City is still working to fix
privatization problem

I am compelled to disagree strongly with a statement in your Aug. 1 editorial that Mayor Harris believed that "Honolulu was immune from lawsuits aimed at blocking privatization." That statement is clearly not true.

Implications of the Konno decision always have been clear to us. Our position has not been that we are immune. It has been, and continues to be, that we have been able to manage and will continue to manage under Konno while we work to change the law.

The record would show that our staff worked hard during the last legislative session in support of all bills that would have eliminated the administrative quagmire created by that decision. From the beginning, our administration has joined with the state and other counties in calling for and supporting such efforts.

The Harris administration always has stood for the delivery of services to the public by the most efficient means, and that translates into a mix of government and private providers.

Robert J. Fishman
Managing Director
City and County of Honolulu

Students who want to play
sports should study harder

That's it, BOE. Go ahead and further dumb down our island high school students. Your proposal to eliminate the 2.0 requirement for participation in sports and clubs is just another attempt of your failed "feel-good" form of education.

Certainly the lessons learned through sports are valuable. But no less valuable are the same types of lessons learned in working off your rear for a good grade.

These kids have to learn that in the real world, nobody is going to give them something for nothing. If they want to participate badly enough, they can do it. They can get that 2.0 and be proud of it.

Having played sports in high school in Hawaii and football on full scholarship in college on the mainland, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to juggle academics and athletics. It's an honor and a privilege to represent your school, but it simply must be kept as a reward for diligence in the classroom.

By taking away the valuable lesson of accomplishment through hard work and commitment, you take away one of the most important tools these students will need to succeed in life.

Mark Simunovich
Kailua

Lowering of 2.0 rule
allows kids to fail

It was disconcerting to read that the Board of Education is weakening a prior attempt to set standards requiring a 2.0 grade point for students to participate in extra-curricular activities.

This action, far from being a benevolent one as BOE member J. Mike Compton appears to suggest, is one of misplaced priorities. It sends the message to students that, "Yes, standards exist in the world, but if you don't meet them, it's OK. There won't be any consequences for failure."

It is a grave disservice, not only to the students who do not meet this minimal standard, but it is an insult to those who work hard to accomplish tasks, maintain a high grade point average and are given the privilege of participating in activities.

Have we truly lost faith in our students' ability to achieve academically as a result of such low performance within our schools? Are we ready to throw in the towel, and give up on them? I, for one, am not.

S. McCann

Glenn should get a medal
for his voice in Congress

Robert Kessler (Letters, July 16) should heed his own admonition regarding truth and morality. John Glenn is again a hero in his stand for justice. Kessler repeats a big lie in saying that President Clinton's administration is "the most corrupt."

Absolutely false propaganda! They are trying to undo the last two elections. Both Nixon and Agnew had to resign for their corruption. The Reagan administration had 125 members who were investigated or had to resign for their corruption.

Everyone must be aware and answer the ultra-conservatives' campaign of gross misinformation.

Nancy Bey Little
Mililani

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Same-sex archive

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