Memminger column
was ribbett-ting journalism

Charles Memminger's May 12 column comparing the Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate trustees to bufo frogs was appropriate and timely.

Memminger's analogy of frogs to the trustees was truly a tongue-in-cheek work of art. His portrayal of frogs (trustees) that appeared to be helping young frogs by carrying them on their backs (Kamehameha Schools), though in reality they were "doing it" (reaping huge paychecks), is an unforgettable story that should be read to the students of Kamehameha Schools.

His choice of location has subtle allusion to the estate's infamous Robert Trent Jones Golf Club and is skillful journalism. Memminger should never fear KS/BE spokeswoman Elisa Yadao, as he can be proud of a job that did not come at the expense of other people.

Frank Denton

H-3 race was great event
that shouldn't be ridiculed

Although the Great Trans Koolau Trek will soon be put to rest as a news item, it will never disappear from the memories of those of us who participated. The tragedy is that an event meant to unite us became divisive.

The organizers and volunteers worked with dedication. If they let anyone down, it is because they were themselves let down by the promises they depended upon. If one link of a chain breaks, sometimes you just can't rejoin it to perfection.

Sports writer Pat Bigold's coverage of the race was kind compared to humor columnist Charles Memminger's. The latter's ire seems to have been aroused by an alleged press release that said feature reporters would not be allowed to cover the race.

Contrary to what Memminger wrote, it WAS a "real sporting event," the views were beautiful, and we were not "herded like goats." True, he can write anything he wants, in as ugly and condemning a fashion as he wants. But he didn't spoil a thing for the thousands of us who happily ran free in the spirit of camaraderie, challenging our bodies' strength and giving thanks every step -- as most runners always do -- to be able to accomplish something that a shallow mind can't fathom.

Incidentally, was Memminger's column meant to be funny?

Marie Boles
Mililani

Intrusion of H-3 freeway
is latest, newest 'invasion'

The author of "The view from up here," which appeared in your features section on May 12, expresses concern about the intrusion of the gray snake of H-3 roadway winding through the natural greenness of the Koolau mountains. The contention is that the sacredness of the ancient aina should not be broken by the perceived need of an invading generation of people to bring increased creature comforts and to provide for enhanced mobility for all.

For those people who feel a genuine rejection of the new H-3, then surely they should also feel rejection of the many other new invasions such as houses, schools, the water supply, sanitation facilities, automobiles, telephones, electrical devices and other conveniences, which are unnatural.

Some of us claim we like the old way, some of us are comfortable with the new ways. This is a conflict of desires and we cannot both be "right." But in the view of your writer, perhaps we all might be wrong.

One enduring clever clarification might simply be que sera, sera. Let us get along together with our lives.

Peter W. Burk Jr.

Sen. Sam Slom is no pal
of those in small business

As a Hawaii Kai resident and the owner of a small business, I have found my encounters with state Sen. Sam Slom to be very disappointing. In fact, after several meetings with the senator and going to hearings, I am convinced that he does not support small business!

My impression is that he supports the "free market" -- which to him is vertical integration and allowing big mainland corporations to put Hawaii's small businesses out of business. Wake up, Senator Slom! With your ideology, Hawaii won't have an economic base.

Auwe for telling me that I should think about getting out of the gas station business and instead open a hardware store!

Frank Young
Owner, K&Y Chevron

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Same-sex archive

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