Posted on: Friday, July 16, 2004

Letters to the Editor

Funny stories swirled about Ernie Kanekoa

Thank you for Lee Cataluna's July 13 column on Ernest Kanekoa.

I knew Ernie first from the Nu'uanu YMCA weight room and was for many years his lawyer and friend. During the course of our friendship, I heard many interesting and funny stories both from Ernie and from others about Ernie.

Ernie told me about the time that the Metro Squad was called to the old Civic Auditorium because of a riot going on inside the Civic following a wrestling match between Curtis Iaukea and Neff Maiva. According to Ernie, he opened the door to the Civic, took one look at the mayhem going on inside and closed the door, figuring it would be better (and a lot safer) to let the fans fight on. I have no idea whether the story is true, but things were handled somewhat differently and practically in those days.

Often when Ernie talked to me, he would put his hand on my arm or shoulder. It was a very Hawaiian gesture, expressing our connection as friends. The amazing thing was the gentleness of the touch of such a big, strong man. It stays with me today. Aloha, Ernie. A hui hou.

Mahalo, road crews, for your hard work

Driving into work on the freeway by Fort Shafter recently, I noticed how level and smooth the new road there is. I'd like to send out my appreciation to all the road crew workers who toil in the blazing sun or late through the night to improve Hawai'i's driving conditions.

The public often whines and bellyaches about slightly slower traffic due to road construction. They don't think about the many long-term benefits of the outcome and realize that the workers are just doing their best to get their job done well.

As a teacher, I know how it feels to be underappreciated. Thank you very much for all that you do for us.

Law doesn't agree with tailgating argument

Sorry, Erich Wida from Makaha ("If you're not passing, keep out of left lane," July 10), the left lane is not and never has been designated as a passing lane, by federal or state authorities. If you notice, most freeways and interstate highway systems not only have the posted speed limit, but in many cases also post minimum speeds to be maintained.

You are correct that signs are posted "Slower traffic keep right"; however, if a person is driving the posted speed limit, that is not considered slower traffic, hence it is not a violation of the law, as you stated.

The law does state that you maintain one car length for every 10 mph of speed between you and the vehicle in front of you. Hence, if you're driving 50 mph, there should be five car lengths between you and the vehicle in front. That's the law, regardless of the lane used.

There is no reason for tailgating, none. You're taking unnecessary risk when you tailgate, and I guarantee you one thing — you just may pick the wrong person to tailgate, like an off-duty police officer or someone prone to road rage.

If you're in that big of a hurry to get somewhere, leave earlier, or just stay home, but don't tailgate me.

Why work at UH in current atmosphere?

Anyone who believes for a minute that Evan Dobelle's endorsement of Mazie Hirono played no part in his firing, I have some beachfront land to sell you in the Mojave Desert. Firing a college president while he's away on vacation is gutless and crass.

Also, an unintended consequence: Who in his or her right mind would want a job in an institution that is supposed to promote freedom of speech and freedom of thought, but where you get fired for speaking your mind?

Resist attempt to regulate martial arts

I encourage all people who practice, teach or encourage martial arts to write or call their representatives to object to the Hawai'i State Boxing Commission's request to become involved in martial arts.

We are doing a great job of taking care of ourselves. We can continue to promote and regulate ourselves without the commission taking over or becoming a Big Brother.

We have supported our individual arts really well, as can be seen by the strong community support and audience attendance for the recent Judo National Championships and shooto event held at the Blaisdell Arena.

Discipline, strong mind, strong body, friendship, love, family and self-defense are our foundations.

Don't let the State Boxing Commission tell us when and where to hold a tournament or that the paperwork is missing or not in order and therefore a tournament must be canceled.

When was the last successful boxing event at the Blaisdell Arena? K-1, mixed martial arts versus a boxer, should never be allowed anyway.

— Robert Sanchez | Muay thai and jiu jitsu student, Wai'anae

Israel is taking real action against terror

In response to your Monday editorial "Ruling on Israel's wall should lead to its end," I am compelled to write my first-ever letter to the editor.

Israel is a tiny nation surrounded by huge and hostile enemies. The suicide bombers have murdered and maimed countless Jews in their unending war against our nation's only trusted ally in the entire Middle East.

Here in Hawai'i and throughout our country, we are often warned by our government leaders to be alert and aware of obscure threats that are as meaningless as our color-coded alert system. Unlike our government and armed forces, Israel is taking real action to provide security for all its citizens, Arab and Jews alike.

The decision to construct the wall was forced upon the Israelis, who were left with no other method of defense due to constant infiltration of murdering suicide bombers. Your editorial suggests that no wall has ever provided protection or served the purpose for which it was built, and you include the Warsaw Ghetto, which history proves was horribly successful in keeping Polish Jews within the grasp of the Nazis.

The International Court of Justice, like the United Nations, has unfortunately devolved into a platform for virulent anti-Semitism, which seems to have spread to your newspaper.

Forget Ka'ena Point road, open up Kolekole

After reading the letters about building a road around Ka'ena Point, I have an even better idea. How about we build a road around the Na Pali Coast? That way everyone could enjoy that beautiful coast.

Come on, people! Some places just don't need a road, especially since Wai'anae already has a road called Kolekole Road. It's time to persuade the military to open it to the public. There are no terrorists in Wai'anae.

Driver assistance was very appreciated

You made my day!

Thank you to the operator who answered my call from a call box along H-2 Freeway about 4:30 a.m. on July 12. It was such a relief to be able to talk to a person who is so calm, helpful and efficient. It is very fortunate that we have a person like her to help people who have problems on the road.

As the line was cut off before I had a chance to thank her, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation.