Guest columnist understands Hawaiiana

Thanks to Alan "Kimo" St. James for putting a positive spin on the collecting business ("Collectors show brings the best of Hawaiiana," Gathering Place, Star-Bulletin, July 19).

Tax dollars better spent on dog parks

It appears that some residents are upset at the City Council allocating a small part of the budget to planning and design for dog parks.

I, on the other hand, look forward to the day when two members of my family will be allowed to exercise and socialize closer to home. My collies, Rollie and Delta, eagerly anticipate visits to the existing dog parks in Kahala and at the Humane Society. A dog park on unused city land in Hawaii Kai will benefit thousands of pet lovers in our neighborhood.

This miniscule investment by the city will result in a highly utilized and greatly appreciated improvement. In comparison to, say, a multi-billion dollar, undefined rail monstrosity, dog parks are a worthwhile investment indeed.

Visitor's checkbook was returned intact

I went shopping at Kmart on July 10. It wasn't until I arrived home when I realized my checkbook was missing from my purse. I called Kmart, and they said a customer returned my checkbook.

I would just like to say "thank you" to whoever it was who returned my checkbook -- with all my money still in it.

Aiona's heartfelt faith is much appreciated

We write to support and thank our lieutenant governor, Duke Aiona, for his heart for the people of Hawaii, and the personal expression of his faith in God.

He has stood firm as a champion against the ice epidemic in Hawaii. He has brought integrity into his office. He has never used his position of authority to inappropriately impose his faith on anyone; we have not asked him to do so, nor would we expect him to even entertain such a compromise of his integrity. Aiona has been nothing less than a role model for the expression of love and aloha for the people of Hawaii.

We are truly blessed to have James "Duke" Aiona as our lieutenant governor, and we pray for the Lord's continued blessing upon him and his family.

Lt. Gov. Aiona, thank you.

New leader is good, but Mahi had the spirit

Michael Nakasone has symphony-ized his leadership of the Royal Hawaiian Band. He has definitely made improvements. He has added additional musicians to the band, giving the appearance of a symphony band. His high-caliber and well-trained musicians produce a new quality.

But Aaron Mahi, former band leader, always came through with the true spirit of the Royal Hawaiian Band, past and present. He drew from his knowledge, history and repertoire of Hawaii's music for all the world to enjoy.

It would make Henry Berger, the originator and band leader of the Royal Hawaiian Band for 43 years, very proud.

Berger invented, organized and preserved Hawaiian music. Queen Liliuokalani called him "the father of Hawaiian music."

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