UH needs better deal with stadium

This football season has been one of the most frustrating, both on the field and off.

Although there are some encouraging signs — such as the no-huddle offense, a rejuvenated running game, use of tight ends and improved special teams — there is a critical need for a more athletic quarterback and a more diverse offense.

To recruit the best local players and to compete nationally, the state and the University of Hawaii should initiate a long-term strategic plan for UH football. Otherwise, we’ll be destined to mediocrity and recurring deficits.

They can start with Aloha Stadium, which is outdated and in disrepair. Without significant state support for UH, such as an on-campus stadium in West Oahu, along with all income from parking fees, concessions, merchandising and signage, UH can’t compete against its Mountain West Conference foes, let alone nationally. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has pledged his support, but to date it’s been nonexistent.

Peter Jenks
Mililani

Special session was waste of our money

We now have a politically ambitious governor who enjoys the recent gay-marriage victory after calling a special legislative session. This session was a waste of our tax money. Gay marriage is an aberrant sexual practice.

Now, he quietly signs a pay raise giving two strong unions $684 million, clearly indicating an act of buying votes.

His desire to become a two-term governor is following no clear principle or law.

My vote will go to Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s opponent in the 2014 election.

Kazuo Kono
Moanalua

At least Brower was doing something

Why does your paper refer to stolen shopping carts as "borrowed"?

I question that bums need to collect bottles to feed their family when there are many organizations that offer meals, shelter and a way off the streets. They are either mentally ill — and shame on our state for throwing them out on the street — or addicts feeding their habits.

Our streets are a disgrace, and hurray for state Rep. Tom Brewer for doing something about it. We certainly can’t count on our spineless mayor and politically correct governor to do anything but talk, talk, talk and form committees to study the problem.

Dan Fox
Kuliouou

More laws make government bigger

A recent article caught my attention: "New bipartisan caucus aims to get young voters involved" (Star-Advertiser, Nov. 29).

It seems they hope to work on "common sense" legislation. To me, that means more laws benefitting legislators and less individual freedom to choose.

I do not like that. Neither would those 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They rejected big, intrusive, demanding, expensive government. Instead they embraced the then-unique idea that each individual would be a self-governor guided by law that was fair to all and minimal.

In other words, they wanted the individual big and the government small. This coalition aims in the opposite direction, intending to make each of them more powerful as they work to harness we-the-people individual autonomy to government superiority.

That would make you and me smaller. Those 56 in ’76 would say that I have determined the correct political "common sense" scent or odor, as you please.

Richard O. Rowland
Chairman and founder, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii

Missionaries stole Hawaiian lands

The only Hawaii Elise Anderson "feels" is the Hawaii her ancestors created ("Non-Hawaiians can ‘feel Hawaii,’" Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 2).

What she lists as accomplishments by her ancestors resulted in the rape of the Hawaiian people by taking away their land after "educating the alii" to their standards and creating business from which she and her fellow "feelers" continue to profit.

Even today, we have no choice but to "enjoy" the fruits of historical and continuing duplicity as they continue to profit by our island isolation.Please, no more pious mouthing.They came to teach the Hawaiians how to pray while they took their land away.

Julie Toussaint
Liliha

Jean King was early feminist role model

Mahalo to reporters Marcel Honoré and Gordon Y.K. Pang and columnist Richard Borreca for helping us remember Jean King, Hawaii’s first female lieutenant governor.

Along with Patsy Mink, Marilyn Bornhorst, Pat Saiki and Helene Hale, Jean King was an early role model in Hawaii for women in electoral politics.It wasn’t an easy role to play; the environment wasn’t always inviting or supportive. Yet, King was always articulate, well prepared and conducted herself with poise and dignity. Some 30 years before the Hi-5 deposit was enacted into the law, King introduced the first "bottle bill" in the Hawaii Legislature — an example of how far ahead of her times she was.

As a young woman who entered politics in the late ’70s, I was privileged to have Jean King’s example, friendship and encouragement.It was a precious gift for which I will always be deeply grateful.

JoAnn A. Yukimura
Kauai County Council member and former mayor

Kudos to Apple for stance on UH sports

"Teams face ax if fiscal troubles continue," reads the front page of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser (Nov. 27).

If University of Hawaii athletics can’t meet the guidelines, Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple said, "they must find a way to cut."

Wow! Imagine controlling spending and balancing a budget.

While not shown on the front page, there is another team that has the same fiscal trouble but never gets the ax.

Maybe we should send Apple to Washington, D.C.

Bob Henninger
Foster Village