UH athletics needs to get more revenue

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents and Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple have stepped up to the plate on behalf of the athletics department.

It’s time now for the governor and state legislators to come through with respect to UH athletics revenue. UH should not have to pay rent to the Aloha Stadium Authority. As with all the other athletic programs in the Mountain West Conference, UH should get the parking, concession, merchandising and stadium signage fees for all UH football games.

Hamilton Winston
Kailua

Kakaako could be another Salt Lake

Why are we building the Kakaako area up so much?

What about some green space, walking, running and bicycling areas and playgrounds?

We have a height limit for a reason. We have corridors to protect views. I know I would be very upset and sad if a building came up blocking my view of the ocean or mountains and sunset and sunrise.

Why are we building the rail if we are trying to put so much housing in the Kakaako area?

Don’t make Kakaako another Salt Lake. The Mililani area is the only place on Oahu that did it right.

Ernie Itoga
Waialae Iki

Kakaako plans will hurt small business

New major developments in Kakaako might sound like good news, but in reality, it will add to the ranks of the unemployed, and maybe to the homeless problem.

That’s because on the sites where the high-rise condos are going to be built are warehouses and shops with hundreds of small businessess, like body shops, vacuum repair, lamp repair, etc. — businesses vital to the total well-being of our society. Some are run by one person, but many have two to 10 employees.

There is a major lack of small office, manufacturing and warehouse space available in Hono-lulu. So when these buildings in Kakaako are torn down, there will be little or no place for these businesses to go. As a result, most are going to go out of business. And there is a good chance that some of those people are going to wind up on the street.

This is just another example of the lack of support for business in general, and small businesses in particular, in Honolulu — another example of the little guy taking it on the chin for big business and politics.

Wim Blees
Mililani

Honolulu bound to suffer from ‘clog’

What a coincidence: Rail will run through Kakaako, helping the goal of building taller buildings and increasing density there. Kakaako landowners and developers will get the profits. Taxpayers will pay for rail. Honolulu will get a new skyline and continue to suffer not from smog or vog, but clog.

Richard Y. Will
Waikiki

Hawaii should be part of Powerball

Why in the world does Hawaii not join the Powerball lottery?

One can make sensible arguments against other forms of gambling, but to not raise desperately needed revenue for state government programs from the Powerball is sheer paternalism fostered by a nanny state.

Lunsford Phillips
Kailua

Why is it so hard to keep UH leaders?

The state of Hawaii will need to take a long and hard look at the hostile and vitriolic environment it has created in regards to the recent resignation of University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood.

Perhaps she was the "fall guy" for the mounting problems of the inner workings of a UH system that did not function as efficiently as it purports.

Rather than fight for more money needed to run an institution and move it to the next level, she was facing a firing squad at the legislative investigation.

Greenwood’s key initiatives focused on boosting graduation rates and attracting more Native Hawaiians to the UH system.

The history of UH presidents over the past two decades reveals a roster of short-termers with eyes elsewhere. David McClain was probably the best pick, providing an insider open to an outsider’s view. But he declined the position for another term.

What are the errors of our ways not to retain good help?

Vernetta A. Hall
Laie

Exempt extra bag from airline fees

What a great idea Patrick McFeeley had in the article about baggage fees on airlines ("Bag fees bring in big bucks for Hawaiian," Star-Advertiser, May 15).

He suggested that airlines offer a promotion whereby tourists are allowed to bring home one free bag.

This would definitely help local businesses that have been hurt by these fees. I know several local crafters who have lost sales due to tourists who say that they cannot buy their products because of the airline baggage fees.

Please urge the airlines to adopt such a policy.

Jane Lennon
Aiea

Woman with stroke is an inspiration

What an amazing article on Racie Botelho ("A mother’s mettle," Star-Advertiser, May 12).

She is a brave and remarkable woman, overcoming her loss and facing a stroke situation.

When you have a stroke, it changes your condition and perspective on life. But to Racie, her life doesn’t revolve around herself, but about someone else’s needs. She never complains about her disabilities or dwells on herself.

Her strength comes from akua (God) and with daily prayers she can move forward and not look back. Imua!

John Iaea
Mililani