HAWAII OPERA THEATRE

'KING AND I' OFFERED SUPERB THEATER HERE

Hawai'i Opera Theatre's July production of "The King and I" was a gift to all of Hawai'i. I feel very fortunate to have gotten tickets to the sold-out performances, and I only wish that the run could have been extended. On the two nights that I attended, the applause was thunderous and there were standing ovations.

At every level, this was a very sophisticated production. The acting, singing, costumes, staging, sets, lighting and direction were superb — of Broadway caliber. Richard Chamberlain and Jan Maxwell captivated the audience with their chemistry, just as they wowed New Yorkers together in "The Sound of Music" on Broadway.

I hope that theatergoers will remember "The King and I," as I will, not only for its high creative and professional standards, but also for its generosity of spirit. It was an extraordinary offering to the community, and it may be a long time before we see such a production again.

SENATE RACE

HPA FORUM ILLUSTRATED NEED FOR A TRANSITION

I attended the Hawai'i Publishers Association luncheon and found it to be fascinating political theater. Vigorously vocal Akaka supporters outnumbered Case's people by about 2 to 1. Still, Case's very cogent and compelling themes, forcefully articulated, resonated with me and many others.

Case doesn't say Akaka is "too old" and his praise for Sen. Inouye is effusive. The issue is one of effectiveness and legislative influence in the Senate. After 30 years in Congress, Sen. Akaka is rated at the absolute bottom in terms of political clout, while Sen. Inouye is very near the top. Watching Sen. Akaka struggle with a question about the need for "transition" made it clear how strong that need is.

CASE LACKS TRAITS THAT REPRESENT ISLE VALUES

Ed Case's remarks to the Hawai'i Publishers Association were really a study in megalomania.

He never talked about any of the issues important to the people of Hawai'i and the nation. He never talked about the war in the Middle East or the lack of medical programs for those in need. Instead, he repeatedly spoke about the need for younger representation in the U. S. Senate.

Success in the Senate requires the ability to cooperate with your peers. Mr. Case's record as a member of the Hawai'i House of Representatives clearly indicates that he is not able to achieve any success in a legislative body.

Case is unable to work with colleagues unless he always gets his way. He doesn't have the traits of character that truly represent the values of Hawai'i's culture that he claims to appreciate. Success in politics does not come from attacking a revered and successful colleague.

ED CASE OUT OF TOUCH WITH HIS CONSTITUENTS

Thank you for your excellent article about the Wai'anae Maritime Academy (Aug. 8).

Kaipo and Donna Pomakai and their crew obviously do an outstanding job and deserve credit for the hope and lifetime opportunities they create.

I can't help but contrast that with Rep. Ed Case's call to eliminate the Jones Act. If he ends the Jones Act, he ends the very maritime industry that all of the Wai'anae Maritime Academy's graduates are training for. I don't understand the congressman who "represents" the Wai'anae Coast working to eliminate the Hawaiian maritime industry that offers hope to some 160 Wai'anae-area residents for a better life.

I think that Ed Case is out of touch with his constituents.

CASE'S DEMOCRATIC PARTY CREDENTIALS SOLID

I love how Dan Akaka's campaign has been accusing Ed Case of being a Democrat in name only. I challenge them to take a look at Ed's voting record. One must assume that Akaka and his staff's inability to differentiate a Democrat from a Republican is quite a hindrance in their day-to-day work at the Capitol.

It's true that Ed doesn't always vote the party line, but that doesn't make him any less of a Democrat. I would rather have a senator who does what is best for the country than one who does whatever the party leadership or Sen. Inouye instructs him to do.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

'TRASHY' WARDROBES OFFERED FOR PRE-TEENS

Your article on wardrobes for young girls returning to school (July 24) was nearly as annoying as the trashy selection of clothes available in the local department stores.

Most of us do not have $100-plus to spend on one outfit, which is what it would have cost for the Ralph Lauren green and navy outfit deemed acceptable by the mother in the article (who apparently has a much bigger budget for back-to-school than most of us). Nor do I want my daughter parading around in a skull even if it was made of pink sequins and was inspired by Johnny Depp. Surely a clever buyer with a modicum of common sense could find fashionable clothes that do not make children look like prostitutes or drug addicts.

My 10-year-old keeps asking me why the 6-and-under crowd has such "nice" clothes while all her choices are so "ugly."

FREE FORUMS

EDUCATE YOURSELF ON WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY

Wednesday I attended a free lecture on what each of us can do to save energy. It was given by Energy Industries, sponsored by the Waikiki Community Center and hosted by Jeff Apaka. It was extremely informative, and I left with several good ideas to reduce my monthly electric bill. There were only a handful of people in the large auditorium. Were we the only Hawai'i residents interested in reducing our dependence on oil and saving the environment? Wake up, Hawai'i!

MAHALO

MOTORIST FINDS MANY FILLED WITH ALOHA SPIRIT

When lanes of the H-1 were closed because of an overturned truck, my car overheated after 1 1/2 hours in the traffic. I was able to pull off to the shoulder. People offered to make calls for me on their cell phones, but I had to decline because no one would have been able to reach me through the traffic.

I had about five ounces of water in my drinking water bottle. I put that in my radiator. I stood next to my car and held the empty bottle up to oncoming cars. I don't think anyone passed by me without giving me their water.

One person got out of his car and crossed a lane to give me his water jug with ice still in it. One lady said, "You'll need a lot of water. I have a case of water." Yes, I had needed a lot of bottled water, but by that time my radiator was already filled.

A harrowing experience turned into a heartwarming experience. Thank you everyone for your water. Everyone of you should feel as good as I do. You perpetuate the aloha spirit.