PUBLIC RADIO

QUALITY PROGRAMMING NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Enjoyed your article about "Aloha Shorts" on Hawaii Public Radio, but take exception to the characterization of the program as "free." While the in-person taping of the "Aloha Shorts" program is free, the programming offered by Hawaii Public Radio is not.

I am a lifetime member of Hawaii Public Radio, and encourage all in our community to become members. HPR has unsurpassed programming for all types of interests, and HPR can only continue offering this programming through our community's support.

I know that we are all suffering in these difficult economic times, so please give what you can. Thanks.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

MANDATE HELMET USE BEFORE MORE LIVES LOST

Despite any bike safety information being provided by Street Bikers United or the local chapters of H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), they do not require their members to wear helmets or proper protective/reflective attire on their sanctioned runs or special events. Other weekend warrior clubs or individuals think that by riding in groups or by having obnoxiously loud pipes they will save their lives.

Since my Nov. 11 letter to the editor on motorcycle safety, this paper has reported that there have been at least five motorcycle-related fatalities and one seriously injured as the result of suspected speed, alcohol and or the lack of helmets (five cases).

When will you people ever learn? Do you think that your family and friends want to leave makeshift roadside memorial markers for you?

Since you can not or will not regulate your own destructive personal choices, it is indeed the right time for our lawmakers to start the new year by passing legislation requiring the mandatory usage of helmets for everyone riding motorcycles and mopeds (no matter the age).

Several liberal states, including California, have such laws on the books and statistics prove that helmets do not impede vision or hearing, and does in fact save lives.

Don't believe me, then check with our fellow firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and medical personnel who have to deal with the unnecessary brain injuries associated with the lack of such.

I (we) challenge our politicians to do the right thing and to act now before any more lives are lost.

UH SPORTS

LETTER WRITER HAS SAME NAME, DIFFERENT VIEW

I am writing in reference to a letter published on Monday, Dec. 29, titled "Time for UH to return to its sports traditions."

What bothers me now is that my legal first initial and last name are R. Komoto; however, I reside in the Honolulu area. I already had several calls from friends who read the article and questioned me about it.

Could you please print this letter so as to let all my friends know that I don't care what color UH wears, June Jones is gone, yes, but will never be forgotten, and I just love Vili to death.

Also, since I'm at it, I think the haka is great for team spirit, Coach Mack did an admirable job and a word to the "true" Rainbow Warrior fans: Love them through the "thrill of victory" and the "agony of defeat."

FIREWORKS

ISLES SHOULD BAN HAZARD AS OTHER PLACES DO

I am very much in favor of banning fireworks. It is costly, dangerous and a menace to pets and the elderly. The public does not adhere to the laws. Bombs were set off at all hours of the day and night.

In California where I lived, fireworks were banned due to the fire hazard. In Oregon where my daughter lives, fireworks are outlawed.

Fireworks should be outlawed to the public. It should be set off for display at designated areas like the parks and stadium.

TOURISM

KUALOA RANCH INDEED OFFERS GREAT EXPERIENCE

I took special note of Robbie Dingeman's "Tourism, off beaten path" (Jan. 4) article as my wife, Heather, and I visited the Kualoa Ranch on Dec. 31, and it was a fantabulous experience there! It's neat that it is the site of "Jurassic Park" and "Lost" filming!

I did feel "Lost" and "Free" at Kualoa Ranch from the daily hustle and bustle of modern-day life.

PRESIDENCY

BUSH SHOULD HAND REINS TO OBAMA ALREADY

The most honorable thing Bush can do is to resign right away so that Obama can proceed. Everyone looks at Bush as useless and a do-nothing figurehead.

Lately the Palestinians have asked Obama for his support and not Bush! Doesn't that mean anything to Bush?

Proud as he may be, he is lowering the confidence of all the people in the world on himself by his inaction. Obama is doing the right thing by not responding to Israel. It's sad that we have a situation like this where time is of utmost importance.

Bush, please do the best thing for everyone and resign right away!

LET'S HOPE OBAMA'S TENURE IS LESS SCATHED

Jack Berberich's letter (Jan. 4) overlooks the fact that President Bush, as commander in chief, has broad constitutional power to take military action against attackers on the U.S. and to any other foreign state. Bush committed no prosecutable crime during his two terms. The records are often ignored that Congress and the Senate acquiesced with the president regarding wars, bailouts, etc.

Like other presidents before him, Bush made mistakes. President Clinton, although very popular, did not enhance the integrity of the White House with his Monica Lewinsky antics, impeachment trial and pardon of fugitive arms dealer Marc Rich.

As someone who voted for Bush and Clinton, I hope that Obama's tenure proves less scathing.