Even graffiti artists have code of behavior
Something has to be done to control graffiti. To the kids, it is "art" that allows them to express their feelings. Even the adults are allowed to paint a full wall mural. This is what I noticed -- artists, even graffiti artists, respect other "space" on the wall and do not paint over another work of art.
Imagine if we could have a beautiful mural, instead of graffiti, on each wall or freeway pole.
Jennifer Nomura
Kailua
Painting opens door to worse offenses
Ted Chernin states in his
May 21 letter to the editor that "The furor raised about graffiti is amazing" and that "graffiti is easily repaired by simply painting over."
There are thousands of storefronts, apartment walls, street signs and school buildings waiting to be "easily repaired." The true cost of graffiti lies not in the cost of concealing paint, but rather in the financial loss to small business owners and the emotional toll on affected residents. Proponents of the "broken window" theory of crime would argue that neighborhoods with more graffiti are more likely to experience other incidents of crime. In effect, graffiti acts as a gateway to other, more damaging criminal acts.
Mr. Chernin's point about leaving prison space for real criminals is well-intentioned, but the rationale behind strict punishment is that it prevents the criminal act altogether. If it takes sending a few graffiti vandals to prison to clean up our streets, please lock them up as soon as possible.
Nolan Kido
Aina Haina
'Lost' brings Hawaii closer to mainland
I thoroughly enjoyed Sunday's article
on the "Lost" television locations in Hawaii. It's the one TV show I do not miss. I visited Oahu for the first time last Thanksgiving to see my son, stationed at Fort Shafter. While watching the first season on DVD at Christmastime, my whole family became hooked on the show. In one of the episodes in a flashback of Locke, my son exclaimed, "I know that ... .it's the Costco parking lot." Since then, I have recognized scenes supposedly in Korea that were actually along the Ali Wai Canal. "Lost" is my favorite show and Hawaii my favorite place to visit.
Jay Thorington
Powell, Wy.
More development will ruin North Shore
I write to voice my deep concern about the proposed development at Turtle Bay. Our island already has been overdeveloped. We need to preserve Oahu's few rural areas. Many visitors now prefer to go to the neighbor islands. Visitors to Oahu (and residents!) want to experience the natural beauty of our island, and the North Shore is one of the last unspoiled places. Not only would this massive development dramatically mar the landscape it also would endanger our wetlands and wildlife.
Some experts believe we already have exceeded the number of cars, sewage, power, etc. this island can sustain. Look around. Do we really need more hotels? Or do we need to preserve the small amount of remaining undeveloped areas?
This is an opportunity finally to do the right thing. Let's think about our grandchildren and the future of our precious island.
Patty Henshaw
Kailua
Young and old alike learned from Shindos
Mahalo to Rev. and Mrs. Shindo for devoting almost 20 years to serve the community and Kona Hongwanji Mission. They are moving to California this week to serve the Salinas Buddhist Temple.
It is fitting that Mayor Harry Kim declared yesterday as "Rev. Hosho and Mrs. Mieko Shindo Day" in the County of Hawaii.
My children have been the beneficiaries of the Shindos' love of our Japanese heritage and culture, and understanding how religion is an important part of the whole person. When my daughter could barely read, she could repeat a Japanese sutra chant that Rev. Shindo recites in such a beautiful, comforting way. Colette also learned a Japanese umbrella dance and performed it gracefully in a kimono, thanks to Mrs. Shindo.
My preschool daughter, Jana, might not always sit still during church service, but she was always welcomed at the temple, and afterwards, she would go up to Rev. Shindo with a big smile and ask him to "dakko" her (carry her). Mrs. Shindo was her Dharma School teacher.
Sometimes adults learn best by watching children.
I've learned that having religion in your life is part of what forms the whole person, and in my case, Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Children learn to understand concepts like being kind and gentle to every living thing and protect all who are weaker than myself ... and to attain perfect peace (the Golden Chain).
Arigato gozaimasu, Rev. and Mrs. Shindo.
Margaret Masunaga
Capt. Cook, Hawaii