People need warnings about ocean dangers

How should a shark warning for tourists (and locals as well) on incoming planes read? Here's a stab at it:

"Hawaii has many types of fishes and marine life in its waters. Sharks are only one type of marine life that can be dangerous to humans. Some sharks will bite and even maim or kill when they swim near humans in the open ocean or at beaches.

"What are the chances of being bitten by a shark? Very small.

"Under what conditions will will sharks be more likely to bite humans? When the water is murky, such as after heavy rainfall, and during the early evening and early morning when light is poor.

"Sharks cannot see as well as they can smell and are more more likely to strike any moving objects at these times."

I don't know if Hawaii's tourists and locals alike should be repeatedly warned about the risks of ocean and beach recreation, but it certainly couldn't hurt. Where's the aloha in not warning them at all?

Phillip St. James

Does separation refer only to Christians?

In his letter to the editor (Star-Bulletin, Nov. 20), Bryan Mick states, "You know people will be offended if (atheists) refuse to bow their heads" during the prayer before City Council meetings. On the contrary, people will understand that you do not have the same beliefs, and leave it at that.

The people who go out of their way to support the so-called "separation of church and state" are not really trying to uphold the Constitution or ensure that justice or fairness is upheld. They are simply harassing Christians the only way they legally can.

That's right, they're really anti-Christian, not pro-Constitution. They won't complain about a Hawaiian blessing or chant, or a Japanese religious symbol; they'll complain only about Christians. On the Web site of the Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of State and Church, all of its accomplishments are merely complaints about Christians, and its "features" section boasts about the Church of Satan getting a victory in Kaimuki's dress code.

They're just bitter people, not a reflection of true atheists.

Fletcher Young

Media made too much of pop star's behavior

I have witnessed the prejudgment of so many people and the media hype of Michael Jackson and the incident with his infant son on the balcony. As a father of two sons, if such scrutiny had been placed upon all the years of upbringing and instances -- all the times I "showed off" my sons in such situations -- I would be just as severely criticized.

Is it because the media seek so desperately for opportunities to find fault with celebrities, or is it yellow journalism that creates such selected exposure? God help me if the media were the sole judge of whether or not I was a fit father.

I just feel that we should look at ourselves before so quickly judging others, be they celebrities or just the plain people that nobody would pay attention to (but perhaps should).

David Miho

Let Audubon manage Waimea Falls Park

I support National Audubon Society for the management of Waimea Falls Park (Star-Bulletin, Nov. 8). The society's proposal for an Audubon Center is in close alignment with the park's Community Master Plan.

Imagine an experience that attracts more residents, as well as visitors interested in in-depth, high-quality interaction in the valley. Imagine a transition from a primarily entertainment-focused experience to one that emphasizes meaningful education about the valley's cultural and environmental assets.

Audubon is making arrangements for a citizen's advisory committee to have input into the management of Waimea Falls Park. This will allow for residents to help make proper stewardship and management decisions and to move away from some of the mistakes of the past. Audubon's first priority with respect to Waimea Valley is the protection and preservation of cultural, botanical and ecological resources. The second priority would be education and interpretation of those resources. This is important for the future of Hawaii.

Blake D. McElheny
Haleiwa

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