Japanese consul general didn't belong at vet event
As a veteran of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS), I was dismayed that the Japanese consul general had been invited to participate in the 1998 AJA Veterans National Convention. This reunion brought out ex-GIs who had fought in Europe and the Pacific. The Pacific theater of operations meant fighting the Japanese.The war is long over and today, for economic and political reasons, Japan is our ally. However, we must not forget the wrongs committed by Japan: the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the Bataan Death March, the rape of Nanking, the brutal treatment of allied POWs, and the enslavement of conquered people, especially the forced prostitution of women and children.
In 1991, former President Bush made it a point to not invite the Japanese to the 50th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. He had the emotional sensitivity to honor the veterans who had fought in the Pacific.
The AJA reunion was not a business or commercial get-together. Therefore, I fail to see how the presence of the Japanese consul general as an honored guest enhanced the event.
Sohei Yamate
Kobayashi has given much to UH Foundation
I am very concerned about the way your paper has maligned Bert Kobayashi. I want to make sure your readers understand how much he and his family have given to the community.Kobayashi served as a volunteer trustee of the University of Hawaii Foundation for six years. His personal philanthropy as well as his leadership in fund-raising activities for the university has added more than $100,000 in scholarship money for UH students.
We feel very fortunate to have him as a friend and supporter.
Donna M. Howard
President, UH Foundation
Governor Cayetano is not education's best friend
Why is it that every time a citizen/taxpayer criticizes the governor, his press secretary fires off a retort that vilifies the letter writer as if he/she knows nothing?To be truthful, the governor didn't "give" the teachers a pay raise. He was against it, and they threatened to strike, so he rightfully caved.
As far as the proposed 21st-century law that requires Hawaii public school students to be computer and second language literate, may I humbly suggest that they be able to read, write and speak standard English.
May I also suggest that students not be able to graduate with 30-plus days of absences and/or a D- average, as is acceptable today.
Robert Bornheimer
Cayetano should get credit for good developments
If we are so quick to blame the governor for all the bad economic stuff, I hope we can congratulate Cayetano for the good stuff, too -- such as the new Daiei center, Saks, Neiman Marcus and Ward Centre's exciting plans. Fair is fair.Alexander K. Kaonohi Jr.
Kailua
Cloning could spell bad news for men
Cloning will revolutionize animal husbandry. Nowadays, if you want good cows you have to find a prize bull. But in the future, we'll just clone the best cows and grow the clones in other cows. Bulls will become completely unnecessary.Now, men, we should really think this cloning thing through before rushing in. We don't want women deciding someday that the only thing that we can do that they can't is annoy them.
John Sender
(Via the Internet)
Con Cons aren't vital or desired by many states
Many of the individuals and groups supporting a constitutional convention cite the 20 years that have elapsed since the last one. But as state constitutions have matured, U.S. citizens are finding less need to make wholesale revisions to their constitutions:
In the 1980s, only one new constitution was adopted -- the Georgia Charter of 1982.
Constitutions are not meant to be revised easily and without good reason. The most highly regarded constitutions speak briefly in broad principles and leave implementation to legislatures, since statutes passed by legislatures are easier to amend in addressing changing conditions and needs.
Luree Hays
Kaneohe
IHS helps homeless at the airport, elsewhere
We and a number of other homeless service providers are working with airport officials to provide transition for the airport homeless from the airport to other accommodations. These agencies met as a group with the airport homeless on two occasions.The outreach workers meet with the homeless individuals regularly to notify them of their options. IHS will post a vehicle at the airport to provide transportation to the shelter. We are trying to be responsive to the community's needs and provide help to solve this community problem.
Lynn Maunakea
Executive Director
Institute for Human Services
Mature single folks need more places to socialize
As a kamaaina, it is a breath of fresh air to see bookstore Barnes & Noble's friendly coffee shop, which has become quite popular as a place for mature singles to socialize and meet new friends of all nationalities.Formerly, there was only one place that attracted mature singles: the Liberty House Gazebo Coffee Shop at Ala Moana Center. It is always a very social venue.
It would be encouraging to see more local establishments catering to mature singles here.
Ken Mainwaring
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