Drowning victims were
caught by sudden waves

I want to correct information in the article concerning the drowning victims from Pennsylvania ("Father, son die off Kauai beach," Star-Bulletin, Dec. 30). I am the wife and mother of these victims.

All four members of our family were in the water cove in front of the condo together, in waist-deep water. Waist high! In fact, my daughter was holding my husband's hand at the time. We were in gentle waves (not rough), enjoying our last day of vacation. My husband, Dave, would never knowingly place himself or any of us in danger.

Suddenly, with no warning, a series of hard, high waves pounded directly on us. My daughter, Brittany, was overcome by the waves, and immediately swam underwater with all her might. My husband and I were hit with the first wave and went under together. As we came up, I could barely get my breath before the next wave hit.

The big waves kept coming fast and furious -- nothing like they were moments before! I swam as hard as I could and pushed my way to shore, and was totally exhausted by the time I got there. I was pleading and screaming for help to the people who were also in the water and on shore to help my husband and son. I was not pleading to my husband and son to come out -- they were desperately trying. The waves separated the two and apparently carried them to the depths where they were found.

All of us had fought to get back to shore.

I do not think tourists should be blamed for "unnecessary accidents" if those in the know do not clearly define the danger, as well as proper survival techniques. We had no choice as to "going with the current and treading water," as a fire department official was quoted as saying.

There were people swimming in the same spot both before and after my husband and son drowned.

I do deeply appreciate all the help from those who rendered assistance. I wish to extend my sincere thanks for the rescue attempts that were made.

Linda D. Kitzmiller
Blairsville, Penn.

Store's closing breaks longtime bonds

During the last 21 years at JCPenney Styling Salon at Ala Moana Center, I was fortunate to work with some of Hawaii's finest hairstylists. In addition to the local people, some came from many states on the mainland and a variety of countries from around the world.

I would like to thank them for all the knowledge, creativity and technical expertise they shared, and tell them it was a pleasure to be a part of that salon.

I wish all of them the very brightest future.

Steve Amaral

Airport guard hassled cab driver, passenger

As a local resident and traveler, it is always a pleasure to return home. The pleasure ends, however, at the airport curb ("Airport taxi operation needs further review," Star-Bulletin, Jan. 4).

After a recent flight I phoned a company that has a taxi stand near the airport. The poor driver and I were approached by security and actually threatened. I politely told security that I had called for this taxi and was on my way to my home.

My driver was forced to drive to the SIDA stand and obtain some sort of note, which he had to show the angry security person under threat of a punitive fine.

After a nine-hour flight all I wanted to do was get home, not cruise around the airport. Why must working people be subjected to this rudeness? Governor Lingle, please look into this deplorable situation!

April Weiss

Are lefties taking opposing sides?

Am I the only one who thinks it's odd that many far-left liberals oppose going to war with Iraq, but favor imposing a military draft to increase our ability to wage such a war? That these same liberals raise the minimum wage, thereby abolishing jobs for the least skilled workers, then get upset when those workers apply for jobs with the only employer left -- the military?

Jim Henshaw
Kailua

Story on lost hiker had too much detail

Shame on the Star-Bulletin for publishing the graphic detail about the condition of George Morishima's body when he was found Saturday ("Volunteer finds body of lost elderly hiker," Jan. 5). What possible value was added to the report by noting that the young man who found him was so shaken that he had to leave the area immediately?

To then describe the position his body was found in was not only disrespectful to Mr. Morishima, but also to his grieving family.

By including these unneeded graphic details, the story unnecessarily hurt the Morishima family even more, and lowered the quality of the report to something out of the National Enquirer. Reporting this type of news can be done in a professional manner without adding further pain to those involved.

Helen Gibson Ahn

Tax break? Who's getting a tax break?

A simple test:

>> Will all of you who hold IRAs, 401(k)s and mutual funds please raise your hands?

Wow! That's quite a lot of folks.

>> Will all of you who receive dividends from your IRAs, 401(k)s and mutual funds please raise your hands?

Wow! That's quite a lot of folks.

>> Will all of you who consider yourselves rich or wealthy (by any definition) please raise your hands?

Hmmmm. Don't be shy. No need to be modest.

>> Will all of you who would appreciate paying lower taxes on your dividends please raise your hands?

Wow! That's quite a lot of folks.

Test over.

Don Neill
Kailua

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