GAZA VIOLENCE

WHY DOES ISRAEL STILL RECEIVE U.S. AID?

I am just a regular citizen and always ponder every time killing erupts between Israel and Palestine.

Israel has been bombing Gaza for the past couple of days with their mighty weapons, thanks to the United States. Last weekend, over 300 Palestinians, including civilians, were dead while only 1 Israeli died. If you don't call this overkill, I don't know what is.

Can someone tell me why Israel is the recipient of the biggest U.S. financial aid? Reasons such as strategical and raw material resources don't seem to apply.

WAYNE HARADA

WISHING HIM WELL IN LIFE'S NEXT CHAPTER

Wayne Harada's literary contribution to the entertainment community for the past four decades is immeasurable.

I first met Wayne and wife Vi on Maui during the early stages of the Society of Seven. He nourished their beginnings, and continues to do so. They looked to his review as a way to improve their entertaining technique. Other budding talents such as Melveen Leed, Buddy Fo, Berne Halmann, Frank DeLima, the Aliis and Danny Kaleikini benefited from his scrutiny and reviews, sometimes harsh but always fair.

On Kaua'i, he recognized the Hanalei Plantation Hotel's interpretation of South Pacific entertainment for its hotel guests and residents, and brought out the Garden Island's entertainment uniqueness.

Tihati and Don Over Productions introduced to Keauhou Beach Hotel the Water Follies (ahead of its time) based on Esther Williams' underwater spectacular. Wayne and Vi were at the premier opening as were Jack and Marie Lord.

One of Sammy Amalu's first public appearances was emceeing at the Aloha Week's Royal Ball at Keauhou Beach Hotel. That was "Harada-fide."

My husband and I danced at his wedding and we look forward to another dance to celebrate the next chapter in Wayne's World.

I want to express to you, and through you to Wayne Harada and Vi, sincere mahalo on behalf of myself and Fred for an exceptional well-done performance.

HARADA AN INSTITUTION IN HAWAI'I JOURNALISM

Entertainers, musicians, singers, dancers, actors, producers, directors, publicists and just about anyone you can think of in the entertainment industry has enjoyed reading Wayne Harada's columns, reviews and other features in The Honolulu Advertiser, and most have benefited.

Some owe their success in part to Wayne's writing. And some have probably sought other work or kept their day jobs because of his carefully crafted comments.

Everyone would miss him if he both retired and no longer appeared in print. It was great news to learn that while Wayne has accepted a buyout and is official retiring after more than 44 years at The Advertiser, an agreement has been reached that will allow readers to continue to enjoy his skill in the use of words, the tools of his trade.

It is remarkable that Wayne has had only one employer since his days as a budding high school journalist. In his chosen profession, Wayne is the only one I can think of who can say that.

Knowing that he will continue to write for the paper was a nice Christmas gift. Thanks to 'Tiser management for continuing to publish Wayne's writing. He is an institution.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

PROGRAM OFFERS HELP TO CURBING VIOLENCE

Thank you for your recent domestic violence articles, which omitted restorative justice as a possibility for some people. Hawai'i has a rich history of embracing restorative interventions, which research confirms works to rehabilitate and heal in a variety of areas including: child protection, schools, prisons and courts.

While some believe restorative justice requires offenders and victims meeting together, this is not always true. In Hawai'i we have developed the Restorative Session where individuals meet separately to deal with crimes. In the state District Court Pono Kaulike pilot program, research shows violence was reduced more after restorative interventions than current approaches.

Linda Mills, New York University professor and author of "Violent Partners: A Breakthrough Plan for Ending the Cycle of Abuse," believes we need a "comprehensive approach to violence prevention that encourages people to overcome their shame and get the help they need." Mills, along with many others, believe that restorative justice offers this.

To stop violence people have to learn they will not always get what they want, and as someone said recently during a restorative intervention, "People need to learn to expect and accept disappointments." Restorative interventions offer a way for people to learn this simple, but sometimes difficult lesson.

BLACKOUT

READER RAISES SOME QUESTIONS ON OUTAGE

Thank you for your thorough Sunday morning coverage of the blackout. Based on both this coverage and my own experience, my questions are these:

First, is it really necessary to rush to the store and wait an hour or more to stock up on batteries, ice, rice and toilet paper? Folks, the power is coming on in 12 hours. Go to bed already.

Second, for Lee Cataluna: An hour after the blackout, HECO and others were on the radio explaining the cause and extent of the blackout and telling us that power will be coming on the next morning. How could they possibly get that information out faster than an hour? What else do you want to know?