Letters to the Editor
Emme's documentary at WTC very moving
As New York City residents, we wish to send our condolences to the family members and loved ones of the Hawai'i residents who perished in the World Trade Center tragedy.
Your lives were lovingly honored by the cast and crew of "Emme's Island Memories" and witnessed by me (N.Y.C. resident and graduate of McKinley High School, 1980) and my mother (N.Y.C. resident and former nurse at Kapi'olani Women's and Children's Hospital). We were passing the Wall of Memory across the street from the WTC site on our way to an appointment in the area when, serendipitously, we came upon Emme Tomimbang and her crew.
The beautiful Hawaiian leis caught our eyes and compelled us to stop. There they were, a handful of caring individuals who traveled this long distance in order to pay their respects to the deceased. They were creating a loving documentary of this journey for family and friends back home to aid them in this difficult healing process. (It will air tonight at 9 p.m. on KGMB and repeats Sunday at 1 p.m.)
The ceremony was beautiful and deeply moving to us as former Hawai'i residents. The lives of the Hawai'i residents who were lost will not be forgotten, and New York City shares this loss with you. You are in our hearts.
Judith Murray Gottlieb
Rachel Murray
New York City
Falling boulder was indeed an 'act of God'
In response to Haruko Tsukayama's letter about the tragic death of Dara Onishi: Capt. Soo's comment about the falling boulder being an "act of God" is correct. He most likely did not mean to emphasize or blame God for the tragedy, but think about it: God has control over everything, and God allowed this to happen.
We often question why bad things happen to good people. But who are we to question God? Perhaps we must look at the big picture. Maybe this tragedy is a warning to avoid a much larger catastrophe that could kill more people. Maybe it's to bring the Onishi family together, or perhaps to bring other families together, or maybe bring the entire community together as we realize how fragile life is and how it's possible to say goodnight to a friend and never see him or her alive again.
If you have faith in God, you must have faith that everything is part of God's plan. There is a reason for everything. May Dara Onishi rest in peace.
Fletcher Young
Traffic safety issues already addressed
I am writing to address your Aug. 15 editorial, "Well-placed traffic lights prevent fatalities." Your editorial did not address the safety measures currently being implemented and did not reflect an adequate understanding of traffic safety issues.
As it exists, Kapolei Parkway is a closed stretch of road that is only used by residents of the Kapolei and Makakilo communities. As such, traffic experts previously felt that there was insufficient need to warrant signalization, until recently. With the assistance of the city's Department of Transportation Services, a traffic warrant survey was recently completed for the parkway, which indicated that signals were needed while schools were in session.
When we met with the community last week, we explained that the traffic signals on Kama'aha Avenue and Kama'aha Loop near the elementary school have already been designed. We anticipate selecting a contractor through open bids within 60 days and construction of these signals completed 90 days after award.
We agree with your sentiment that interim measures are needed and are pleased to announce that immediate safety measures will be implemented.
First, the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawai'i will hire special-duty officers to direct the safe flow of traffic and pedestrians at five major intersections in the Villages of Kapolei.
The HCDCH is committed to have special-duty officers in place until such time as the lights are installed, school crossing monitors are hired, or the need ceases to exist due to the installation of nearby safety measures. We anticipate having the personnel on hand to create this safe command and control traffic environment within two weeks or sooner.
We are committed to continuing discussions among interested community groups.
Sharyn L. Miyashiro
Executive director, Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawai'i
Letter on crosswalk safety was misleading
On Aug. 15 Earl Arakaki wrote a misleading letter in an apparent attempt to discredit Rep. Willie Espero for his efforts to mitigate safety concerns at the crosswalk adjacent to Child and Family Service in 'Ewa Beach.
Over 18 months ago, Rep. Espero and I formed the 'Ewa Pedestrian Coalition to specifically address the crosswalk at hand. We held five public meetings and even advertised a survey in the West O'ahu Current for the public to take action with us. We financed our efforts by taking the initiative to apply for a $2,000 grant that enabled us to solicit public input to what we felt was a dangerous crosswalk that needed immediate attention of the DOT.
When the 'Ewa Pedestrian Coalition submitted its findings to Tesha Malama, chairwoman of the 'Ewa Neighborhood Board planning and zoning committee and a member of the transportation committee, for action over a year ago, not only did she refuse to attend all five public meetings, but also neglected to participate in the community survey. The 'Ewa board did absolutely nothing to assist our efforts.
Rep. Espero did not give up. He orchestrated the crosswalk to be in receipt of a pilot project pedestrian-activated light to be installed within six to nine months. He pleaded with the DOT for an overpass or an underpass and submitted in his capital improvement project funding request that a sidewalk be constructed so pedestrians would have an option to safely walk to the next intersection to cross.
Tom Berg
'Ewa Pedestrian Coalition member
Majestic palm trees are being destroyed
Vintage picture postcards extolled the beauty of Waikiki with romantic scenes of its sand, surf and sky, highlighted with coconut palms silhouetted by a mesmerizing moon. Coconut trees as tall and majestic as the best of these grace the lawn at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Come quickly to visit this cozy corner where time stands still. Soon many of these palm trees — which are said to be too tall, old and fragile — will be removed. These trees are said to pose perils to caretakers and passers-by.
Gone will be the delightful pastime of watching these trees lift their leafy heads over the parapets of the Pink Palace and playfully peer at what progress has wrought to the rest of Waikiki.
Come visit with these venerable, living presences of the past, pay homage and bid them a fond farewell. (And pray that all of the coconut palms that are razed in Waikiki will be replaced.)
Richard Y. Will
Sylvester Foundation should be rewarded
I have just read about The Sylvester Foundation in Waimanalo. On the train into Philadelphia, I usually put aside the local paper when the news just gets to be too much for me and I open up my envelope of hand-picked newspaper clippings my mom sends me from home.
I was so inspired and uplifted by the story of Candy Lake and Chris Boyle and their work for the animals they care for. All too often, news of greed, suffering and sadness in our world overshadows news of compassion and goodness. Mahalo nui loa to Candy and Chris.
Unfortunately there is a threat of eviction on the horizon. There should be no reason why the Department of Land and Natural Resources would not extend Ms. Lake's lease in 2004. Isn't it time that selfless acts by ordinary people be rewarded, not punished?
Marta Trombetta
Philadelphia
Dangerous dogs are running free in Makaha
On July 30, I was walking on Farrington Highway in Makaha when a pack of three dogs (one brown and two white) came up behind me. One of the white dogs, without provocation, bit the back of my left calf. 9-11 was called. My son bandaged the wound while we waited for the police to arrive.
My husband took me to the emergency room, where an artery was stitched to stop the bleeding. This would require surgical consultation with the possibility of needing a skin graft. For the past two weeks, I've needed extensive daily dressing changes and packing of the wound, and this will continue for some time.
So there is a dog out here in Makaha that has eaten human skin and flesh. What a threat this dog is to others as they cross the highway to the beach, wait at a city bus stop or just go for a walk. Since the incident, I have heard other accounts of this pack of dogs threatening others. Who can we expect to protect us from this dangerous menace?
I would hate for someone else to have to go through this experience, especially one of our young ones.
Dot Suiso
Makaha
The main problem at OCCC is understaffing
I am amazed that the people of Hawai'i are letting our outgoing governor milk them for another $130 million so he can put his mark on something else.
OCCC is overcrowded because the money that was to go into building new modules was spent elsewhere. The main problem at OCCC is understaffing. As far as being secure, how can any prison work properly when the staff has been reduced to a skeleton crew?
The governor quoted overcrowding and the need for a mental health unit. OCCC already has an excellent medical unit that doesn't close and a mental health module. Plus, what about the eighth floor at Queens and the State Hospital?
Why should the people have to foot the bill for $130 million to build a jail when we should be buying books for our schools? The governor spends money like it's water for things he wants, but denies having money when it comes to things like education, healthcare for the elderly and meals for our children.
Thomas Osterthaler
Adult corrections officer, OCCC
Let's name highway after the 442nd, 100th
I am writing in response to "What? There's no Don Ho highway?"
That's fine, but what about a 442nd Regiment Highway or a 100th Infantry Battalion Highway, or an MIS Highway? These are all well-known and deserving names, but I have yet to see a highway, or any road, named after them here in our home state. What a fine way to honor these men who died in Italy, France and other parts of the world so that we can continue to live in peace here.
I hope our councilmen and legislators will keep these names in mind.
Raymond Nosaka
Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion
Combat, Purple Heart veteran
Blame the Democrats for Social Security risk
Because I am aware that your paper is always fair and balanced, I would like to remind your readers of the history of Social Security during this election season.
It was Lyndon Johnson and the Democratic-controlled House and Senate that took Social Security from being an independent fund and put it into the general fund so that Congress could spend it — which it has.
It was the Democratic Party that put the tax on our Social Security.
It was the Democratic Party that increased that tax on our Social Security, with Al Gore the one deciding vote, remember?
It was the Democratic Party that gave Social Security benefits to immigrants who moved into this country, at age 65, although they never paid a dime into the fund.
After doing all this, the Democrats still try to tell you that the Republicans want to destroy your Social Security.
I think it's time.
Don McDiarmid Jr.
Kailua
Republican attacks are wearing very thin
How typical that the Republicans presume to preach about "ethics" and "cronyism" and every misdeed the Democrats have paid for in the last decade, but cry foul when anyone brings up Linda Lingle's nepotism problems as Maui mayor.
I suppose it would also be "an act of desperation" if someone raised the issue of John Henry Felix's brazen marriage business or Sam Slom's questionable legal residence.
The "holier than thou" attacks are wearing very thin.
Pat Daley
Leaders of political parties are disgusting
I have two words for Micah Kane and Lorraine Akiba: Grow up. Their potshot volleying is disgusting. It's no wonder Hawai'i has such a low voter turnout rate. These "leaders" are worse than children on the playground fighting for a ball.
I've always been a diehard Democrat and am proud of it; however, I can understand voter frustration with the leadership (or lack of it) of this party. I believe it is probably time for a change, but I don't see that happening with the GOP either.
Since "honest politician" seems to be an oxymoron, and we have many jokers, why not consider Bu La'ia?
L. Hanohano
'Ewa Beach
Correction: Tesha Malama is chairwoman of the ‘Ewa Neighborhood Board planning and zoning committee and a member of the transportation committee. Her title was incorrect in a previous version of this Letters to the Editor.
