DRUG TESTING

NEW POLICY A MATTER OF SAFETY, NOT PAY RAISES

Regarding Olivia Cockcroft's and Peter Hansen's letters to the editor (April 29) expressing bewilderment as to how the governor along with the HSTA and DOE had somehow leveraged random drug testing in exchange for "manini" pay raises: It's laughable.

When was the last union contract negotiated where pay raises were not part of the "boiler plate," if you will? The fact is the drug testing was just another part of the agreement and had nothing to do with the increase.

Testing may not have even been an issue were it not for the fact that we have recently seen teachers being arrested for getting loaded on their way to work or dealing pounds of meth in their spare time while readily admitting to caring for kids while under the influence. Duh, it's a safety issue.

Whether it's six hours or six minutes, anyone knows that in less than six seconds, if you're not paying attention, lives can change and/or end forever. C'mon, let's be alert out there!

MANY ISLE EMPLOYERS REQUIRE DRUG TESTING

There are many places of employment where random drug testing is mandatory. I don't know why teachers are against it.

I have worked in the medical field for many years, and most or almost all healthcare facilities and hospitals require mandatory drug testing.

Teachers expect to receive a raise whether they are good teachers or not. There are some great teachers, but I've also seen some really bad teachers.

So, teachers, get over it and do what is needed to provide education to our keiki.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

TOUGHER LAWS HELP PROTECT PEDESTRIANS

I am a transplanted Hawaiian living in Seattle, where the majority of pedestrians cross a street without looking either way, like their mothers taught them.

Why? They have the right of way. Even in mall parking lots.

Also, by state law beginning in January, you cannot use your cell phone while driving, without a hands-free device.

Cars are bigger than people. You watch out for pedestrians, or else. You cannot say pedestrians walked out in front of you. It's your car and your responsibility.

People in Seattle cross with impunity. But there are fewer pedestrian fatalities. Why? You will get dragged to court, face a huge fine and other worse things.

Tough law? You bet. Does it work? You bet.

BIKE MESSENGER FIT, BUT NEEDS SOME SAFETY TIPS

Your story on bike messenger Mikelanjelo Conrad (May 3) might have been good advertisement for bodily fitness, but it didn't say much for brain wellness.

He was shown riding his bike on a crosswalk. It may be illegal, and is certainly dangerous because a bike moves faster than pedestrians, making it harder for motorists to react.

He also rides with an iPod plugged in, unable to hear warning sounds. And, most importantly, he rides without a helmet.

He may be fit, but he risks lying dead or brain damaged on the road.

HOMELESS

BATHROOM CLOSURES MAKE MATTERS WORSE

I must disagree with Mr. Opfer's assessment of the homeless situation in Waikiki in a recent letter to the editor. On any given morning, you will find 15 to 20 people camped out between the Waikiki police station and Kapahulu. Two couples have lived across the street from the Pacific Beach Hotel for over four years. To make matters worse, the Parks Department closes the restrooms in this area from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

That means that the bushes, grass and beach area where you and your kids play by day become the homeless people's toilet facilities by night.

VACATION RENTALS

WORK TOWARD SOLUTION INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING

Your April 25 editorial wisely points out the demand for vacation rental units in Hawai'i: "The city needs to take steps soon toward a permitting system that acknowledges the demand and keeps it within livable bounds."

Hawai'i depends on tourism and permitting rentals in individual communities allows us to share our culture while bringing dollars into the community.

Some Kailua residents have created a furor and given vacation rentals a bad name. While there may be a few who cause problems, there are many others who are operating without complaints and providing an economic boost to their areas. They have also created jobs and paid taxes to the state and county.

Many residents began renting their condos without knowing they needed a non-conforming use permit. Owners have tried to apply since discovering that, but were denied because the county has not issued permits since 1989.

These owners have paid general excise and transient accommodations taxes for years. They should be permitted to use their properties for short-term rentals if they choose to do so and if they comply with all regulations, standards and tax laws.

WAR VOTES

TAKE THE BLINDERS OFF WHEN IT COMES TO IRAQ

Ann Aitken's letter asking if Hawai'i is paying attention to Sens. Akaka and Inouye is only the beginning of exactly what I had predicted would happen after last November's elections. Republicans who so blindly follow President Bush into his immoral, illegal war will have two years to place the blame for the previous six years of Republican blunders onto the shoulders of Democrats now in power.

Ms. Aitken clearly still believes that the "situation in Iraq" can be "stabilized" and that the "struggle can be ended more decisively." So typical, Ms. Aitken, your remarks seem to have come directly from the Bush war propaganda machine. Give me a break. There is nothing short of complete and total chaos in Iraq.

Furthermore, there is absolutely nothing that the U.S. can do which will end the civil war in Iraq, nothing. If you truly supported our troops, then you would stand up and fight to get them out of there, now!