CONDITIONS AREN'T TO BLAME FOR DEATHS

I couldn't agree more with DOT Director Brennon Morioka's response in the July 2 article on "Bad roads blamed for half of U.S. traffic deaths." It's an absolutely absurd "study" put out by the "Transportation Construction Coalition," whose sole purpose is to generate highway construction jobs for its members. Duh!

Granted, some of our nation's roadways are in sad need of maintenance and upgrading, but it is insulting to our intelligence to try and have us believe that poor roads are the major cause of highway deaths and not the drivers who disobey and ignore common sense and our traffic laws. Blaming highway deaths on the roads is akin to blaming silverware and dishes for our nation's obesity problems.

Bill Muench | Kailua

DBEDT

DIRECTOR'S ACTIONS WARRANT DISMISSAL

The state investigation into the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism practices (Advertiser, July 2) revealed that Director Ted Liu's actions were "incompetent" but not criminal. Overriding a technical committee's finding and awarding a $8.7 million contract to a company ranked third is inexcusable. This is a deliberate action, not a simple, unintentional mistake.

It was stated that this may be only a possible misdemeanor criminal charge, but shows a questionable lack of judgment. The job of the director is to look after the interest of the people. If the intent of a decision is to benefit themselves, family or friends, they should be removed from their jobs.

The public's interest should be protected first. Why let a director with poor or questionable judgment keep his job? We need to learn from the financial collapse of our banks, etc., that leaders do need to be held accountable. The people of Hawai'i deserve better leadership.

Vicky Walker | Honolulu

FURLOUGHS

JUDGE'S COMMENTS SOUNDED BIASED

Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto ruled that the furloughs for state workers are unconstitutional and subject to collective bargaining. Fair enough.

However, he goes on to describe, in stunning detail no less, how the furloughs would negatively affect the state workers.

It seems to me that a person who makes a ruling, especially one that benefits the very branch that employs him, should stick to impartial legal interpretations of the law and not add comments that, at least on the surface, sound biased in nature.

Orson Moon | 'Aiea

WE NEED TO KEEP SWINE FLU IN CHECK

I'm very worried about how the governor's furlough plan will impact our state's efforts to keep swine flu from spreading.

We've already heard that Health Department staff are stretched thin and burning out. As it is, it doesn't seem like they're taking the virus seriously enough. Now, with workers possibly having to take time off each month, it's likely that even more people will be getting swine flu and dying.

The governor should quit playing politics with the unions and realize that we elected her to be a leader. Her dismal performance in keeping swine flu in check is a testament to her misguided priorities.

Lynne Mansfield | Wai'anae

THANK YOU

THOSE AT BON DANCE WERE A BIG HELP

On June 26 at the Honpa Hongwanji Bon Dance, my 91-year-old mother, Lillian Kuroiwa, went to enjoy the festivities. When it was time to leave, she fell and had a bad cut on her calf. She was taken to Kuakini's emergency room via ambulance where she was treated and sent home.

At the bon dance, there were so many people that came to her aid and we would like to thank them all so very much. Unfortunately she was not able get their names. The police, the church staff and bon dance participants all assisted her and notified me to go to Kuakini emergency, where they stitched her up and took good care of her. She is truly grateful that so many came to her rescue and would like to acknowledge her heartfelt gratitude. She is doing well now.

Faith Kaneshiro | Honolulu

UNIONS

HSTA DID NOT BARGAIN IN GOOD FAITH

I have to respond to the letter from the Kane'ohe resident on July 1 that begins "Whatever happened to bargaining in good faith?" and goes on to say Gov. Linda Lingle "is showing no respect in her dealings with government workers."

Perhaps this person is new to the Islands or just chose to forget that two years ago the governor agreed to a better-than-average pay hike if the teachers' union would agree to mandatory random drug testing.

When it came time for the teachers to uphold their end of the agreement however, they absolutely refused! I remember my husband and I discussing at the time what arrogant behavior the union was displaying and what a poor example to the children they serve.

Really? What happened to bargaining in good faith? Ask HSTA!

Mari Miller | Mililani