Needle Note

I enjoyed Christopher Reynolds’ recap of his 1997 travels (“So Many Places, So Many Faces,” Dec. 28). However, I do feel I need to clarify a sign he saw in the bathroom of Waikiki’s Outrigger Maile Sky Court Hotel, which asked patrons to request a container for syringes if it was needed.

As a nurse whose husband has worked to improve needle disposal containers for the past 10 years, I applaud the hotel for wishing to protect both the environment and their employees from carelessly disposed of needles and syringes. Travelers with diabetes and other diseases sometimes require up to four injections a day and need a safe disposal method available.

I have also seen wall-mounted needle disposal containers in bathrooms in large airports and am pleased to see this positive trend for the protection of the public as well as housekeeping staff.

JUDY BETHE

Newport Beach

Letters to the Travel Editor should be brief and are subject to condensation. Send letter, including a telephone number, to: Travel Section, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.