'Hawaii Five-0'
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ACTORS FOR REMAKE DON'T FIT CHARACTERS
As a fan of "Hawaii Five-0" reruns and a dedicated viewer of the original series I was very interested in the article, "Hawaii Five-0 then and now," (Advertiser, March 7).
But the actors chosen for the remake are a turnoff. While I understand the producers' desire to "update" the story for the generations new to it, there is no way that our Steve McGarrett would ever tolerate a "three-day stubble" or a bedhead hairdo. Will he also sport a tattooed arm and maybe an earring or two? Even in today's world, the head of the mighty state criminal investigative organization would appear impeccable as the director and agents of the FBI do.
The selection of diminutive Grace Park as a cop to replace Zulu is another questionable choice. I guess this "update" is to reflect the new 2010 woman who is as tough — or tougher — than the men. As for me, I would prefer having someone like Zulu between me and the bad guys any day.
I don't want to be a spoilsport, so why don't we have a poll to see what others think about the new "Five-0"?
lois abrams | Honolulu
CIVIL UNIONS
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO DO THE RIGHT THING
The reports and photographs of gay couples in D.C. getting married made me want to cheer. How wonderful for them — and how sad that in Hawai'i, our legislators have not even voted on a civil unions bill that most reasonable people support. This is not a marriage bill despite how some have chosen to characterize it.
There is still time to do the right thing and vote on HB 444. It's a matter of principle — both of our democracy and of the concept of equal justice for all.
All of us in Hawai'i have a right to expect our legislators to do the job they were elected to do. If our elected officials believe in accountability and justice they still have time to demonstrate it before the session ends by voting on HB 444.
We won't be able to do what the D.C. couples did but we will at least be equal under the law. Isn't that what everyone wants and deserves?
tambry young | Co-chair, Equality Hawaii
UH RAISES
UNIVERSITY UNION IS MISSING THE POINT
I agree with David Shapiro ("At UH, the message may not be sinking in,"March 15). UHPA members better get off their butts and start finding their millions to fund pay raises they don't deserve. What a bunch of crybabies. They had the largest raises of all government employees — 33 percent, more than double some other government employees.
These guys take a cut now but will be reimbursed later, plus get 3 percent raises for the next two years? Everyone else is biting the bullet but the UH administration is giving them a raise for throwing a tantrum.
I hope the legislators further cut UH's budget. The UH administration shouldn't expect the Legislature to fund raises they don't deserve.
stan sano | Honolulu
ENDORSEMENT
EX-UNION LEADER'S ACTION DISAPPOINTING
I was very disappointed by the resignation of former ILWU president Eusebio "Bo" Lapenia from union-affiliated boards because he did not agree with the ILWU's endorsement for governor.
Like Bo, I have been a union member for 30 years and was mentored by him. One of the most important things he taught me was that the ILWUis a democratic union — that means we vote on issues of importance, and that the majority rules.
The ILWUfollows a democratic process in determining candidate endorsements — the same process we followed when Bo was president. Fair and open discussion was held in our local political action committee meetings, made up of elected representatives from all islands. Every member had the right to voice their opinion. In the end, the committee decided to endorse Mufi Hannemann.
I am upset by Bo's choice to air his displeasure over the gubernatorial endorsement in public. It is disrespectful to the members who had to make the difficult decision to choose between candidates who have supported working people, and disrespectful of the democratic process he followed as an ILWU leader.
The majority rules — and failing to recognize that is failing to respect and honor the will of the membership.
nate lum | ILWU Local 142, Hawaii Longshore Division director
HALE KOA GUESTS
VISITORS OFFER THANKSFOR NABORS, MILITARY
My wife and I want to publicly thank the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps for its beautiful performance at Kuroda Field at the Hale Koa Hotel on March 11.
It was such a moving experience to see and meet our young men and women who serve our country. We want to thank each and every one of our military.
We also want to thank our lifelong hero, Jim Nabors. He was such an influence on so many people, including ourselves, for so many years.
He took time to come out and shake so many hands and show our military men and women how proud he was of them.
Whenever you see our men and women who serve our country, please thank them and shake their hand.
Whenever you see Jim Nabors, thank him for all the laughs he gave us for so many years, and for the support he gives our military and his country.
Thanks again Jim, and we love you.
Barbara SteVensand John SteVens, Staff sgt., retired, U.S. Army | Johnson City, Tenn.
POLITICS
CENTER MUST HOLD IN COUNTRY RIGHT NOW
Forget the far left and the extreme right.
At this point in our country's travails, it is the center that must hold.
dave takaki | Honolulu