Double standard exists between perjurers, Clinton

With censure, the president receives a slap on the wrist for perjury. For the poor souls in prison for the crime of perjury, the only fair thing to do is release them so they can enjoy the holidays like Clinton.

Janice Judd

Busting marijuana users doesn't help the economy

Does Senate President Mizuguchi believe that continuing to arrest and incarcerate sick people who use marijuana will help the economy? The problems with the economy are obviously a priority. But reducing patients' suffering and government expenditures to prosecute those patients would provide a net plus for private economic activity.

Jeff Crawford

Church guidelines are for all cultures in Hawaii

We appreciate the way you have reported the Catholic diocese's announcement of guidelines regarding sacred gesture in the liturgy. The stories have been accurate and complete.

However, the wording of headlines may have implied more than what is happening here. The ban on dance in the liturgy still stands. The Vatican in its earlier directive to Hawaii only restated established liturgical rules.

However, Bishop Francis DiLorenzo, in subsequent dialogue with the Vatican, was advised that he had the authority, as a local bishop, to allow local cultural expression within worship -- as worship. In other words, he could allow island cultural expression to be used at mass, as long as it did not violate the integrity of the liturgy.

Following this instruction, the bishop issued guidelines to Hawaii parishes stating that appropriate gestures and movements of Pacific and Asian traditions may be used on a limited basis, at a proper celebration, with an accepting congregation. The gestures must express prayer, not performance.

Bishop DiLorenzo's guidelines do not mention hula specifically because we live in a multicultural diocese. The guidelines are for all Pacific island and Asian cultures living in Hawaii.

Patrick Downes
Diocese of Honolulu
Roman Catholic Church

Take wandering animals to the Humane Society

The best Christmas gift we received was finding our lost Pomeranian, Tiki. A big mahalo to the various mail carriers and neighbors who walked the blocks; the pet stores and veterinary clinics that posted our signs; the Hawaiian Humane Society for keeping an eye out for her; the friends who wore Tiki shirts and pins; and the people in churches who prayed for her.

It would have saved a lot of time and pain if our dog had been immediately turned into the Humane Society. People may not be aware that the law says any animal found must be turned into the society. If not, they can be charged with theft.

We hope this motivates others to give sad owners a great present by turning in their beloved pets!

Trina, Vincent, Trevor
and Justus Roberts

Committee didn't mean to miff inaugural invitees

In response to David Shapiro's Dec. 12 column, "Uninviting tone of inaugural invitation," we wish to offer the following comments. As first lady, I wish to thank him for his gracious comments about my hands-on style and tenacity, which were applied to the inaugural ceremony planning.

At the governor's direction, we placed an ad in the newspaper inviting the public to attend the inaugural ceremony. It was the best means of reaching a broad audience, which was his specific request.

Unfortunately, while we would have liked to seat everyone, there were only a limited number of chairs. Hence, the decision was made to be upfront and honest with all those receiving invitations about the limited seating.

A press advisory was also issued about the public parking areas that would not be available on the morning of the ceremony. We believed that people would then know what to expect on the day of the inaugural.

Maybe our desire for honesty and efficiency got the better of us. If Mr. Shapiro or any other invitees were insulted, we sincerely apologize.

Vicky Cayetano
Ford Fuchigami
Kalowena Komeiji
Jennifer Sabas
Committee Co-Chairpersons
1998 Inaugural Ceremony

Waianae Mall needs to fill its vacancies

About a year ago, two major stores closed in Waianae Mall: Woolworths and Bigway. These big empty spaces could be used in the following ways:

Open a Kmart or a Wal-Mart. On the Leeward side, there are no stores that sell clothes or accessories. Our closest malls are the Kapolei Shopping Center and Wal-Mart in Kunia.

Open a theater. About three months ago, our Nanakuli Wallace Theatre closed down. Now we have to travel to Kapolei Theatres.

Open a youth club. That way, when the kids don't have school, they won't have to be out on the streets. It could be made into a bigger, more advanced boys and girls club, with a bigger game area and more programs.

I encourage the management of Waianae Mall to do something productive with these empty buildings.

CheriAnn Davis
Waianae

Rose Moe was talented and unique entertainer

Rose Moe was a real Hawaiian troubadour, who spent a lifetime traveling the world playing Hawaiian music as she learned it in her younger years. She was a wonderful singer, with a great falsetto voice, and a dancer not limited to just the hula.

The family did more than just Hawaiian music. They were pioneers in radio and television programming, and recorded albums in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, England, New Zealand, Japan, Yugoslavia and the U.S.

They came home to Hawaii in the 1970s. In her 80s, Rose could still dance and do the splits. She was a wonderful Hawaiian, a trouper who bore her children "on the road" and added them to the show as soon as they were big enough to walk on stage.

I met Rose in the '70s, when she and her husband Tau returned to retire in Laie.

Keith Haugen

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