POLICE STATE FOR DRIVERS NOT AN INVITING PLACE

Isn't it ironic now that tourism is suffering its worse downturn since 2001, that leaders are asking residents to buy local and spend money in a place that we feel unwelcome. Like the foreigners they court, kama'aina are most often ignored in exchanged for the yen or dollar.

Why only court us now when the industry is void of the regular tourist crowds? Why would locals want to drive into Waikiki and struggle to find expensive parking when we can park for free everywhere else in this city? The phrase "what have you done for me lately" comes to mind as I will continue to avoid this overbuilt and un-Hawaiian area regardless.

The final straw for locals is a government-sponsored impediment, that being Waikiki has become a police state for drivers. While real criminal activity like robberies, muggings and theft occur daily, HPD uses this area to train rookie officers in the art of petty traffic enforcement. If you ever want to get stopped for a safety check, dead taillight or not using a turn signal, this is the place to go.

So, if government really wants home-grown folks to visit and help turn around the image that locals are unwelcome, they should lighten up on handing out petty citations you will never see on the road in any other community. It's bad but things are going to get worse before they improve. Getting locals to buy Waikiki is a tough sell either way.

STIMULUS BILL

MEDIA REACTION WILL BE INTERESTING TO WATCH

The biggest pork barrel spending bill in history will soon be passed by Congress and signed by President Obama. It will be interesting to note how quickly mainstream media's reporting of economic news changes from its current drumbeat of economic doom and gloom to one of positive optimism. It is ironic that it is this change in the attitude of the fourth estate, and subsequently public perception, and not this huge boondoggle of a bill that will ultimately be responsible for the revitalization of our economy.

PUBLIC LAND ACT

PRESERVATION EFFORT NEEDS ABERCROMBIE

Rep. Neil Abercrombie has been a good shepherd of the environment for many years. I'm hoping that he will support the Omnibus Public Land Management Act and join his constituents in taking a walk on the wild side. This landmark legislation would protect 2 million acres of wilderness.

Such areas, and other protected land, benefit rural economies by increasing property values, providing new opportunities for recreation and tourism, and creating wonderful places for people to live and work. Can we continue to protect such areas? With Rep. Abercrombie's help, yes we can!

KIDS FITNESS

BRAVO, NOELANI 'OHANA, ISLE CONGRESS MEMBERS

The Feb. 13 Jog-A-Thon at Noelani School raised money for enrichment programs, but more importantly it is a way to promote a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness. Although many Hawai'i schools choose to no longer fund salaries and curriculum for subjects such as physical education and music, the Noelani 'Ohana chooses to enrich our children's lives in these essential areas. Thanks to our principal Dr. Rochelle Mahoe, PTA president Lori Hayashida, the SCC, teachers, staff and parents, and PE teacher Veronica Lum, who are all rooting for the Noelani students.

As a Noelani parent, I also thank Hawai'i's congressional delegates who have co-sponsored the proposed federal "Fitness Integrated with Teaching" Kids Act. The FIT Kids Act would reinforce lifelong habits of healthy eating and physical activity. Hopefully this bill's passage will be the beginning of more steps to bring our children's welfare to the forefront. Sixteen percent of Hawai'i's student body is obese. Our investment in physical education will help to control that problem while improving our kids' quality of life. There are important issues facing our state and our country, but none are so important as to lose sight of the future health of our children.

GOOD SAMARITAN

THANKS TO PASSERBY FOR HELP WITH FLAT TIRE

Recently, I got a flat tire heading east on H-1. I've never had to change a flat before and I wasn't sure how I was going to do that in addition to keeping my 3-year-old son in his car seat. Lo and behold, a nice young man pulled over and offered to assist me. It didn't take him too long, but it was nice to see someone take the time out of their busy day to assist someone in need. Mahalo!

HO'OPILI PROJECT

AGRICULTURAL LANDS MUST BE PROTECTED

I have just finished reading Kioni Dudley's op-ed piece on the Ho'opili project. What he says makes so much sense. We need to insure that our important agricultural lands are not only protected but utilized so that Hawai'i can make the important and hopefully timely move toward sustainability.

We need to redefine the word development in Hawai'i to include judicious and prudent and enlightened use of prime agriculture lands.