Letters to the Editor
Monday, July 1, 1996

Coverage on Cartwright was a hit
for foundation

On behalf of all of us at the Cartwright Foundation, I would like to thank the Star-Bulletin for its outstanding coverage of our 150th anniversary celebration of the world's first baseball game on June 19.

It was heartwarming to see one of our local dailies had the foresight to report on our commemoration of this historic occasion celebrating our national pastime.

We also appreciate your June 21 editorial, rightfully pointing out that Hawaii can and should claim Alexander Joy Cartwright as Hawaii's own. Considering his many contributions to our rich and colorful history, he deserves a place as one of Hawaii's great historical figures.

It is our foundation's goal, as a sports foundation for Hawaii's keiki, to continue the legacy of this great man.

Samantha D'Ambrosio
President, Cartwright Foundation


Citizens need to confront
serious topic of euthanasia

Thanks to Star-Bulletin reporter Tara Nakashima for covering the Death with Dignity forum sponsored by the Hawaii Pacific Gerontology Society (Star-Bulletin, June 26). As authors of the study cited in her article, we would like to clarify several points.

First, the study's sample was small. Thus findings cannot be used to say that all members of a certain ethnic group feel the same way about euthanasia. In fact, beliefs differ - even among members of the same ethnicity depending on education, religion and whether the person was a new immigrant or longtime Hawaii resident.

Second, the study did not focus on euthanasia but included questions on traditional burial rituals, beliefs about organ donation, and advice for health professionals working with dying patients. Findings were descriptive and meant to raise awareness about differing death and dying traditions.

Taken together, the study emphasizes that Hawaii residents differ in their feelings about death and dying issues such as euthanasia.

In light of the 9th Circuit and Supreme Court deliberations on the constitutionality of banning physician-assisted suicide, it is important to encourage community discussions of our beliefs. This way, more Hawaii residents can be involved in the policy decisions about physician-assisted suicide that will face us in the future.

Kathryn L. Braun
Rhea Nichols
UH School of Public Health


Hawaii Kai bands together
to keep ambulance service

Your June 26 article, "Hawaii Kai won't lose ambulances," says Hawaii Kai residents at the neighborhood board meeting were "jittery" about the prospect of losing nighttime ambulance service.

The only people I noticed to be jittery at the meeting were Dr. Lawrence Miike and others from the state Health Department. The people of Hawaii Kai were concerned yes. Angry, perhaps. But not jittery.

With the unified commitment of Senator Ikeda, Representatives Ward and Stegmaier and Councilman Felix, there was no question the people of Hawaii Kai felt confident that Governor Cayetano would rethink his plan to arbitrarily cut this critical service.

Mayor Harris clearly stated that if the state failed to meet its responsibilities to East Honolulu it would provide the needed ambulance coverage.

Dr. Miike's boss should understand the people of Hawaii Kai and those elected to speak for them have come together in this matter. Our health and safety are not to be placed on the budgetary chopping block.

It is at Washington Place where there should be a jittery citizen.

Joe Talanoa
Hawaii Kai


Newspaper was remiss in
coverage of accident

The community of Kahuku is still mourning the death of Jason Keo. His two passengers, who received only minor injuries, readily admitted they had been drinking, but both refused to comment on Jason Keo's drinking at parties prior to his death.

Four days later, the medical examiner's report indicated his blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit.

The Star-Bulletin gave that report only three column inches. No front-page story. No comments from parents, relatives, friends or "educators." Not even an interview with the local head of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

While extensive coverage of the accident and Keo's athletic achievements was given immediately after his death, almost no attention was given to the cause of this senseless loss of life: Driving while drunk.

It appears that your newspaper has chosen to sensationalize Keo's death and minimize the cause. Your coverage almost condoned his drunk driving and sent the message to other youths that they could or should better handle the same situation that took Keo's life.

Melvin T. Minakami
Kaneohe


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