Shame on Diane Chang for her May 15 column on our Miss Universe, Brook Lee. Brook did not "grab a pair of scissors and hack off her long tresses at chin length" during the pageant, as Chang wrote and your staff writer reported in a previous article. As a matter of fact, Brook smiled and laughed joyfully through the entire process. Brook Lee's mid-pageant
haircut was planned
Nor was her stylist "summoned to finish the job" by shocked onlookers. I should know -- I cut it. Brook and I planned this on May 17, 1997, in Miami as I styled her for her first day as Miss Universe.
It is also disappointing that even if Chang did receive e-mail from anyone (no matter who it was), that she would choose to print such madness in her column. It portrayed nothing of the reality of the situation.
Lastly, I am surprised that, as a woman, Chang would even consider putting a negative mark on the Miss Universe Pageant. With all the other positive things she could have written about, she chose to overdramatize such a minor incident.
Paul T. Tamaoka
Memories of aloha linger from pageant
I am writing to extend my thanks to all Hawaii residents for their hospitality and, most importantly, for showing me the aloha spirit during my stay for the Miss Universe Pageant.I want to thank the host committee for making my stay so pleasurable; the Tihatian and Polynesian dancers, for sharing with me a part of the Hawaiian culture; my friends in the Navy, who gave up their time to carry our flags; the governor and first lady for producing such a delightful dinner and allowing us to share in their wedding anniversary celebration; and to all of the other people I met, from those who welcomed me at the airport to those who cleaned our rooms and served our food. Thanks also to all I dined with at the special events and who supported me during my stay.
I am happy and proud to have been able to visit the beautiful land and people from which my name originates and glad that I can carry a part of Hawaii with me forever. My only regret is that I could not see more of your state and its people. That has made me adamant to return.
Leilani Dowding
Miss Great Britain
Frank Fasi deserves credit for People's Open Market
Your May 13 story on the People's Open Market celebrating its 25th anniversary was excellent. However, I was disappointed to read that it didn't reveal who started it or how the idea even came about.While you pointed out at the end of the story that "Flojo is one of two vendors left from the 13 who pioneered the People's Open Market, a legacy of former Mayor Frank Fasi," the impression made was that Fasi had little to do with setting up the open market and making it the success that all of us enjoy today.
Ed Lee
State saved money by discovering oversight
Your May 8 headline, "State loses millions in gasoline tax blunder," fails to reflect the real content of Rob Perez's article. The headline should have read, "State government saves thousands in gasoline tax refunds."The misleading headline discredits the numerous efforts the state has taken to reduce government costs. It also discourages employees from recommending money-saving ideas, because they saw what happened when an employee tried to do so.
At the onset of the state's fiscal crisis in 1995, all state departments were directed by the governor to look for ways to reduce the cost of government services. Harold Sonomura, administrator of the Automotive Management Division under the direction of past state Comptroller Sam Callejo, developed several courses of action to reduce the cost of owning and operating state vehicles.
Harold discovered and corrected an oversight on the federal excise tax exemption while preparing contract specifications for a state fleet gasoline credit card. The oversight of the gasoline tax exemption apparently continued for over 40 years during the past administrations of Govs. Quinn, Burns, Ariyoshi and Waihee.
This oversight may have continued if the present administration did not initiate cost-cutting measures to review our purchasing procedures. Now, the state is saving over $200,000 per year in federal excise tax exemptions on bulk gasoline and an additional $150,000 per year on discounted self-service gasoline at the pump.
We took immediate action and also filed for refunds of the excise taxes from the IRS totaling about $600,000 back to 1994. We are also pursuing the possibility of the state obtaining additional refunds beyond the three-year IRS limitation.
Incidentally, Harold was commended for his initiative, which resulted in savings to the state. Your damaging headline, however, took away some of the luster of his good work.
Raymond H. Sato
State Comptroller
Department of Accounting
and General Services
It's a real kick to watch Hawaii's pro football team
The Hawaii sporting community has a history of supporting football events such as the Prep Bowl, UH football, Pro Bowl and now even two collegiate bowl games. Unknown to many football fans in Hawaii, we currently have a professional football team playing in the Blaisdell Center Arena.The Honolulu Hurricanes are Hawaii's entry in the new Professional Indoor Football League and, if you have not been to these games, you are missing out on some of the most exciting sports action around.
Not only is the caliber of play surprisingly high, it is fast paced and very physical. You won't see much of the delays associated with regular football, and play is so close in the not-too-spacious arena, you can almost feel the hits.
It is non-stop action in a rocking atmosphere, plus it is one of the few professional endeavors that is truly based on Hawaii's own local football talents.
Randy Dela Cruz
Aiea
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