Threat of terrorism Rumors of more terrorism, the threat of anthrax or the possibility of other general mayhem in this post-Sept. 11 time of heightened anxiety aren't going to damper Halloween for Nani Rabang.
won’t halt Halloween
Parents say life must go on
in the aftermath of Sept. 11By B.J. Reyes
breyes@starbulletin.com"We trust our neighborhood," the Waipahu resident said, adding that her 11-year-old daughter, Ashtyne, isn't going to miss out on trick-or-treating.
"We don't want the children to get all freaked out and think they can't enjoy Halloween," she said. "You have to keep on living. You can't just stop."
Other parents agreed: Despite uneasiness about terrorism, concern for U.S. military forces deployed in the war against terrorism and the need for sensitivity toward victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, it still is important to allow their children to be children.
"I don't want the kids to have to worry more about everything that's going on," said Denise Koanui-Kong, whose daughters Kayla, 10, and Kamalolo, 8, joined Ashtyne in dressing up as "Josie and the Pussycats" for a costume contest at Dixie Grill in Aiea yesterday.
"They worry about it enough in school and on the news," Koanui-Kong said. "They need a little break. Not to forget it, but not to stress about it."
Davis Lomu, whose 2-year-old son Christian entered the costume contest as an elephant, said he's aware of world events, but he also feels it is important, as President Bush has said, to get back to living life.
"I think it's best to get on with our lives and do the things that are part of our American culture," Lomu said, "get our kids out, let them celebrate and have fun."
Nationwide, fears of anthrax and rumors of more terrorist attacks have stirred talk about whether Halloween events should be held at all this year.
In Honolulu, one place that canceled Halloween events was Ala Moana Center. Management officials said they felt it would be inappropriate to sponsor such events in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedies.
However, most local events from haunted houses to costume contests to trick-or-treating are scheduled to go on as planned.
Parents at the Dixie Grill contest said they didn't think it was necessary to cancel Halloween activities.
"We can't stop, we've got to go ahead," said Salt Lake resident Paul Dularte, whose 7-year-old son, Shawn, dressed up as comic book superhero "Blade." "It's for the kids. Let's keep the tradition. This is what we did as kids. It shouldn't stop for this generation."
For Trinity Vegas, whose 1-year-old son, Reichel, was decked out as a keiki lau lau, a diversion such as Halloween also allows her to think about things not related to world events.
"I think that, for the children, it's important to keep tradition to get their minds off of things, and especially for the parents ... (it allows them) to get creative and make their costumes, bring them out and just have a good time."
Some Halloween safety tips from the state Department of Transportation: Think safety
>> Wear bright-colored clothing or reflector tape if wearing a dark costume.
>> Use a flashlight if dark.
>> Look for flame-resistant labels on costumes and masks.
>> Cross only at marked intersections.
>> Wear comfortable shoes.
>> Go trick-or-treating before dark, preferably in a group and supervised by one or more adults. Parents should accompany children.
>> Approach only well-lit homes in familiar neighborhoods.
>> Choose masks with good visibility.
>> Don't wear costumes that are too long and may cause you to trip.
>> Drivers should watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and trick-or-treaters.
>> Parents should check children's candy and throw out anything that looks suspicious.
