INTERNMENT

NATIONAL SECURITY CAN'T BE USED TO TAKE RIGHTS

John Corboy's Feb. 22 letter on Executive Order 9066 is curious and ambiguous. Is Mr. Corboy defending the internment of Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II on grounds of national security? Or is he simply noting that Japanese-Americans weren't the only nationalities incarcerated?

Is Mr. Corboy implying that since individuals with ancestry in Axis countries were also incarcerated during WWII, such action on the part of the United States government was equitable and therefore acceptable?

Mr. Corboy's statement seems to pit people of differing ancestry against each other. In reality, anyone of whatever ancestry who is incarcerated without due cause is violated. In this regard, however, I would point out that only those of Japanese ancestry were singled out as an entire group.

The WWII internments go beyond matters of ancestry to racial bigotry; the incarceration of a whole group of people based on race-biased and unsubstantiated fears for national security is a violation of civil rights.

No citizen-group or individual citizen should suffer reactionary measures by his/her government — especially on the basis of "national security."

If citizens cannot rely on safety and protection from their own government, then "national security" at its most basic level is nonexistent.

National security must never be employed to disservice the human and civil rights of citizens.

LEEWARD COAST

RECYCLING HELPS EASE SITUATION AT LANDFILL

I am responding to Ken Chang's March 13 letter.

We had been active in using the HI-5¢ program to pick up litter and collect recyclables from trash that would otherwise go to the Waimanalo landfill.

Yes, we sometimes have to stand in line and we are motivated by the money.

Our time and effort are made worthwhile by the knowledge that we are taking direct action to alleviate the critical landfill situation here on the Leeward Coast.

Perhaps Mr. Chang can take some comfort as he is bagging bottles and cans and standing in line that he is helping, too.

EGG THROWING

DON'T BLAME THE MEDIA FOR NEGATIVE IMAGE

According to the March 15 article on the disciplining of four Saint Louis students, the news release from the school said, in part: "The reports in the media have cast a negative reflection on our school."

No. It was the behavior of the students that cast a negative reflection on the school, not the reporting of the behavior.

The release also said, "Based on what's been reported in the media, it would be so easy to condemn these students and our school." Putting aside the idea that anyone has condemned the school for behavior conducted during nonschool hours, is there something not reported in the media that would soften people's reactions?

Finally, what disciplinary measures did the school take? How are you going to teach the other students in the school what the consequences are for such behavior if you keep it a secret?

HAPPY ENDING

THE SYSTEM WORKED: OWNER, DOG REUNITED

Too often, we hear complaints about how the system is broken, but I'd like to highlight a system that truly works.

While doing our Sunday housework, the cutest dog you could ever imagine came walking into our garage. The dog showed signs that she had been wandering the streets for awhile — she was dehydrated and shaky. The dog was lost and confused and we were worried and uncertain about what to do.

The dog had a tag and my wife immediately called the Hawaiian Humane Society to report finding the dog.

Within minutes, we received a call from the stressed, very appreciative dog owner, who came to our house to pick up her precious bundle of furry joy.

This story has a happy ending because the system in place truly works, even on a Sunday, thanks to the Humane Society, city recordkeeping and a responsible dog owner.

And to the dog's owner, we'll gladly babysit your dog if you ever need us to.

OUTREACH

KAMEHAMEHA DOES MANY GOOD THINGS

I am a seventh-grade student at Kamehameha Schools.

I was upset when I read the recent articles criticizing Kamehameha for not spending enough money on education.

Many people mistakenly think the asset numbers are the amount of cash sitting around. But those assets need to be around for the next generation of students and the next one after that. And a lot of those assets are conservation lands that will never generate any income but still require tax payments on them.

I have had a great education, from my well-taught core classes to enrichment classes that have broadened my educational horizons.

I feel I am being prepared for the real world, and I am humbled and grateful to have a better appreciation of my Hawaiian heritage.

Kamehameha also does many good things for the Hawaiian community. And articles only complain that we're spending too little. Disappointing.

Why is Kamehameha always put in a negative light by the media? Based on the information in The Advertiser's article, why wasn't the headline, "Kamehameha increases spending on schools by 13 percent?" Think about it.

RAIL

O'AHU SHOULD WORRY FIRST ABOUT NOISY AUTOS

If O'ahu's residents are truly concerned with noise from a rail system, there's an easier and less expensive solution.

Let's crack down on noisy mopeds, motorcycles, cars and trucks. I'm not opposed to non-stock exhaust systems on vehicles; however, excessively noisy exhausts are not reasonable.

Some people enjoy bothering their neighbors with their noisy vehicles. Why not write them an expensive ticket to stop this rude behavior? In my neighborhood, the top noisemaker is mopeds with unmuffled exhaust systems.

Mass transit will have less noise impact than many vehicles currently on our roads and it's environmentally friendly. Imagine how much gas is wasted as drivers sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic every day.

AIR CONDITIONING

LOOK FOR OTHER WAYS TO COOL DOWN CLASSROOMS

Sorry, kids. You're just going to have to bake.

I teach in a public school on the Windward side. The heat is not nearly as bad as it gets in Central and Leeward district schools, but I am well acquainted with melting into a puddle in the middle of an otherwise great lesson about run-on sentences.

If I thought there was any hope for the prospect of a nice, frosty classroom where I could actually wear a long-sleeved shirt to work, I'd be right out there picketing with you guys.

But I know the simple truth: AC takes huge quantities of electricity, and electricity costs are only going to go up.

Protest for better design and ventilation of classrooms. Protest for trees planted around schools and whatever neat renewable cooling technology the science teachers cook up (I teach English).

Protest to stop the absurd practice of having the lawns mowed and the trees trimmed during school hours, thus forcing us to scream over the din and close our windows and doors, turning our classrooms into true saunas.

But don't protest for AC. The time is rapidly approaching when almost no one on the island will be able to afford it.

It is a school improvement goal that has no future.

FRANK CHONG — FRIEND, ADVOCATE, INSPIRATION

The American Cancer Society lost a good friend, lifelong volunteer and leader when the Rev. Frank A. Chong passed away March 9 after a recurrence of cancer.

His four-decade involvement with the society began in 1963, when he walked through our doors to volunteer and never left. During that time, he learned the "seven warning signals of cancer," which he used to recognize a mysterious lump on the side of his neck. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 1973.

As someone who walked the cancer journey and survived, Frank returned to volunteer for the society with a sense of mission. He led us as our Hawaii Pacific Division president in 1985-86, then chairman of our board in 1990-95 and on national committees.

Recently, Frank chaired the Government Relations Committee and led society advocates in the passage of Hawai'i's smoke-free laws. Last year, Frank received the division's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Always eloquent, Frank noted, "Cancer is not an intellectual experience. Cancer is both an existential and theological challenge to find your place in time and space — to find out what your relationship with God is all about."

Frank will be remembered as a friend, an advocate for those who could not advocate for themselves, a leader, and an inspiration.