WARRIORS

UH FOOTBALL GAMES SHOULD BE IN AFTERNOON

Coach June Jones, quarterback Colt Brennan and our University of Hawai'i football team have provided us excitement and many reasons to be proud of UH and its football accomplishments.

Unfortunately, because of the time UH games are played, most of the nation remains in the dark about those football accomplishments.

Too often, we complain about lack of recognition for our team and our outstanding quarterback.

How can we expect acknowledgement of our team when we begin games at 6:05 p.m., when the rest of the nation is going to bed?

It's time to change the way we schedule our games at Aloha Stadium. We need to begin home games at 1:05 p.m., just like the majority of other teams across the nation. By so doing, our games will be available for prime-time coverage on the East Coast, prime time in the Midwest and late afternoon, following the West Coast teams.

Our coach and the players have done their job, and now it's time for the community to do theirs. Let's really support the team and get them the exposure they're entitled to. Let's move the games to the afternoon.

WAI'ALAE-KAHALA

NICE TO SEE FLAGPOLE BACK AT POST OFFICE

The wheels of government turn slowly — but apparently they do turn.

After many years of absence, the Wai'alae-Kahala Post Office flagpole has finally been put back.

It's nice to see our country's flag flying crisply in the Kahala skies once more.

COMMUTING

TRANSIT USERS WILL SAVE MONEY AT GAS PUMP

I was at the store the other day, and when I paid for my purchases I figured I'd calculate the extra general excise tax surcharge for rail. It came out to one penny for every $2 I spent.

I didn't even notice the difference. But when I went to fill up my tank, I did think about the big jump in gas prices, now up about $1 a gallon from what it was just a year ago.

I can't wait for the rail to be up and running so I have a choice. I won't have to drive my car as much, and I won't have to pay so much at the pump.

Rail will save me money in the long run.

KAKA'AKO

PLAN WOULD NOT HAVE BENEFITED TAXPAYER

State Sen. Fred Hemmings wrote an Island Voices column (Oct. 19) that I largely agreed with. This is news — I almost never agree with anything he says.

In this case, he got it right, with one exception. Sen. Hemmings said the following: "Just recently, public improvement of state land in Kaka'ako and building smart-growth living space in the area by a prominent local firm was stifled by loud, red-shirted protesters at the Capitol. Now much of the state land remains a liability and industrial wasteland. The state does not have the resources to improve much of the land."

In allowing development on state land at Kaka'ako, three things must happen: It must 1) be a benefit to the taxpayer, 2) benefit the local area, 3) provide for low- and moderate-income housing.

The defeated proposal was by the rich, for the rich, to the detriment of the taxpayer.

Senator, your assessment of the Superferry was spot on.

TSA

HASSLE AT AIRPORTS IS A WASTE OF TIME, MONEY

USA Today reported that TSA screeners at the airports cannot find simulated bombs used to test airport security.

So, let's see if I have this correct. The TSA takes our nail clippers, annoys our tourists, breaks our laptops (personal experience), and for all that trouble, they cannot actually find bombs?

President Bush has invaded other countries, and has slammed us with an ineffective but arrogant dog-and-pony show to make it look like he is taking care of us all.

It's time to review the words of wisdom we have on coffee mugs around the office, "The fastest way to stop terror is to stop @#$%ing around with other peoples' countries." Because this hassle at the airports is a waste of time, money and patience.

JUSTICE SYSTEM

RE-ENTRY PROGRAMS INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY

I agree with the Oct. 18 editorial stating that re-entry programs for released inmates must be explored aggressively.

Re-entry of offenders into the community is an area that we cannot afford to ignore. It is incumbent on us to consider the social and economic ramifications of not planning wisely for the inevitable reality that 95 percent of inmates will return to our neighborhoods. Failure to plan for this is irresponsible in terms of ensuring community safety.

Well-designed re-entry programs allow offenders to transition from more to less structure. The monitoring and support services facilitate a gradual and manageable adjustment to independent living. This approach enhances the odds for success with regard to maintaining sobriety, employment and stability in housing, all critical factors for individuals navigating the difficult terrain of re-entry from prison to society.

The U.S. Bureau of Justice has recognized that offender re-entry is critical in building safe communities. BOJ acknowledges it is not enough to just incarcerate offenders. We have the responsibility to plan for re-entry.

Research has clearly shown that successful re-entry programs lead to less recidivism, less crime, fewer victims and increased public safety.

Restoring people's lives makes for good public safety.