Readers discuss how the new venue performed at a major event, budget cuts affecting the old and young, and the etiquette over priority seats on public transport
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The
Rugby Sevens
has proven the new stadium at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park to be a great venue. Hats off to all involved in the stadium development on operations - the stadium project team, the organiser Hong Kong China Rugby, the government, the police and everyone else who have contributed to the redevelopment of Kai Tak, the stadium and the event.
As part of the Harbourfront Commission, I and several others have closely followed the transformation of the former Kai Tak Airport starting from 2004. After two decades, prior to heading into the stadium for the rugby sevens event, I took some time to explore the surrounding area. On my return journey, I delighted in observing the changes from the promenade.
Cathay Pacific plane
flying over the harbour in a surprise fly-past. I look forward to the gradual completion of the ongoing construction projects enhancing the vitality of the area.
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Inside, I wandered around to as many areas as possible - the corporate suites, through the drunken south stand, the general corridors and the many staircases. The stadium is well designed with ample room to manoeuvre at full capacity.
Some issues arose with the electronic locks on the doors, along with worries about audio clarity, particularly for those seated further away. The stadium crew likely has a checklist of improvements to address these points.
The
test events
ensured the stadium, transport and police were synchronised.
Catering to the food cravings
among the tens of thousands of participants at the Rugby Sevens
110,000 visits
were recorded in total across the three days - could only have been tested during the actual event. The team will surely be even better prepared next year.
In short, bravo and congratulations. The new stadium is a very good facility to support Hong Kong's ambitions for events.
Paul Zimmerman, CEO, Designing Hong Kong
Assistance for the elderly and students ought not to be reduced.
You chose a considerate picture for
your report
, "Public hospital fee changes 'could bring in HK$3b a year'" (March 26), in the print edition. The photo, showing patients waiting at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, speaks volumes.
A significant number of these patients are seniors who rely heavily on their savings. Increasing their healthcare costs would deplete those resources unnecessarily. It’s not an appropriate solution to address the financial shortfall. Instead, the burden ought to fall upon the younger, more economically active individuals within our community.
Elderly people and students make easy targets._Targeting them_ remains convenient.
HK$2 transport subsidy
for seniors and
cutting the HK$2,500 grant
For 800,000 students, these measures are also discriminatory. The burden to alleviate our deficit should fall on high earners and large corporations instead.
Lal Daswani, Tsim Sha Tsui
No excuses for hoarding priority seats
I refer to
the column
, "How old people expect courtesy seats on subway and why the elderly should earn our respect" (March 29).
If a priority seat is untaken, maybe it is fine to sit on it, but be considerate. If you see someone belonging to the "priority" category standing nearby and would benefit from sitting down, you should offer up the seat out of courtesy.
On our crowded public transport, too many able-bodied people remain seated in a priority seat not meant for them. They fixate on their phones, ignoring those in need. Such selfish behaviour should be condemned, not condoned. Good manners and consideration for others benefit the whole society while self-centredness does not.
Joan Miyaoka, Sha Tin
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