Letters to the Editor
Hawaiian Electric showed civic spirit
Too often in this life, we tend to focus on the negative and gloss over the positive.
This letter is an expression of our sincere gratitude for the kokua of the Hawaiian Electric Co. and its employees, who put forth that "extra effort" to enhance the 'aina of these majestic islands by preparing and distributing, for free, trees, mulch, fertilizer and a book explaining the importance of the fauna on Arbor Day, Nov. 4.
As my family and children were recipients of one of these trees, I want to take this opportunity to say "mahalo" to HECO and all of the people who participated in this endeavor.
William E. Lee
Lanikai
'Safe, cheap' DDT can destroy your life
Regarding the Nov. 6 letter "Use of DDT is safe, cheap and effective," by Philip Motooka of the University of Hawai'i: I grew up on the plantation and am totally opposed to the use of DDT.
In those days, and even now within our own households, hazardous toxins are used indiscriminately. Motooka's title and position at the University of Hawai'i only tells me where this man is coming from. Perhaps he is not aware of how poisons like this can cause kidney failure. Because of the "plantation mentality" and negligent use of pesticide and herbicide in our land, it is no wonder Hawai'i has the highest rate of kidney disease in our community.
Our waters have been contaminated by these chemicals. Also the degenerative effects of these toxins cause Alzheimer's.
I am a concerned citizen who suffers from paralysis when exposed to these so called "safe" chemicals. As they say, don't worry because it is safe and cheap ... but it may kill you in 10 years, or maybe in 60 years, but that is OK because no one will know the difference by that time — we will be all dead anyway and we can just attribute it to kidney failure or cancer.
Where does the responsibility lie? With the College of Tropical Agriculture?
A.K. Asakura
SS Independence left port with pride intact
As I saw the front page of The Advertiser last week, if finally hit me: The SS Independence is now history. In the last year of its life, I had the privilege of four sailings on one of the last of the historic steamships.
First used as an Atlantic transport in the 1950s and for the last several years sailing the Hawaiian waters with grace and dignity, this wonderful vessel contained the finest entertainment and 'ohana atmosphere that I have encountered in all of my 21 years of Hawai'i residency.
It was a true pleasure to speak with a knowledgeable kumu — authentic story-telling of true Hawaiiana. Add to that the entertainment, where I experienced some of the best: the cruise director, world champion of hula, top-rate piano playing in the Constitution Lounge, off to the showroom to the award-winning Ray Kennedy entertainers who brought the past to life re-enacting one of the nation's longest-running radio broadcasts, "Hawai'i Calls." True nostalgia, with the Big Band sounds of the Glenn Miller orchestra and others, while I worked as a dance host.
First-class meals were served in the dining room with friendly waiters and waitresses. Quality shore excursions with stops at Hilo, a nighttime ride by the glowing volcano where Madam Pele was honored with chanting and hula, on the way to Kona, then Honolulu, finally Nawiliwili Bay on Kaua'i, then back to Kahului, Maui.
A tragic ending, as I saw the end of an era that may never be replaced. Many repeat passengers will attest to the 'ohana atmosphere the whole staff created.
The last chapter of an American Hawaiian tragedy has come to a close, and I am very saddened.
Matthew A. Walker
Advertisements taking over Aloha Stadium
What's with the advertising tents circling the football field at Aloha Stadium? They are ugly, take up cheerleading space and are a safety hazard. Is the almighty dollar once again influencing our football culture?
As a season ticket holder for over 20 years, I watched with amusement as ushers ripped down spirit-driven signs that the fans tried to hang on railings. But that was OK because the stadium policy then was no advertising. Now that the field looks like a road leading to Las Vegas, perhaps they will let us hang our signs.
Think about the fans for a change. How about cutting the price of a ticket 75 percent for the military during military appreciation night, for civil servants during civil servant appreciation night, for students during student appreciation night, for women during women appreciation night, and for children during family appreciation night? And how about letting fans park for free during fan appreciation night?
Hawai'i is unique. Our football team is unique. Our stadium is unique. Let's strive to keep them that way.
Frederick F. Fogel
