INS should cut chef some slack

In his May 27 "Raising Cane" column, Rob Perez is not persuaded by Chef Chai Chaowasaree's supporters, who "have argued that whatever transgressions he has had with the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), his contributions to Hawaii should count for more."

Perez wonders what kind of message that sends. I believe it's the right message. Chef Chai has built a multimillion- dollar business employing more than 70 persons. His hard work, determination and giving selflessly to the community, set an example to which we should all aspire. The INS should recognize this and show some aloha spirit.

Chef Chai's situation is not unique. The May 28 Star Bulletin article, "U.S. two-faced on illegal immigration," reports that nationwide Americans are "more willing to treat illegal immigrants as de facto community members than as crim- inals." Several states are issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Employers risk fines and jail to hire them. Every few years there are amnesty programs for illegal immigrants.

All Americans are immigrants or descended from immigrants. The earliest settlers on the mainland and in Hawaii came from elsewhere. We must allow others the opportunities we had. We should not have the attitude of, "I'm here now, no one else counts."

Lynne Matusow

Why should chef get special treatment?

About Rob Perez's May 27 column on Chef Chai: It's about time that something was said about the other side. There were a lot of people blowing sunshine and creating a smokescreen. I don't know the person, but you did a great job in turning the coin over and exposing the other side.

Jim Kuoha

[Quotables] "Sometimes when you're at school at 7 p.m. on Friday, you think no one cares, but they do." Kiani Arkus, Kamehameha Schools ninth-grader, above center being congratulated by friends, on the long hours of research she did for her prize-winning study of the Hawaiian hala tree as a possible cancer treatment. Her research has earned Arkus $40,000 in scholarship money. "They can go out in their own back yard, look up and see the station and know there are three people on board, on the job." Kelly Humphries, NASA spokesman, on the International Space Station, which has grown so large that it is visible in the night sky and easily tracked with a pair of binoculars.

GOP owes success to Linda Lingle

It's time to set the record straight about Linda Lingle. Simply stated, without Lingle there would be no Hawaii Republican Party.

When she became chairwoman in May 1999, the party was an empty shell with no substance, no success and no hope. Today, through her unpaid efforts over three years, the party has a permanent headquarters on Kapiolani Boulevard, an increase in active membership of over 3,000 registered Republicans, thousands of new and generous contributors, a party of success in increasing its House membership by over 60 percent and, best of all, the fear of the Democrats that they are in big trouble.

If Hawaii is to ever recover from the 46 years of Democratic Party arrogance and mismanagement, a competitive two-party system has to emerge. When Republicans become a majority in the state House in 2002 and hold the governor's seat, the healing can finally begin and only one person will be responsible for this historic change, Linda Lingle.

Garry P. Smith
Ewa Beach

Using cell phones impairs all drivers

Nancy Christenson McNamee's "Editor's Scratchpad" on May 28, "Cell-phoning drivers aren't the worst," misses the point. Yes, there are a lot of poor drivers on the road, and, to be sure, we all make the occasional bonehead move. But no matter what anyone's driving ability is, talking on a cell phone while driving impairs our attention and makes us all poorer drivers than we otherwise would be.

Robert Chanin
Kailua

Nation, veterans lost with WWII memorial

In the May 27 Star-Bulletin, you noted as "Winners" the World War II veterans who will "finally get a memorial on the National Mall thanks to legislation passed last week."

At the same time you should have recognized as "Losers" the American people who will lose the historic open vista between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial when the proposed structure is built.

The democratic process also lost by the legislation that was passed by Congress to ensure the building of this memorial. With no debate, Congress (with the exception of 15 thoughtful members of the House of Representatives) voted to override all monument and environmental legislation and to prohibit any administrative or judicial review of this memorial.

It is unfortunate that a memorial to World War II veterans will be accomplished through a negation of the rule of law. And it is unfortunate that these veterans will be denied a meaningful memorial at an appropriate location.

For example, a museum in our nation's capital devoted to the Second World War would preserve and promote the history and lessons of this war for future generations while celebrating the contributions of those who served. As an immediate expression of gratitude, Congress could dedicate the existing pool area to all World War II veterans, providing a place for public and private reflection and remembrance.

Wilma K. Wilkie

Airlines ban pets on Hawaii flights

A friendly warning that some airlines have once again instituted a ban on all pets scheduled to fly either from or to Hawaii until September.

Each year it appears that the airline carriers are increasing reticent to accept pets during the warmer months. Losses have occurred if the plane is held on the tarmac during departure or arrival for extended periods.

It is important that pet owners check with each airline, as they can vary quite a bit. As of this writing, Delta allows pets, but only in cargo provided the port of embarkation and disembarkation has an ambient temperature of less than 85 degrees farenheit. Continental is somewhat more liberal and others have cancelled any pet travel.

Those pets that may have been in transit have been held at the next stop until the ban is lifted. This is at the cost of the pet owner and the pet's emotional well-being.

W. Philip Kau
Director
The Animal Hospital of Hawaii

How can anyone think McVeigh is a martyr?

I cannot believe that Ken Chang (Letters, May 24) would try to convince us that Timothy McVeigh's bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City was even remotely justified.

McVeigh's actions were those of a coward. He placed a truck full of explosives in front of a building with unarmed and defenseless men, women and children. Then, he fled. That is not the behavior of a martyr! A martyr would have stayed in the truck when it detonated.

Rick Steinbauer
Kapolei

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