Allegations against Chun are ludicrous, appalling
In the turmoil of recent events, the integrity and administrative performance of Kamehameha Schools President Michael Chun has come under question. We find it appalling that such outrageous allegations have been brought against someone so respectable.If ohana is the definition and foundation of the Kamehameha Schools, then he serves as its quintessential leader. He is open to the needs and concerns of the students. His ongoing involvement and frequent attendance at school functions convey his true regard.
Our club has benefited from his presence at numerous activities. He has generously lent his compassion, time and assistance on many weekends to cook for the homeless. Side by side with students, he has cut, peeled and sliced, helping students to help others.
He requests no recognition or fanfare for his charitable acts. Michael Chun is a leader who teaches by example.
Laurie Chee, Selene Valdez,
Caleb Peterson
and Ginger Gohier
Officers of the Kamehameha
Amnesty Club
Why is city so concerned about state's kuleana?
I'm puzzled by City Council member Duke Bainum's introduction of a bill to have the city regulate noise at the state Convention Center.What interest could the City and County of Honolulu possibly have in regulating noise at a state-owned, state-operated, state-approved and state-developed facility, located in a state-created special district exempt from county regulation?
Dr. Bainum should have his head examined.
Teri Boore
Kaneohe
Dismissal of Bill Tam is politics at its worst
Mark Twain once remarked that in the West, "whiskey's for drinking and water's for fighting." Attorney General Bronster has taken this adage to new heights.Her dismissal of Bill Tam, attorney for the Water Resources Management Commission, has maligned the integrity of a fair-minded public service lawyer with over 16 years of experience at the A.G.'s office. It has also insulted the water commissioners, and potentially undermined the independence of the commission's constitutionally mandated judicial process.
Tam's termination threatens the due process of the Waiahole hearing and poses an ominous threat with statewide ramifications. In dismissing Hawaii's most experienced water lawyer, Bronster has delayed decision making on the Waiahole Ditch controversy and wasted the commissioners' valuable time.
She has now illustrated that not even the sanctity of the judicial process can escape the political ill winds blowing through the back rooms of Hawaii.
Renee Moulun
Kailua
Lawyer deserves sympathy and benefit of the doubt
I am so very sorry to learn of Gary Modafferi's addiction to ice and the tragedy it has and will cause him.In my own house, ice destroyed my home. Today, one of my sons has found Jesus Christ; the other, like Modafferi, saw himself in a cold Illinois jail cell in a federal penitentiary.
For many of us, be it ice, sex or money, we all have weaknesses.
Modafferi made a whopper of a mistake. But he, too, has rights. Even if the evidence may seem overwhelming, Modafferi is innocent until proven guilty or until he confesses.
Jerry Souza
Pearl City
Doug Aton is best bet as next chief of police
As city officials begin the process of selecting Honolulu's next police chief, it is imperative that the workers and residents of Waikiki aggressively register their recommendations. Viewed through a Waikiki-centric glass, the new chief must bear the following attributes:
A large dose of the moral courage needed to implement a "zero-tolerance" policy in dealing with all forms of criminal activity on the peninsula.
The best candidate for the top cop task has been in our midst for 30-plus years as a keeper of the island's peace. For the past year, he has well-served all of Hawaii as the executive director of the mayor's Office of Waikiki Development. His name is Doug Aton.
Soft-spoken but with a no-nonsense approach to dealing with criminals, Aton has proven his worth to all who seek a more secure community. His leadership skills and administrative abilities make him ideally suited to guide and direct the men and women of the thin blue line.
Brett White
Home Depot got special treatment by City Council
Did Home Depot receive special treatment during a recent City Council hearing? Most speakers were allowed up to two minutes each to testify, while the Home Depot rep was given 45 minutes to answer questions.Home Depot is one of the largest retailers in existence. Its entry into our market will affect innumerable small retailers. So I'm curious as to why these discussions, which will affect all of Oahu, were limited only to the Pearl City area.
I was so impressed by Donna Mercado Kim. She will get my support as she appeared to be the only Council member who questioned other members about certain suppositions. She stated her opinions clearly.
When asked what the company would give back to the community, the Home Depot people seemed puzzled. Their disconnected answers gave no assurance that they were even thinking about what they would do for us.
It appears that our Council members are giving special treatment to wealthy discounters. They should take time to hear from our small merchants.
F.L. Mitchell
Teachers should quit complaining about load
If you can read this, thank your own mother, despite every teacher who seems to be busy complaining about moms. Teachers talk about pride, but they act like cheap help!Working and non-working moms alike support their children. If I had known I was going to do this much teaching at home, I would have gotten my degree in teaching.
Now that we took out the real trash from our schools, we can look for other solutions to the problems. First, we should start screening before hiring. Second, we should mandate that teachers today have knowledge in child psychology.
If the DOE is not listening teachers, then they should share their confidential information with us moms. We have as much at stake as they do, their jobs and our keiki.
Nancy Maldonado
Bishop Estate Archive
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