Flyovers missed on Memorial Day

I was saddened to learn that, due to "fiscal restraints," there was no flyover scheduled Monday in connection with the Memorial Day activities.

It breaks my heart to think that our government can secretly funnel millions of CIA dollars to our so-called ally, Afghanistan’s leadership, and yet it can’t afford to send four or five F-22s up for a one-hour flight to do a flyover honoring our fallen veterans.

This doesn’t make any sense to me.

Chuck Schrader
Kaneohe

Include Israel in waiver program

Kristen-Marie Ortiz, a Teach for America alumna, exhorts U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz to oppose including Israel in our country’s visa-waiver program ("Schatz should oppose including Israel in visa-waiver program," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, May 27).

Since Sen. Schatz is a co-sponsor of the bill, Ms. Ortiz is indeed fighting an uphill battle in this matter.

Of course, her reasoning is also uphill.

She, knowing "very little about the conflict," learned very quickly that as a Native Hawaiian she understood the Palestinian story of colonization and ethnic cleansing. A summer in Ramallah had, apparently, not only brought her up to date on more than 4,000 years of Mideast and world history, but also enabled her to traverse and compare social situations over a distance of some 10,000 miles of land and sea geography.

Israel is our ally. Israel is entitled to be included in our country’s visa-waiver program because it has bright and accomplished people who will help strengthen our country.

Mathew R. Sgan
Nuuanu

Waiver lets Israel discriminate

I am awestruck by the excellence of Kristen-Marie Ortiz’ commentary regarding the latest example of our knee-jerk, unjustifiable support of Israel ("Schatz should oppose including Israel in visa-waiver program," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, May 27).

More young Americans of her caliber are urgently needed.

As it happens, I wrote to Sen. Brian Schatz on April 15 about the very visa-waiver bill noted by Ms. Ortiz; it would allow Israel to discriminate against U.S. citizens in favor of Israel’s vaunted "security" needs.

I asked that Schatz withdraw his co-sponsorship and speak out against the bill. So far, our senior senator has not deigned to respond to this constituent.

Robert H. Stiver
Pearl City

Highway stretch a U.S. treasure

I am totally in support of the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board’s request to designate a section of Kalanianaole Highway, a 6.8-mile section of Kalanianaole Highway, as the Maunalua-Makapuu Scenic Byway.

This area covers Koko Head Crater to Sea Life Park.

This scenic drive is one of the most underrated drives in the whole United States.

As a resident, how often have I found myself going "the long way" just to be able to drive on this scenic route.It is both powerful and serene at the same time.

Everyone should do what they can to preserve this coastline for future generations. It is not only a Hawaii treasure but a national treasure.

Jeffrey Wong
Hawaii Kai

Ways to increase football profits

I offer these considerations for the University of Hawaii’s athletic director to improve the football budget.

» First, lower the price of admission so a family can enjoy the day supporting their Rainbow Warriors.

It seems that a full house would be more profitable than empty seats.

» Second, set realistic prices at food concessions; this is not Giants Stadium in New Jersey. It would be more profitable to have fans purchase more product, thus doubling, at least, the amount per person.

The same would be true for the souvenir concessions.

» Third,reduce the parking fees and provide more bus service to and from the stadium.

This would help reduce traffic congestion on game days.

Fans would pay a reasonable fee to be bused to and from the stadium rather than burning gas and sitting in traffic.

Also, provide more tram service in stadium parking areas.

» Last, when the game starts, tailgating should end.

Joseph Zolneirowicz
Kapolei