MESSAGES OF HOLIDAY CHEER

NA LEI LOKAHI

ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM TO SHUT DOWN

Thank you for your excellent series on abuse in Hawai'i homes. I applaud you for your excellent in-depth reporting and your focus on prevention and remediation.

Among your resources you list Na Lei Lokahi, a Salvation Army program, the abuse prevention program which serves the North Shore and has done so for the past 10 years.

Unfortunately this program will be discontinued. It has not been funded for 2009. In 2008 alone, Na Lei Lokahi provided prevention education to 50 families, domestic violence services to 73 women and perinatal services to 14 women at risk of abuse.

One of the strengths of the program is that strong partnerships and working relationships have been developed with the police department and a range of community health and social service agencies.

Women and children on the North Shore will be greatly at risk without this program.

STIMULUS PLAN

WE'LL HAVE TO TIGHTEN OUR BELTS TO RECOVER

The state's $1.8 billion economic stimulus may or may not work. Back during the Cayetano era we had public works construction projects and the economy was still in the doldrums.

Keynesian economics is a theory, as is supply-side economics. I think just about everyone will have to tighten their belts as we recover from the mismanagement of the Bush administration.

I want to give my best wishes to President-elect Barack Obama and his family. May the Good Side of the Force be with him.

GIVE THANKS FOR OUR MANY BLESSINGS

During our Christmas revelry and festivity, we can surely spend a moment to reflect on the spirit of this holiday.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and his timeless message of goodwill, hope and peace. It is a message that has found purchase throughout an often troubled world and one that has continued to influence and inspire in so many cultures and languages.

While this holiday season finds us facing challenges both domestic and foreign, we can find joy in the love of family and friends, comfort in the abundance and opportunity of life in Hawai'i and our nation, and hope in the knowledge that brotherhood and goodwill will always prevail. On this occasion, I hope you will join me in a prayer of thanksgiving for these many blessings.

Gail joins me in wishing you a Mele Kalikimaka.

JOIN TOGETHER TO HELP EACH OTHER THIS SEASON

Aloha! During this special time of year, it is comforting to see the strong feelings that family inspires in Hawai'i. Our notion of 'ohana is broad and includes all those to whom we are connected, whether by blood, as hanai relatives, close friends, or Hawai'i's brave soldiers fighting overseas.

This is perhaps one of the most unique holiday seasons in recent memory, with the effects of current economic conditions being felt by all of us. With so much at stake, we must put differences aside and come together to help one another, especially those in need.

My administration is committed to doing everything in our power to minimize the impact of economic conditions on our community, and to position our economy for future growth. We are implementing a five-point action plan to strengthen our economy and preserve and create jobs, including a collaborative $1.8 billion public infrastructure improvement initiative to help residents get back to work.

The bright side of the challenges before us is the opportunity they present for those on different sides of the political aisle and from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to work together. Through a collective sense of responsibility for the well-being of our neighbors, we will ensure that the holidays are brighter for our struggling families and that our economy and our state remain strong in the years that follow.

Happy holidays and best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year. Mele Kalikimaka a me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

FOR THOSE WHO SERVE, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

There are a million problems America faces today and, with President-elect Obama in town now, it is an excellent opportunity to voice my many concerns.

But my late father, George Souza, once told me "Son, in the most difficult times, show class."

As a consequence of my service in Vietnam, I now require dialysis. I want to express my deepest appreciation to my wife, Carlinda, Dr. Watson, Dr. Girton, and Mr. Hastings at the VA and the entire dialysis unit at Tripler Army Medical Center.

And last but not least, to all our men and women and the children of those in uniform in service to our nation at Tripler, Schofield Barracks, Pearl Harbor, Hickam, in Iraq and Afghanistan and all over the Earth, to you and yours, "Thank you and have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and God's blessings bestowed upon you."

IN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, MAHALO FOR ALL THE HELP

As a single mom with two small children (one disabled), I want to thank those who have helped me and my kids this year.

Receiving no child support, I must work hard at three jobs and rely on welfare to stay afloat, so every little bit helps.

First and foremost is the Salvation Army's Na Lei Lokahi program, which is closing this year due to lack of funding. Their love and support is immeasurable and I will miss them in my life.

Mahalo as well to the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center, Malama Na Pua, Na Kamalei, the Angel Tree Network, Hope Chapel Ko'olauloa and the Lokahi Project.

Lastly, I thank the special family who personally delivered a Christmas tree to my kids so that, unlike last year, they could have a tree. How blessed we are to have these "angels" surround us in our time of need. Mahalo and have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!