UH officials ignore needs of students

The University of Hawaii administration seems to have money to burn.

Of course, top executives are paid fabulously well. But now in the process of doing damage control in the Wonder Blunder, they are spending like crazy — on themselves: $75,000 of university funds to outside lawyers to defend them in the Kim legislative inquiry; $90,000 for the search for a new athletic director; and $50,000 to hire an outside accounting firm to investigate the scam.

These funds come from taxpayers and students.

Meanwhile, UH faculty members like me see a definite lack of money available to provide essential educational services.Students tell me they can’t get the classes they need and lack adequate access to advisers.

So when will M.R.C. Greenwood and the Board of Regents begin paying attention to the needs of students at Manoa and other campuses?

Or is it time to declare no-confidence in their leadership and ask for their resignations?

Noel Kent
Kaimuki

Give UH execs taste of own medicine

As I watched the recent hearings on the Wonder Blunder, it was obvious to me that there are a few University of Hawaii regents who seem to control key administrators.

So, who really hires the athletic director — the administrators, the regents, a handful of legislators?There should be an investigation with UH President M.R.C. Greenwood under oath.Maybe Gov. Neil Abercrombie can furlough them all.

Meanwhile, the teachers union still has no contract, teachers earn less than they did in 2009, and they have furlough days that are not called furlough days.

Harry Davis
Manoa

Other UH problem is the football team

Regarding David Shapiro’s column titled, "Growing train wreck at UH is impossible to ignore" (Star-Advertiser, FlASHback, Oct. 7), I enjoyed the column but felt that it was incomplete.

Had Shapiro included in the "growing train wreck" what is becoming the University of Hawaii football team,he would’ve covered all the bases.

I am a UH alumnus and season ticket holder who — like many of you — remember what it was like to endure the Fred von Appen years. I don’t want to say it, but I am beginning to have a sense of deja vu all over again.

Go Warriors!

Philip White
Mililani

Lingle is foot soldier for conservatives

No one should be surprised that Linda Lingle would vote to repeal Obamacare, if she were elected to replace Sen. Daniel K. Akaka. Her position once again exposes the deception of her campaign to remake herself as a moderate.

Instead of touting the benefits of Hawaii’s prepaid health care plan, which was preserved in the law by Hawaii’s congressional delegation, including Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, she will dutifully follow the lead of her Republican masters once elected. Inouye would lose his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee if the GOP controls the Senate, a result not overlooked by Karl Rove and leaders of other ultra-conservative PACs.They have no doubt exacted from Lingle her commitment to be a good soldier to their anti-people (no, corporations are not people) causes.They certainly would not be investing millions of dollars to help a "moderate" in a small state like Hawaii without that pledge.

Francis M. Nakamoto
Moanalua Valley

A vote for Hirono is a vote for gridlock

Every time I talk to people about Congress, all I hear is complaining about how it doesn’t get anything done — in other words, gridlock.

That is why its approval rating is in the teens. Unfortunately, the people on the left blame those on the right for not compromising and vice versa.

Now the real question is, who do you think might cross party lines in a vote, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono or former Gov. Linda Lingle?

I have Republican friends who might not vote at all, since they say Lingle is a RINO (Republican In Name Only). I have never heard any of my Democratic friends ever say they are afraid Hironomight compromise. She never has and never will.

If you want more gridlock so you can complain about Congress, then vote for Hirono, but then you have no right to complain about gridlock.

My vote is for Lingle because she will do the right thing for Hawaii and all the country.

Carl Bergantz
Kaneohe

Romney remark about PBS is telling

Mitt Romney says he will cut funding to PBS if he’s elected president.

Given his unique perspective of the world, he probably thinks most parents can afford private tutors for their children, just as they can afford to lend their teenagers money for their college tuition. Not only is Romney out of touch, he resides on another planet.

Mark Doo
Nuuanu

Fisheries programs deserve support

Each year, the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group showcases our cultural, sportingand economic connection with our valuable ocean resourcesby hosting the Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival.

This year, it has added two important charitable programs aiding aspiring culinary students.

The Fishing for Hawaii’s Hungrytrolling tournament supplied more than 600 pounds of fresh fish to the Institute for Human Services,while the Sea To Me culinary event not only highlights Hawaii’s ocean bounty thru aspiring culinary students but is a fundraiser for them as well.

Let’s all support these programs that not only aid in resource awareness but help those in need during these tough economic times.

Brian Kimata
Makiki