State wants to regulate
boxing program for kids

Is the community aware that one of our long-standing youth programs is being harassed? The State Boxing Commission believes that, under a law passed in 1929, PAL boxing must come under its control. It would be subject to fees and regulations under the commission and USA Boxing.

This program for boys and girls, ages 8 to 17, is purely recreational. PAL boxing was put together to give kids a place to go and learn -- not only boxing skills but sportsmanship, self-esteem and other worthwhile values.

Volunteer coaches dedicate their time, five days a week, to teaching these kids. Most of these programs are centered in low-income areas. Would we rather have these kids on the streets, perhaps getting into trouble?

The coaches want to be left alone to do their jobs. We, as a community, should be thanking and supporting these dedicated individuals.

PAL boxing needs to be free of state bureaucratic red tape. Please voice your support for this worthwhile program!

Toni Bushnell
Kailua

Even communists realize
merits of privatization

The communist government of China is trying to improve its economy by privatizing unproductive enterprises, and laying off unnecessary workers.

At the same time, union leader Gary Rodrigues is forcing the County of Hawaii to hire seven county workers to replace 1.5 employees of a private company.

I find this very curious.

John Schouten
Kaneohe
(Via the Internet)

Things everyone can do
to prevent child abuse

The recent spate of high-profile child abuse cases on Oahu has once again incensed the public. The parents must be monsters. The system doesn't work.

If we can blame someone, we can exonerate ourselves. But the sad truth is we are all to blame. Because, believe it or not, you can prevent child abuse.

Get to know your neighbors. It really does take a village to raise a child. Create a safe and nurturing neighborhood environment for all the kids there, as well as a supportive atmosphere for parents.

Help parents you know. Offer to babysit. Prepare them a meal. Buy them some diapers. Talk story and listen.

Volunteer. Seek out organizations that help families and children and offer your time and talents.

Contribute. Make a financial donation to a child abuse prevention program.

Help yourself. Being a parent isn't easy. Call the Parent Line, 526-1222; neighbor islands call 1-800-816-1222.

Act when you see mistreatment of a child in a public place. This can be sticky but, in general, try to be supportive. Example: "Children can wear you out, can't they? Is there anything I can do to help?"

Report suspected abuse or neglect.

Our children are helpless. You are not. If you do any or all of the things listed above, it won't hurt any less the next time you read about an abused child. But at least you'll know that you didn't stand by idly.

Len Tai Venuti
Volunteer
Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii
Mililani
(Via the Internet)

Bishop Estate reformers
have supporters far afield

The ever-widening taint created by the trustees of the Bishop Estate, high-ranking administrators of the Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate and several local politicians is coming into full bloom, even here on the mainland.

As a native Hawaiian and a third generation graduate of Kamehameha Schools, I am dismayed that the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop has been betrayed so egregiously.

Beware of those trustees who appear to be "splitting ranks" with their colleagues, such as Os Stender. In one sense, it is comforting to know that the princess' heirs have finally found a trustee who appears to represent their interests, yet the nature of the board's current politics should call for caution.

We have only begun to witness what will surely turn into a veritable hurricane of accusations, as the political pressure escalates and as each trustee becomes more desperate to protect himself or herself.

The efforts of Gladys Brandt and her "Broken Trust" co-authors are to be applauded, and the recommendations they have put forth are certainly appropriate.

It is still too early to tell, however, if the long-standing and underlying political connections between the trustees, the Supreme Court and the governor's office will have an inhibiting effect on the state attorney general in any way.

Edward W. Horner Jr.
Wilmette, Ill.

Trustees really care
about Kamehameha

Attorney General Margery Bronster probably wonders why the trustees are not working with her and her council. It is because every day she opens her big mouth, revealing the private files of KS/BE.

I am probably the only student who feels the trustees have never directly done anything to me. I am completely dumbfounded to see that the Star-Bulletin is pushing for the resignations of the four trustees and not the fifth.

The four trustees you and others make out to be crooks are truly sincere people, who deeply care for the students at Kamehameha. I know for a fact that they turned down half a million dollars of their paychecks, which they could have used but instead put back into our education.

Adrian K. Kamalii
Kamehameha Schools

Bishop Estate Archive

Don't rap Mother Teresa
for trying her best in India

In his Sept. 17 letter, Michael Last incorrectly criticized the acclaim of Mother Teresa's accomplishments in humanitarianism. He insisted that the medical practices at her Missionaries of Charity were appalling, and thus concluded she didn't deserve any recognition.

Mother Teresa's opposition to population control only expressed her compassion toward human beings.

She did say about Calcutta, "It is too distant from Jesus." In a school chapel in honor of Mother Teresa, I learned that her interpretation of seeing Jesus is seeing love or vice versa. She felt that Calcutta's problems were rooted in the dearth of love and compassion there, a concept many find true for the world today.

I know very little of the Missionaries of Charity, but believe the medical facilities were most likely inadequate because of insufficient funding.

I would think any medical facility would be appreciated by the poorest of the poor. These are small, minor details when you consider that people who have lived their lives in gutters will die receiving love and respect.

Victoria Fan
(Via the Internet)

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Bishop Estate Archive

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