Forgea's owner thanks Hawaii for outpouring of aloha

The people of Hawaii should be commended for their compassion, support and understanding of the special relationship between Forgea and me. It was definitely a positive humane response, and the entire episode has been heartwarming, not only to animal lovers, but to the entire world.

Forgea's name is really pronounced "Hok Get" in Taiwanese. It means happiness, good fortune, blessing -- all that is good.

Hok Get was only 2 weeks old when she was given to me. I bottle-fed and raised her on board the Insiko 1907. To this little mixed-breed terrier, I was her family, resulting in a unique and special bond.

To watch this white, furry bundle of mischievous, playful, loving and friendly energy scampering all over the ship brought joy to all. It gets very lonely at sea, and Hok Get was a precious and happy diversion providing great companionship to the entire crew of the Insiko 1907.

I thank the people of Hawaii for their sincerity, generosity and compassion in their support of the search-and-rescue mission of Hok Get. It demonstrated the true aloha spirit, for which I am forever grateful.

Chung Chin-po
Captain, Insiko 1907
Kaohsiung, Taiwan

U.S. on Mideast collision course

Responding to lobbyists and pressure groups, the United States continues on its collision course with the Arab world. It feels like we're seated in deck chairs on the Titanic. We see an enormous iceberg dead ahead but feel powerless to avert the looming disaster.

If principles of justice and fairness governed U.S. foreign policy rather than lobbyists, pressure groups and politicians, I'm certain we would have a more peaceful world.

Tom Dolan

UH's Lelie, Rolovich earned shot at NFL

Count me among the many fans Nick Rolovich has in Hawaii who were delighted to see him get a shot at the NFL ("No draft, no cry, Rolovich to try out with Dallas," Star-Bulletin, April 23). In my mind, the former University of Hawaii quarterback clearly earned and deserves this chance. I wish him well.

It is not my intent to take anything away from Ashley Lelie, who had so many spectacular plays for UH, but there was another guy on the other end of all those great passes. Nick and Ashley both deserve to move on up.

I am a Broncos fan and am delighted that Lelie will do his stuff for them. Gee, wouldn't it be nice if Rolovich wound up at Denver, too? The Broncos may need a little help at QB, and it sure would be nice to see Rolovich and Lelie combine to win some more great games.

Thanks, Ashley and Nick. We all truly appreciated what you did for Hawaii.

James Pollock
Kaneohe

Driver's ed a victim of legislative fund raid

The Department of Education Driver's Education Program is destined for extinction if the Senate and House Conferees have their way with HB 2827. The plan to balance the budget is calling for the monies in the Driver's Education Special Fund to be sent to the general fund.

The driver's education money was not allocated from the general fund, but was supported through insurance underwriters' fees. The Insurance Commissioner collects the money, transfers the money to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which then transfers the money to the DOE to run the program.

By closing the driver's education fund, there will be thousands of students who will not be able to receive reasonable and affordable instruction, as required by law, to obtain their driver's licenses.

Parents and friends of driver's education, call your legislators and help keep driver's education alive.

Fred Nagao
President, Hawaii Association of Safety -- Traffic Educators

Public-access TV needs Legislature's support

Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Cable Access (Olelo, Akaku, Hoike and Na Leo) has a great history in Hawaii. Hundreds of volunteers create thousands of hours of programming that result in the richest and most reliable source for diverse local programming.

HB2351 SD2 will take what already is routine practice and make sure it continues. The bill goes further, to ensure that the independent status of the PEG Access organizations is not compromised by conflicts of interest by removing political appointees to the board of directors and appointees by the cable companies. It also would require the PEG Access organizations to operate in the "sunshine," with open board meetings and by making relevant documents available to the public.

As deregulation allows media ownership to narrow down to fewer corporations, the more we need PEG Access to ensure there is local programming produced by and for Hawaii.

Protect PEG Access by perpetuating this vital community resource. Urge the Legislature and Governor Cayetano to support HB2351.

Richard D. Turner
Kaneohe

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