Is Akaka in charge of his campaign?

In the Aug. 2 article about Sen. Akaka dodging voters, campaign spokeswoman Elisa Yadao says "It isn't the campaign organization that makes the decisions. The senator is in charge of the campaign."

Can we believe her? This is the same person who earlier said "the senator would agree to debate" and now she flip-flops and discusses a debate in terms of a "possibility" and double negatives like "we haven't said we aren't going to do it."

If the senator really is in charge of his campaign, he's doing a poor job of managing his people.

He is doing an even poorer job of respecting the voters of Hawaii by not allowing us to see and hear him as he actually is rather than as he is packaged by his handlers and presented in the never-ending expensive advertising.

Mazie's a no-show on Big Island

Thanks for your Aug. 3 report on the exchange at the Hawaii Restaurant Association's candidate forum, where Mazie Hirono drew criticism from Rep. Brian Schatz for disappearing from the radar screen since her race for governor -- it struck a chord in Kona.

I remember voters commenting on her absence during that campaign. We've seen nothing of her since and I think that's an important point because, bottom line, no one likes to feel taken for granted.

This is a vital congressional district, with challenging growth issues all over and we need hands- on representation. We're accustomed to Congressman Ed Case, who shows up often to stay in touch with constituents; it's natural for us to demand more of that.

Maybe they're all conspiring against Wie

Darn it. Every time you hit a golf ball out of a bunker or sand trap, the club hits the sand, pebbles, moss or whatever's behind the golf ball. One only has to watch as an eye-piercing cloud of dust rises and the golfer, and the club, disappear from view .

Seems like a conspiracy, or the LPGA officials invent their own set of rules, and have another set for Michele Wie.

Beach clean-up proves value of cooperation

The clean-up of Pokai Bay Beach Park on August 5 was a beautifully coordinated effort by the City and County of Honolulu and concerned community members. The painting of the restrooms and swing sets, picking up of trash, the free bentos, sunhats and talk story time with the mayor demonstrated how effective partnerships can work. The impressive presence of the police department, city workers and the fire department brought attention to a park that is known by the community for its illegal crime activities and deteriorated condition.

A healthy community needs parks and beaches where families can enjoy themselves and feel safe. Pokai Bay Beach Park has finally experienced a renewal and now it is up to all of us to make sure it stays that way. This can only happen if there is a strong ongoing police presence to deter drug dealing and other illegal activities, if there is continued maintenance by the city and finally if each community member who uses the park takes a personal responsibility to keep it clean.

Our children deserve a safe, clean and drug-free beach park. Mahalo to all those who participated in the clean-up and for the commitment of the city to the people of the Waianae Coast.

Watada shouldn't have believed the Army

Here is how Lt. Watada messed up. First, he fell for the "Army of One" motto. Then he collected his free boonie hat, joined up and went off to officers' basic. At officers' basic he paid attention when his drill sergeant shouted out that he would be subject to court-martial for obeying an order he knows to be unlawful.

He should have realized that the guys who thought up the recruiting ad campaign work in a different state from the soldiers, officers and civilians who put the training book together, and they all work very far away from Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's office.