Brainstorm! Challenge

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Lost wallet turned
into nice experience

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Our oldest daughter, Jamie, moved to your beautiful island last August. We missed her greatly, but were finally able to come see her the first week of December.

We spent the second day of our vacation relaxing on a North Shore beach. When the day was over we walked to the bus stop, but discovered that my husband's wallet was missing. It contained all of our money and identification.

The police were called, paperwork filled out and credit cards cancelled. It was thought that the wallet had been stolen. Since we had no money for bus fare, the kind policeman offered to call a volunteer organization that helps people in need.

The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii sent a man named Richard to our rescue. He not only gave us a ride home but also offered to contact the airline about our missing IDs and to feed us that evening.

Later, in our hotel room, the phone rang. A man's voice on the other end asked, "Are you having a good day or a bad day?" I answered, "A bad day." I asked who was calling and he answered, "I am the bus driver who found your wallet today." He went on to say that the bus company would contact us the next day, but that he wanted to let us know so we could rest peacefully that night.

The next morning we took a bus to the transit station and not only was our wallet there, but every last penny and all of our ID. We left a hand-written note and small "thank you" to the kind bus driver. I will never forget his kind, honest voice.

It had been hard for me to believe that someone stole our wallet in Hawaii. I was so relieved to find that it was not so. It had fallen out of my husband's pocket on the bus.

We called Richard to thank him and let him know we were OK. The next day a package was delivered to our hotel. It was packed full with a few leis, macadamia nuts and other goodies, and a note from Richard saying if we needed anything to give him a call.

We would like to offer a belated thank you to the kind policeman, Richard and the wonderful bus driver. Actually, to all of the people of Hawaii. Everyone we encountered was so kind.

Our daughter's move so far away was frightening for us, but having seen where she is living we now feel she couldn't be in a better place. I wish everyone were as kind and helpful as the people of Hawaii.

Thank you all and take good care of our baby.

Cliff and Kelly Anderson
Vacaville, Calif.

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Laws on living wills need strengthening

I've read letters to the editor recently calling for hearings on the physician-assisted death or "death with dignity" bill.

I would rather see the Legislature look into advanced medical directives and living wills to make sure state laws are adequate to assure living wills are respected and advance directives honored by emergency medical personnel and attending physicians, as well as HMO and hospital bureaucrats.

I feel the Legislature considering a death with dignity act is a waste of time. I'd rather know that my end-of-life rights are protected by a well-written and legally sound living will and advance directives.

Stephen F. Kimbel
Honolulu

'Walk and talk' used to nab drug smugglers

Your Jan. 23 editorial ("Compromise should guide legislators") was incorrect regarding the use of the "walk and talk" tactic by police. You stated that the tactic was aimed mainly at users, not smugglers, and that local police don't need it to pursue traffickers.

The "walk and talk" was never meant to target users. Officers have used this investigative technique to specifically target traffickers bringing in large amounts of drugs through the airport, a choke point for persons wishing to distribute drugs in Hawaii.

Seizures at the airport typically involved multi-pound or multi-kilogram amounts of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and even marijuana. It is clear that these amounts are for sale and distribution to people within our communities and neighborhoods, including our own families and children.

"Walk and talk" has been proved to be an effective tool in the ongoing fight against drugs. Numerous investigations that started at the airport have resulted in large scale arrests and the dismantling of major drug trafficking groups.

Since its inception, the program has been extremely successful, and continues to be so. In partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorney's Office, the officers in my division remain committed to the interdiction of drugs coming into our state.

Michael Johnson
Lieutenant, Honolulu Police Department
Narcotics/Vice Division

Leeward area needs Gabbard on Council

I read the article about Mike Gabbard possibly running against Ed Case for Congress. I hope Mike doesn't run for Congress, but instead runs for re-election to the City Council. We have never had a councilman who worked so hard and with such dedication for the people in our district. I'm sure he would be a great congressman, but I believe that if he doesn't run for re-election out here that we're just going to end up with another do-nothing, self-centered councilman like we've had in the past.

Rhonda Soares
Kapolei

Legislature has duty to oversee commission

Your Feb. 4 editorial, "Get tough on corruption, ignore intimidation," about lawmakers' efforts to increase legislative oversight of the Campaign Spending Commission, has me wondering who is corrupt and who's doing the intimidating.

After reviewing the Constitution, it is clear that the Legislature not only has the right but the duty and responsibility to review and audit public agencies, especially those agencies that it created.

We are all concerned when the media yell "bloody murder" and "foul!" However, don't they believe that the people have the right to know how public agencies are managed and how taxpayers' monies are spent?

Something smells. And it smells like dung ... cow's dung. Is there a sacred cow here?

Why are the media lobbying the general public? Why are the media bending over backwards to prevent the Legislature from doing its job? What are they afraid of? Will an audit uncover some dirty linen? Again I ask, "Who's corrupt and who's doing the intimidating?"

Henry Haalilio Peters
Waianae

Those who protect us deserve our thanks

Recently at Pearl Harbor, I witnessed an amazing event. Two young men exchanged a responsibility that is unimaginable to most of us.

One, with heart in his throat, relinquished command of the USS O'Kane, as another proudly stepped forward to take command. The one bidding farewell thanked his fellow warriors for sharing a special sunset from the bridge; keeping watch on the Star of Happiness, Hoku Lea, when close to their homeport; and for the unbelievable experience of serving during wartime. He thanked them for their constant service and their devotion to each other and to their country -- his crew of "America's sons and daughters" -- 30 officers, 26 chiefs and 314 sailors.

The officer taking command told briefly of those who had helped to shape him and walk the path that he now treads.

Neither used their moment in the spotlight to speak of themselves -- it was not about them, it was about others.

If you happen to see a young man or woman in our nation's military service, please thank them. What they do is not about them -- it's about us.

R. Kimball Hommon
Makakilo

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[ BRAINSTORM! ] Can you design a quarter that represents Hawaii?? Some states have issued collectible quarters that commemorate their entry into the union. The front of the coin looks the same but the eagle on the back has been replaced by something that represents that state. For example, Georgia's quarter has a peach on it. If you could design Hawaii's quarter, what would it look like? Send your ideas and solutions by Feb. 17 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.com Or mail them to: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Fax: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson 529-4750