This letter is in reference to your article entitled "Kailua still waiting for gym to reopen," dated March 16. We understand and are compassionate about the frustration that Kailua residents have for being unable to use the pool and the gym. Rest assured that we are working hard at resolving the effects that the damaging winds caused to the roofing structure and flooring.

You rightfully pointed out that the Dec. 11, 2008, windstorm damaged a large segment of the gym's roof and rain damaged the flooring. The city immediately instructed its consultants to inspect the damage caused by the windstorm and design an appropriate fix. In January 2009, the roof repair design was completed and turned over to the contractor for pricing. The city is currently completing negotiations with the contractor for the cost of the fix. We estimate that the repair of the roof, weather permitting, may be completed as early as end of May or early June 2009. We hope to then be able to open up portions of the gym such as the gymnastic room, weight room, offices and meeting rooms.

The pool reopened March 16, after a three-week shutdown required for filtration equipment replacement.

We anticipate the flooring repair to be completed early fall 2009. We thank the residents of Kailua for their patience and will work at a solution to reopening the gym expeditiously.

ANIMAL CRUELTY

UH UNDERSTANDS VALUE OF HUMANE EDUCATION

Regarding the letter from University of Hawai'i professors Johnson and Goldberg-Hiller (March 16; "Dogfighting: Effort a good step, reveals contradictions"): It is gratifying to people who care about animals to know that UH students are being introduced to, and asked to critically analyze, the varied relationships between humans and other animals.

In their letter, the professors point out that we generally treat companion animals well, but are "blissfully oblivious" to the suffering of farmed animals, who are treated only as commodities from the day they are born until the day of their death at a slaughterhouse. They are introducing the students to a reality that lies below the surface, i.e., institutionalized cruelty on a massive scale, on factory farms.

The class invites students to think critically about ethical and political issues concerning humans' treatment of other animals. We are indeed fortunate that our university understands the value of humane education.

CIVIL UNIONS

COVERAGE OF RALLIES REFLECTS PRESS BIAS

I find it very interesting that when a large, angry group in a sea of red gathers with an agenda of hate and oppression, the press comes out in force to document the event and the newspapers find it front-page-worthy. When a similar group gathers in the same spot for a quiet, peaceful vigil for their brothers and sisters in hopes that they share in a very human right, there is no press to be found, and not a single mention in the newspapers the next day. The event in support of civil unions went largely undocumented by the press. This is a very sad commentary on our lovely state of "Aloha." Seemingly there is only room for those who fit a certain agenda. Shall we next label the restrooms and water fountains "Gay" and "Straight"? There are so many things to fear in this world, especially now in such worrisome times. Why focus such negativity on a group of people who are hoping for equal rights in an institution of love and commitment?  

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

INCARCERATION, ZERO TOLERANCE NECESSARY

If there really is a serious intention to reduce these slayings and other domestic abuse, it's high time these perpetrators were taken out of circulation and kept incarcerated. What was this most recent "alleged" monster doing out on bail with the history he had? Our courts are far too quick to grant bail and/or release to people who are obvious societal misfits.

It would also go a long way toward reducing the whole domestic abuse situation if girls were instructed from their earliest years not to tolerate abuse. "One mistreatment and end of relationship — no exceptions" should be deeply imbedded in each woman's consciousness from childhood on.

SMOKING POLICY

RESTRICTION ON HOTEL TERRACES A TURNOFF

I am enjoying a peaceful vacation on Maui, my first visit back to Hawai'i in several years. However, as a smoker, I am perturbed by Hawai'i's excessively restrictive and burdensome anti-smoking legislation. While I am accustomed to smoking being banned in restaurants, retail outlets and other indoor spaces, I am baffled by Hawai'i's law that prohibits smoking on hotel terraces and lanais. I would think that the least intrusive place to have a cigarette is on the terrace of one's resort room, far removed from the pool, beach and grounds of the property.

In this era of economic downturn with tourism on the wane, policies that render Hawai'i less accommodating seem unwise.

SUPERFERRY

QUITE A HOLLOW VICTORY FOR ENVIRONMENTALISTS

It is with great disappointment I read of Hawai'i Superferry's suspension of operations. The great irony is this company went to exceptional lengths to respond to environmental concerns. This should be looked upon as quite a hollow victory for the environmentalists.

The state has just lost another 300 jobs during one of the most economically stressed times in recent history. Would the "Court of Common Sense" convene quickly and correct this lunacy?

WE'RE SHOWING WORLD HOW BACKWARD WE ARE

Americans can go to the moon, but we cannot go to Maui on a ferry. If the people who stopped the ferry think they saved the environment, they must be shallow thinkers. What damage to the environment could the Superferry do that all the hundreds of ships sailing around Hawai'i cannot do? What stopping Hawaii Superferry really did was to hurt the hundreds of workers, thousands of passengers and show the world that Hawai'i must be one of the most backward states in America.