MOTHER'S DAY

WARM MEMORIES — AND GREAT GRATITUDE

My mother passed away last month after a long and sad illness. This will be the first Mother's Day that I will not pick out a card for her. But, I will be thinking of her throughout the day nonetheless, as I do every day.

I will think of my mother on Mother's Day in the same way so many of you do who have lost your mother — with a mixture of grief and gratitude. Grief over our loss and the permanent scar her passing has left on our lives, and gratitude for everything our mothers did and sacrificed for us so that we could become the people we are.

Coping with my mother's death was made so much easier by the outpouring of love and support I received from people around the state and on the Mainland.

I received such a large number of phone calls, e-mails, cards and letters that I have not been able to respond to them yet.

I was touched and comforted by the kind words of family, lifelong friends, my fellow governors, cabinet members, rank and file government employees, legislators, political supporters, members of the media, members of the Board of Education, clergy of many faiths, and persons suffering from mental illness and their families who I have never met.

Each one of you helped me by your simple act of reaching out. I will never forget and will always be grateful for your kindness and understanding.

My mother was a very special person. I wish you could have known her.

MAJORITY LEADER

CONCON TASK FORCE WILL JUST DUPLICATE EFFORTS

The governor recently announced the forming of a task force to study the cost of a constitutional convention, even though the Legislature just passed a resolution requesting the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau do the exact same thing.

In its testimony to the Legislature, the LRB stated it would produce a "study that is objective, informative and useful."

So, now we will have two studies, spending more money and duplicating efforts.

While there are ominous signs regarding the slowdown of our economy, shouldn't the focus really be on protecting our economy, our jobs and our livelihood? We hear nothing from the governor on this issue except to say that the economic signs aren't as bad as we think. Apparently, all other matters like our falling revenues and mishandled state contracts are under control, so she has time to take on something that the extremely competent bureau has already been assigned.

The governor's statement that she prefers an open and transparent process for this study has no small ring of irony to it when you remember that is exactly what she avoided in the Superferry fiasco and her utter unwillingness to discuss with the news media the extraordinary departure of her chief of staff, Bob Awana.

GOVERNOR'S TRIP

FACING TOMORROW, PLANNING FOR FUTURE

Our state has been chosen to participate in the historic conference Facing Tomorrow, which will include some of the most influential world leaders of our time.

Facing Tomorrow is about planning for the world's future. Key points will address areas such as communication, technology, business, international relations and economic solvency. We are at a crucial point, needing to develop new industries to become more self sufficient and eco-friendly. It is wonderful to be included in cutting-edge discussions that can only help us as a state and community to grow in a positive direction. We should embrace and support it wholeheartedly. No tax money is being spent on this event as the governor's participation is fully sponsored by the hosts.

I feel honored that our governor and our state have been recognized.

The knowledge gained from participating in such an event can benefit Hawai'i in so many ways. Israel is a world leader in technology, agriculture and medical advancement. We have so much to learn from each other as well as from the many other nations that are involved.

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV

NEW FRIGHTENING LOW ON THE MORALITY SCALE

The commentary by Tim Rutten (Advertiser, May 6) on the "Grand Theft Auto IV" video game deserves a thoughtful response.

Like too many Americans, I have been guilty of complacency amidst the changing moral environment, and Mr. Rutten's analysis has stimulated my thinking.

If this game truly "affirms the pleasure of eschewing decency for obnoxious violence," we have descended to a frightening low on the morality scale. We have been molded by a culture of violence for centuries with the values of power and wealth dominating our society.

Many will say, "it's just a game," and urge us to look with understanding upon youthful rebellion. They're right, of course. However, this needs to be balanced with our personal modeling of moral living; making good decisions, maintaining good relationships and being good citizens.

Otherwise, there will be more people making decisions that lead to tragedies like those of Columbine, Virginia Tech and Iraq. The difference between reality and playing games is becoming increasingly blurred.

Also, this game being described as "a work of genius" is problematic. It's too much like the mad scientist who has the knowledge to make a bomb but lacks the morality that would restrain the actual construction.

ELECTORAL COLLEGE

POPULAR VOTE MAKES ISLE VOTES IRRELEVANT

So our esteemed legislators want to join a compact of states to elect the president by national popular vote instead of the Electoral College.

The electoral system is outdated and archaic, but if our votes will be superceded by the nation's popular vote, why should I even bother to go to the polls on election day?

Our state has one of the lowest voting percentages in the nation. We are disillusioned with the system. Why would state lawmakers want to make my vote irrelevant?

By overriding the governor's veto on this bill, our legislators are saying they don't care what the people of Hawai'i want. What a wonderful way to discourage voters from making their voices heard. Just let the Mainland voters decide, and we'll all just stay home on election day.