Letters to the Editor

Farrington Highway traffic lights critical

Help! Someone tell me how to get the traffic light at the intersection of Farrington Highway and Wai'omea Street working.

Now, with the way the concrete barriers have been placed, it has made it more dangerous for the people turning to go toward Wai'anae. The barriers obstruct our view. Our traffic lights have been in place for a long time.

If I am not mistaken, Makakilo received two traffic lights after we did. and they are already in operation.

B. Gaboya
Kapolei

Trumpet great shared his expertise in Hawai'i

Although the events went unnoticed by the media, hundreds of Hawai'i musicians recently benefitted from a visit by one of America's greatest musicians — Adolph "Bud" Herseth, a veteran of 53 years as the first chair trumpet (1948-2001) in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, internationally known for its brass section.

Herseth, who is regarded by the most popular trumpet players in America as the best in the world, conducted four clinics here — three in Honolulu and one on the Big Island.

More than 700 musicians, band leaders and music teachers attended the clinics at UH and Punahou, including hundreds of brass musicians from high schools, UH, the Honolulu Symphony and the Royal Hawaiian Band.

They all came to hear the "master" and they attended free, thanks to retired DOE band teacher George Nomura, who put it all together with cooperation from Summa Technologies, Harry's Music Store, Music Center of Hawai'i, International Travel Agency, University of Hawai'i Band, Prince Hotel (Hawai'i), Francis Aoki, Allen Kajioka, Mr. and Mrs. Don Hee, the University of Hawai'i, Punahou School, King Intermediate and band directors from the Big Island.

They all deserve a big thank you from our community.

Stanton Haugen

UH must sign Wilton to long-term contract

Congratulations to the UH men's volleyball team on its first national championship, which begs the question: Why has the UH athletic department failed — repeatedly — to sign Mike Wilton to a contract that would allow him to coach until retirement?

Wilton's record speaks for itself: Three prior trips to the Final Four, one leading to the title game. Now he has a national championship. Still, no long-term contract exists.

If UH loses Mike Wilton to Brigham Young University, what shame it would bring upon the UH athletic program.

Von Kenric Kaneshiro
San Jose, Calif.

Being a fan is second only to being a player

First of all, I'd like to congratulate the team on becoming NCAA champions. You guys are heroes in our eyes and you deserve all the best.

Being a fan of men's volleyball has got to be the best thing in the world, second only to being on the team. Making the signs, attending the games and waiting for autographs and pictures are all part of the excitement of being a fan.

We go through the same things the players do: We hold our breaths at match point, our hearts break when they lose, we cry tears of joy when they win. That's why this national win is not only for the team and school, but also for the whole state of Hawai'i.

I'm proud of the whole team. They've carried us on an adventure that we will never forget. Thank you for all the great memories. They were always No. 1 in my heart, but now they are No. 1 in the nation.

Michelle Amorin
'Aiea

Dog-rescue debate: Generosity limitless

Those who are uncomfortable with the amount of money spent to rescue Hokget the dog might try thinking about it this way: Love and generosity are limitless.

There will always be worthy causes that need help. Hopefully, the rescue of Hokget with its media attention will encourage people to donate to the charity of their choice.

Or you could focus on the fact that Gi Hui Nian's body is being recovered and the Insiko's fuel was prevented from damaging marine life, all because some animal lovers wanted to rescue a dog. Seems like a pretty good return on the Humane Society's $48,000.

After all, we recently spent millions to raise the Ehime Maru.

P. Litchhult
Kalaheo

Rejection of assisted suicide slap in the face

The alive and obviously mobile physically challenged persons are crying "foul," a "slap in the face," to the legislators who reduced parking fines in handicap stalls.

The real "slap in the face" was to the terminally ill, the suffering and dying persons in our Islands who are unable to even get out of their beds but are being forced to die a lingering living death by 11 senators.

Now that's a real slap in the face.

Andi van der Voort, R.N.
President
Hemlock Hawai'i