Admission for band members outrageous

Band members from some public high schools now have to pay $5 in order to play at their own football games.

The O`ahu Interscholastic Association's bylaws dictate that all students -- even band members and cheerleaders -- must pay the price of admission. In the past, however, schools have used subsidies to avoid charging these groups.

But as times get tougher, subsidy funds are harder to come by. Now band members must pay in order to serve the schools that otherwise would effectively be paying them.

In spite of the free passes one can get by buying schools' athletic books for $15 to $25, the whole notion of having to pay admission to play in a band is ludicrous, especially considering that the band boosts attendance.

Parents already have to pay for their children's school supplies, dues, clothes, lab fees, and instruments. Why make them pay more?

If the state cannot find a way to allocate more for transportation costs than a mere $1,000 to $2,000, then the O`ahu Interscholastic Association should amend its bylaws to allow free admission for its band members.

Anything less is a slap in the face to the kids.