Politicos' peccadillos are voters' business
With regard to the question asked Chelsea Clinton and her response as to her mother's credibility in defending her father's sexual indiscretions; excuse me, I think it is my business. Given that these arrogant political elites practically have carte blanche access to my income, I have every right to know why they lie straight-faced to the American public, excuse perjury and get a free pass.
Guy Monahan
Honolulu
Doctor-musicians do it for a good cause
On Aug. 18, 2007, "The Four Doctors, a Patient and The Mayor" (the 24th anniversary benefit for the Aloha Medical Mission) performed at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall. This year should bring another great fundraising performance.
The evening was a memorable one, with four doctors performing superb classical piano selections. These physician-musicians were: Jorge Camara, ophthalmologist, researcher at St. Francis Medical Center (now Hawaii Medical Center, East.); Timothy L. Lee, ophthalmologist, Kauai Medical Clinic; Reuben Guerrero, oncology, Straub; Elizabeth Ignacio, sports medicine and reconstructive surgery
Also playing was Chris Cerna, the patient pianist, who has been blind since infancy.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann's performance was an added attraction, leaving the audience wondering if he should quit his day job! Co-hosts Gary Sprinkle and Pamela Young, well-known from KITV4 News, were witty and enthusiastic.
The doctors volunteer their time and medical skills on the many Aloha Medical Missions each year. Surely, if our doctors (and others) volunteer, we should all try to do one part to and the Aloha Medical Mission to continue their unceasing efforts to bring the aloha spirit to the poor and medically challenged and uninsured.
You don't have to wait for their next concert to donate -- just go to www.alohamedicalmission.org.
Mabel M. Slear
Kahala
Don't get railroaded by transit experts
I don't blame people for wanting to listen to the "panel of experts" and get going on the rail already. But how many people realize that four of those five "experts" work for Parsons Brinckerhoff, the company that brought Boston the "Big Dig" project? Brinckerhoff estimated the cost at $2.6 billion in 1982; the project's final cost is exceeding $14 billion. Also, tunnel collapses have cost lives and lawsuits. Parsons Brinckerhoff has served as the Big Dig's management consultant since 1985, and oversaw every aspect of the project. Let's not get railroaded, HOT lanes are the real road to the future.
Keith Sullivan
Honolulu
We should be thankful for mayor's vision
I am looking forward to the fixed rail system, which will run on Salt Lake Boulevard and will probably stop in front of the entrance to Foster Village, where I live. I certainly wish it had existed when I worked downtown during the 1980s and 1990s, as the cost of parking downtown was prohibitive and the buses were always slow and crowded.
I believe that fixed rail will be worth the extra .5 percent excise tax that we pay to fund it. The City Council should vote in favor of it and stop second-guessing the panel's decision. If all goes well, construction will begin next year.
Thank God for a mayor with vision!
Glenda Chung Hinchey
Honolulu
Strangers helped get purse back, justice
On Jan. 17, while at lunch, my purse was stolen. At that moment several heroes walked into my life. They chased after the thieves, gave statements to the Honolulu police and were able to identify the accused. What was so special about these people? They gave me, a complete stranger from Ogden, Utah, three hours of their time. They could have chosen to leave and go on with their day as several did, but they did not.
My thanks can never be enough to repay your kind act. Imagine our world if it was full of giving caring people such a these fine people. I wish I would have asked for your names so I could personally thank you properly. I only hope you see this letter. I also need to thank a very professional and dedicated Ward Security Center, Bob Fu and the Honolulu Police Department. With their help, my purse and all its contents were returned to me and the individuals arrested. It is inspiring, despite all that goes on in this world, there is still love and kindness for complete strangers.
Yes, Honolulu, there are heroes walking among you. God bless each of you. Thank you, my friends, I will never forget you.
Kristy Morgan
Ogden, Utah