I think the state's plan for a car-rental hub at Hawaii airports is a good idea. I've traveled to many airports on the Mainland and have experienced consolidated rental agencies, on-site as well as off-site. Some off-site locations, such as Baltimore Washington International, are about four miles away.

Although the state has not disclosed the proposed location for Honolulu, it would make the most sense for them to build a multi-level structure on the current location shared by Avis, National, Budget, Hertz and Dollar. By having it on-site, shuttle buses would not have to travel very far and some visitors may even elect to walk; especially those who arrive at baggage claim G or H.

STEVEN LORETERO | Kāneohe

OBAMA TRIBUTES

EAST-WEST CENTER WORTHY OF RENAMING

I hope everyone reads your Jan. 5 front-page article; especially our current-generation politicians! Christie Wilson educated us, and I commend her on an extraordinary piece. As a graduate of UH more than 50 years ago and having old and recent friends (actually children of friends) who attended the East-West Center, I've witnessed how the center started and what it is now doing.

While there are a number of commendable suggestions on naming local parks, streets, etc. in honor of our president's "hometown," I suggest we explore ways to rename the East-West Center to reflect its influence on President Obama. As a start I think "Barack Obama Jr.'s East-West Center" would ring very well with the APEC leaders when they meet here the end of 2011.

It would have far more international-vs.-local significance; and to coin a phrase, "World peace through world trade" (from the founder of my former employer) could be an appropriate theme for the meeting.

CLARENCE CHING | Nuuanu

ECONOMY

LET GAMBLING FIX BUDGET SHORTFALLS

Some hard decisions must be made by our elected leaders about our poor economic situation. They may choose to: 1) raise taxes; 2) cut expenses by layoffs and reduced services; 3) combine 1 and 2; and finally; 4) find new sources of funds.

I'm in favor of No. 4. We should allow three to four Las Vegas-style casinos with showrooms, restaurants, and nightclubs but no hotel rooms to operate in the state. A few horse-racing tracks may also be added to help promote agriculture.

Gambling would be limited to those inside the casinos and racetracks — nowhere else. Maybe casino operators will be able to put money up front for the right to operate. If No. 4 is disagreeable we can go back to No. 1 and No. 2.

RICHARD SASAKI | Captain Cook, Hawaii

RAIL TRANSIT

VOTERS SPOKE; MORE HEARINGS NOT NEEDED

The people of Oahu voted for rail in 2008. So why, in 2010, is Gov. Lingle suggesting more hearings for the mass-transit project?

Everyone who commutes has experienced the congestion and wasted time — rail will help reduce both. The recession means that the construction bids are lower — it will cost less to build the infrastructure for rail if we act now.

There is no need for further hearings. It is time to implement what the people of Oahu voted for.

CHETANA ACHARYA | Honolulu

FIREWORKS

DANGER TO NEIGHBORS MUCH GREATER TODAY

Referring to Brian Schaeffer's Jan. 6 letter on "killjoys" complaining about fireworks leads me to believe he ascribes to the "ainokea" belief that you can do what you want without having to care about your neighbors.

I have personally alerted two neighbors to fires on their roofs from fireworks during daylight. Aerials and the bombs that startle people during the night are not the type of fireworks that we grew up with.

Times change and, unfortunately, so have these types of fireworks. The shows at Ala Moana and other places are much more beautiful and responsibly done than what goes on in our neighborhoods.

ROBIN CHING | Makakilo

TEACHERS

DEVOTED WOULD CALL FOR A LONGER YEAR

After more than 10 days of vacation the Hawaii public school teachers have a "planning day" on Jan. 4! What a joke of a professional organization.

How about the teachers do what everyone else does after a vacation, show up a little early, get ready and do your job fully?

If the teachers and their union are really interested in successful education of the students of Hawaii, they should negotiate for a longer school year of at least 200 days. As they have it now, a simple 180 days school year means 185 days off!

But I don't expect the teachers or the union to call for a longer school year, just as the parents of Hawaii don't expect them to teach on the first day of a new year after a holiday break.

K. P. WELL | Honolulu