Let’s embrace sailing contest

While Hawaii does not currently have the necessary infrastructure to support the next America’s Cup, and the costs would indeed be substantial, we do not agree with Jerry Agrusa of Hawaii Pacific University that public funds should not be used to support this event ("America’s Cup could generate millions for isles," Star-Advertiser, March 11).

The required America’s Cup infrastructure could dramatically improve our state ocean recreation industry and boating programs, which are critical to Hawaii’s tourism industry, our primary economic driver.

If we plan for the America’s Cup infrastructure to be multipurpose, it could be a win/win for Hawaii. Keehi Lagoon is long overdue for being upgraded.

Dennis Conner felt it could be reconfigured for America’s Cup vessel support way back when he trained here and promised to bring the Cup back to Hawaii from Australia.

Let’s embrace Larry Ellison’s vision and stay open to the prospect, and the immense value to Hawaii’s ocean recreation industry, of holding the next America’s Cup finals off Waikiki.

Rick Gaffney
Hawaii Fishing & Boating Association Kailua-Kona

Coach Torres brought pride

Dave Reardon’s column regarding esteemed Kahuku football coach Reggie Torres belonged on the obituary page ("How is Reggie Torres not still coach of Kahuku?" Star-Advertiser, March 7).

The dismantling of the Kahuku community has never been more blatant, unreasonable or unjust than with the replacement of legendary coach Torres.

Torres gave everyone a chance and brought enormous pride to all involved in Kahuku athletics. I am not alone in being appalled by this seemingly arbitrary decision.

Jo Jennifer Goldsmith
Haleiwa

Carnival is not a school event

There is still confusion about the Hawaii Kai carnival, evident by Cynthia Endo’s recent letter saying she was surprised by the Neighborhood Board’s opposition, "since it supports Kaiser High School" ("Hawaii Kai carnival helping area school," Star-Advertiser, March 10).

Kaiser Principal Justin Mew publicly stated that this is not associated with Kaiser. If one of its organizers decides to make a donation to Kaiser, then great. To promote it as such was misrepresentation.

Kaiser’s PTSA has been planning its annual Spring-fest fundraiser for months now. It is scheduled for March 29 and consists of a keiki fair hosted by Kaiser student clubs, food trucks and a community concert at Cougar Stadium by Natural Vibrations.

We would have welcomed carnival rides as part of our activities, and I’m sure Kaiser students would enjoy them, but our PTSA doesn’t have the funds necessary to front them. We appreciate the continued community support for Kaiser High School.

Lane Woodall
Springfest 2014 chairwoman, Kaiser High School PTSA

UH’s Lassner awfully quiet

Things are quickly going downhill at the University of Hawaii. The shameful cost overrun and delay in constructing the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex is one.

UH Board of Regents Chairman John Holzman, and newly appointed member Jeff Portnoy have shed some light on what went on. Very interestingly, Acting President David Lassner has remained absolute- ly quiet and has not provided any leadership while the reputation of our university takes a big hit.

Another is the UH sports television contract. According to Hawaii News Now general manager Rick Blangiardi, HNN was never given an opportunity to put in a bid before UH awarded it to Oceanic Time Warner Cable ("UH cost itself millions, HNN asserts," Star-Advertiser, March 8).

Here, again, Lassner has said nothing when the reputation of UH is at stake. Is Lassner really on the job?

Melanie Akeo
Kapolei

Get government out of marriage?

A recent letter to the editor raised an interesting point ("Marriage is about legal relationship," Star-Advertiser, March 10).

Yes, marriage is a legal relationship, but that’s only because the government made it so.

Many people have expended much time and energy debating the govern- ment’s decision on gay marriage, without ever asking if government should be involved in marriage at all.

The question is worth considering. Consenting to the government’s right to make decisions about your private life could eventually turn out to be a far more significant decision for you than any government decision on gay marriage.

Lane Yoder
Kaneohe