New comics hold little appeal for kids
When I opened up to my favorite section of the newspaper, the comics (which I faithfully read every day), I was really surprised to find all the strips had been rearranged.
On closer look, when I read the new comics, "Housebroken," "State of the Union" and "Brewster Rockit: Space Guy," I was disappointed. I was especially disappointed with "Brewster Rockit: Space Guy," because it wasn't funny. I was also disappointed that "State of the Union" was a comic about politics. I'm 10 years old and I don't get those!
Plus, I was sad that some of my favorite comics had gone: "Preteena" and "Zack Hill." Those are interesting. But really, the new comics are the kind that put me to sleep.
So maybe next time you decide to throw out some strips and replace them with new ones, you might want a kid's opinion, because a LOT of kids read the comics. (I'd be happy to volunteer.)
Nina Oishi
Age 10
Honolulu
Aloha, Don Ho -- forever our friend
In Hawaii, we know
Your legend, Don Ho.
A part of these Isles
As beaches and smiles,
You brought music and dance,
Moonlight ... romance ...
To visitors' eyes --
Our paradise.
At night you would croon
While the ladies would swoon.
And each "Mrs." or "Miss"
Would leave with a kiss,
Forgetting their troubles
With your "Tiny Bubbles"...
Gracious and kind,
The time you would find
For an unselfish deed
To persons in need.
Hawaii was blessed
To have you as her son.
We thank you so much
For all you have done.
In our hearts, in our minds,
Your life will not end.
We'll miss you, Don Ho.
Aloha, our friend.
Richard Fassler
Manoa
Now he's watching over his loved ones
From your haole goddaughter on the mainland, I will miss you so much, Don. You were always there when I needed advising on a situation and I always appreciated your words. I am just so thankful i got to spend time with you the last time I made it to Honolulu. Now you and Mom can watch down on me from above. My deepest sympathy to Haumea and your family.
Dolores "Auntie Clic Clic" Treffeisen
Philadelphia, Pa.
Inouye waiting for more 'back-over' study
I am writing to correct a statement in your
April 10 editorial relating to a legislative measure aimed at preventing children from being run over by reversing vehicles, which is pending before U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye's Commerce Committee.
While Inouye received the study he requested from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding back-over avoidance technologies in November, your editiorial pointed out, he is waiting for additional work to be completed by the agency. In light of the senator's concern about back-over accidents, he held a hearing on vehicle safety for children in February.
At that hearing, the NHTSA indicated it is undertaking additional work on the effectiveness of new technologies, as well as studying the most effective interaction between the driver and the avoidance technology. We are awaiting NHTSA's follow-up study to ensure a balanced approach to preventing back-over tragedies.
We do agree with your editorial that while back-over avoidance technologies hold promise, they should never serve as a substitute for increased education, awareness and a parent's watchful eye.
Jennifer G. Sabas
Sen. Dan Inouye's chief of staff, Hawaii
HMSA gets no credit for its generosity
My husband and I have noticed that Hawaii Medical Service Association is publicly criticized during every legislative session. It seems politicians just can't resist the temptation. No matter how much good HMSA does in the community, politicians use tabloid politics to try to damage its good name.
I read where HMSA gave half a million dollars for a physician residency program on the Big Island, but it is still getting blamed for a doctor shortage in Kona. Did the complainers at the Legislature acknowledge HMSA's act of generosity? They complained it wasn't enough. Let no good deed go unpunished.
Well, my husband and I have no complaints about our health plan, and we see a lot of the good HMSA does in the community. We just wish we saw more good being done at the Legislature. But I guess that's asking too much.
Diane R. Nakamura
Kailua