REMITTANCE

NEW LAW THE RESULT OF HARD WORK BY MANY

Your front page article "New rules for remittance trade" (Dec. 12) and your editorial "Remittance law protects consumers" (Dec. 13) explain why the new law is needed.

As a public service, your article alerts Hawai'i's money transmitters that they need to be licensed by the state beginning on July 1, 2007.

The law's enactment occurred thanks to the support of the 2006 Legislature, the state administration, and advocates such as financial institutions, labor unions, the law enforcement community, concerned individuals and money transmitters.

During the 2006 legislative session, I represented a coalition of international money transmitters in testifying in favor of the legislation. We welcomed your editorial support when you opined that "money transmitters should be regulated" (April 7).

Thank you for your continuing coverage of this consumer issue.

RAIL

CITY SHOULD OFFER INCENTIVES FOR THEBUS

A rail system might move a few passengers from TheBus to at least try the new mode of transportation, but is unlikely that it will make a significant reduction in the number of vehicles that now congest our highways.

There is no indication that those who try it out will give up their cars. I have a better idea.

Project costs for the proposed rail system have now climbed to more than $7 billion. Based on previous experience on government-funded projects, that probably means $10 billion. That amount allows us to consider other, more workable solutions.

For example, the city could offer 20 years of free bus transportation to every member of any family willing to give up just one of its four-wheeled motor vehicles.

If only 10,000 or 20,000 families accepted that offer, we could get that many cars off the roadways. And those who need their cars at work would be able to get around so much faster, more safely, and with much greater ease and less frustration. More parking would also be available. And the ever-diminishing middle class would save untold millions of dollars riding the bus.

It might even encourage some who commute alone to switch to motorcycles or bicycles.

The billions of dollars we're planning to spend on rail can go a long way in improving TheBus system and what it can offer. Offering a carrot to an entire family is but one better idea.

HONOLULU MARATHON

MARATHON WORLD-CLASS IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

I live on Keala'olu Avenue and was inspired by the true grit and determination displayed by the Honolulu marathoners as they passed my house last Sunday.

However, I could not help but be concerned about the thousands of cups and wet sponges left behind by the runners. I was worried that the street would not be cleaned to its pre-race condition and afraid it would cloud the success of this fantastic event.

I went back into my house after about an hour, resigned to the fact that I would have to clean up after the runners once the race was over. When I returned at about 5 p.m., I could not believe my eyes. The entire street was clean! It was as if the marathon never took place on my street.

I would like to commend the Honolulu Marathon organizers for putting on this excellent world-class event and for being a good neighbor.

SCAMS

BEWARE: JOLLY CAROLERS MAY VERY WELL BE CONS

In response to the Dec. 14 "Head off those holiday scams," as a small business owner, I have a scam to add to the list: impromptu caroling sessions. Soliciting con artists are preying on unsuspecting shoppers and good Samaritans. Be on the lookout for uncredentialed groups. Before contributing to anyone, ask yourself, "Are they for real?"

Just today I had one such group of carolers frequent my establishment (a small, local retail store) like a band of train robbers, holding out Santa caps, extorting money from my customers. Imagine the embarrassment I had in denying them any donation.

Ironically, I recognized the same group from a prior Christmas a year or two ago. These people are scam artists.

MENTAL ILLNESS

PROGRAMS, EDUCATION KEY TO UNDERSTANDING

I think the media often plays on the fears of our citizens by sensationalizing news stories of persons with mental illness. With medication and regular visits to an M.D., the mentally ill can lead a normal life, keep a full-time job, and be a contributor to the community.

As with diabetes, if the patients take their medicine and cooperate with the doctor, their chances of a really excellent quality of life are great.

I don't agree with those in the community who would portray the mentally ill solely as violent, unemployed, and/or homeless. Many famous people in history suffered from mental illness, including Abraham Lincoln, Vincent Van Gogh, Winston Churchill, and Leonardo DaVinci.

I applaud federal, state, and city governments that support disability programs and accommodate their employees who are disabled. I speak from experience, as I have been a federal employee for more than 17 years. I also serve on two state mental-health councils as a governor appointee. I am also a Honolulu Police Department volunteer for the much revered CrimeStoppers program.

The next time you hear of someone who may have a mental illness, please support that person and the person's family. Families often need support and comforting, too.

There is too much discrimination in this world. Please support the human rights and the civil rights of all people. Seems to me that Americans are famous for standing up for their own rights, and the rights of others.

TEACHERS

HIGH OPINION WOULD BE BETTER WITH HIGHER PAY

It is very interesting how so many people feel that our public school teachers are so vital and important in our society. But when it comes time to decide if they deserve a raise, these same people feel our teachers are not that important after all.