Hawaii can't seem to keep good people

When I first heard that Superintendent of Schools Paul LeMahieu was coming to the islands, I thought to myself, "This is a great opportunity for Hawaii to move ahead, to step out of the box, to set a new vision." Then I thought, "Let's see how long he lasts in the system."

Hawaii continues to attract people like LeMahieu for key positions in education, mental health and other areas.

In the wake of his resignation, it is important for us all to take a look at our system, our structure, our barriers that cause these people to leave.

LeMahieu gave us a new road map. He got a lot of people hungry for change, excited about what could be. I am not implying that we do not have people to carry on this mission here at home, but leadership is critical.

I have often heard the expression "no guts no glory." LeMahieu had the guts. Unfortunately, he was not allowed to stick around to taste the glory.

Claire Woods

Kailua

Trask should think before she speaks

I'm a Hawaiian-Caucasian born and raised in Waimanalo. I'm what you would call a true "local girl." I've never left the islands. I don't fully agree with the war on terrorism or any type of war. But I believe the people who were murdered Sept. 11 should not die in vain.

Haunani-Kay Trask has spoken her views about many things. Some I agree with; some I don't. But after her latest remarks ("U.S. bears sole blame for Sept. 11, Trask says," Star-Bulletin, Oct. 18), she needs to be reminded that because she lives in America she has the freedom to speak out as freely as she does.

How does she feel about the innocent lives that were taken that day? Or lives that are oppressed in the Middle East? The women who are beaten for learning to read or for walking outside alone?

This monster that we face today needs to be taken care of by any means possible. I want a future for my children. I teach them to live life to the fullest and to go forward, do what is right, think before they speak and, most of all, don't ever forget their country and what it means to be free.

Ms. Trask, please think before you open your mouth, and remember you could be living in a country where women have no voice. The United States of America has always opened its doors to those in need, which may have gotten us where we are today. But America has always stepped up for the little guys, and because of that I'm proud to be an American.

Thelma Silva

[Quotables] "Schuler Homes remains Schuler Homes in Hawaii. My home is there. That's where my heart is." James K. Schuler Founder of Schuler Homes Inc., on the Hawaii company's purchase by Texas home-building giant D.R. Horton, Inc., in a deal valued at $1.2 billion, making Schuler part of the second-biggest home builder in the country "It's a clunky, '60s kind of watch bracelet." Janet Bender Executive director of the Alzheimer Association-Aloha Chapter, on a wrist-worn device being tested by the organization that can keep track of Alzheimer patients using the Global Positioning System and satellite links

Tourism, construction jobs don't match up

Spending $1 billion rebuilding and refurbishing Hawaii's schools has been a good idea for more than 10 years. Quite apart from whether it would or wouldn't stimulate the economy, our kids deserve it.

Still, one has to ask, why now? Tourism is down, of course. I can see it now. Hotel housekeepers, bellhops and restaurant wait persons will be given crash courses in hammer and nails. Parking valets will adjust to dump trucks, no sweat.

Crowds of cashiers and salespeople will have no difficulty learning to lean on shovels, and construction and building trades folk can finally pay back the support they've given our "education governor" by teaching the tourist industry folks how to do it. I wonder if they would accept teachers' pay?

Maybe the exit of the Japanese tourists in 2001 will have the same rationalizing influence on our economy as the exit of the Japanese financiers did in 1991.

Rev. Mike Young
First Unitarian Church

Symphony soothes ragged souls

The Honolulu Symphony opened its Halekulani Masterworks concerts with glorious music to heal our souls, burdened since the events of September 11.

From the bubbling short piece by former composer-in-residence, Dan Welcher, to the soaring violin of Cho-Liang Lin in Tchaikovsky's "Violin Concerto," we were carried to a more peaceful level.

The orchestra's own offering of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" most perfectly expressed the unconquerable human spirit and confidence in our abilities to rise above the horror of the terrorist attacks. As the entire orchestra triumphantly restated the opening theme, it resonated through the hall, entering our bodies and stirring our spirits in ways that most of us had never felt before.

Those who think they don't like symphonic music (and are unaware that it's what they hear in the movies) should take time to attend symphony concerts. Your entire family just may be captivated by this brilliant facet of western civilization.

Carol White

The arts help salve lagging spirits

Americans took the homicidal maniacs' best shot and seem to be dealing with it admirably. Our response as individuals will test us and determine the repercussions of that explosive Sept. 11 attack. We have the power to determine if it gets better or worse.

The shopping prescription being heralded by business is bittersweet because sacrifice seems to be called for and shopping does not sate our sorrow. But if people don't shop, the terrorists may prevail in driving the country into a deep economic ditch. There are choices to be made.

More than ever, art can play a part in healing our spirit. The quality of our lives should not deteriorate because of the homicidal fringe. Life may be short, but it needn't be more brutish. I want to thank the brave and enlightened souls who continue to have faith and live lives that include art, music, dance, laughing and celebrating our being.

We can all support the effort to root out evil if our spirits are good. Do not let this adversity stop you from living a fulfilling life.

Steve Maier
Fine Art Hawaii

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