was sad to hear of the recent passing of sportswriter and sportsman Al Chase ("Solid and stolid, Chase was a true 2-sport letter man," Star-Advertiser, Further Review, March 28).

Many moons ago I remember, as a forward for Soccer Club Hawaii and then Hono-lulu United, colliding with "Big Al," who was a goalie for Honolulu International.

Al was a fierce competitor but also a sporting gentleman who really loved the game.

Our condolences go out to his wife and family.

Paul Perretta
Lower Manoa