Slain fugitive's mom should look inward

Patricia Morse, the mother of dead fugitive Gordon Morse, has a lot of nerve criticizing the Honolulu Police Department for "the way they handled" trying to capture her son ("Fatal shootout angers fugitive's family," Star-Bulletin, June 20).

People who have failed to raise their children properly and failed their communities by setting loose criminals such as Gordon Morse should shut up and spend time examining their failure as parents. Every criminal has two parents who brought him into the world. Having made the choice to become parents in the first place, they have a responsibility to ensure that their kids don't turn out like Gordon Morse.

There are too many people like Patricia Morse who blame government for the way their lives turn out, rather than looking in the mirror. She should be ashamed of herself.

Eric Ryan
Ewa Beach

Community sees who supports gay issues

One Honolulu newspaper sees fit to have a reporter at the Gay Pride Parade and Festival, talking with many of the principals and attendees -- and running a complete story.

One continues with its usual practice of running one photo, the more sensational the more expected, with a minimal sub-script under the photo.

So which newspaper may be missing the news that's going to have national and local impact -- that the GLBT community is registering to vote and getting involved in a big way to ensure that "Shrub" (little Bush) can go home to Texas soon?

Our community noticed which political parties were present, which candidates were present, and which were not.

Whether we are 3 percent (the lowest estimates) or 10 percent (the high-end estimate), elections have been settled by less. I might suggest the Star-Bulletin should wake up.

Lance Bateman
Honolulu

DLNR cruel to force animal shelter to close

Auwe to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for refusing to renew the lease of land in Waimanalo to Sylvester Foundation's Candy Lake for the purpose of providing a no-kill shelter for homeless animals (Star-Bulletin, June 19). Oahu's population of almost 1 million needs such no-kill shelter alternatives to the Hawaiian Humane Society, which functions primarily as an an animal control facility. Large cities on the mainland often have many no-kill shelters in addition to animal control facilities to serve their citizens.

It is shameful that the DLNR allows some people to lease these choice parcels of land for the purpose of farming mondo grass, or other such token crops. It is no secret that these mondo grass farms are an inexpensive means of acquiring an estate-sized property for use as a family residence.

Karen Beauchamp
Kaneohe

Regents did their job, now let's move on

Three cheers for the University of Hawaii Board of Regents for having the courage to do the right thing and fire University of Hawaii President Evan Dobelle! The regents did their job. The deed is done. Let the lawyers decide if Dobelle will get his golden parachute or not.

All the finger-pointing and spin is unproductive. We have a new UH president so let's get on with the business of higher education.

John Pritchett
Honolulu

Costello didn't try to mix with isle culture

Paul Costello's self-indulgent harangue, "Warning to malihini: Don't try to climb out of the bucket" (Insight, Star-Bulletin, June 20) was far off the mark. The very tone of his commentary reveals why he may have experienced difficulty during his short university tenure.

As a former mainlander who has been privileged to live in Hawaii 47 years I have had some experience in the university environment, having served two four-year terms on the Board of Regents (1974-'77 and 1991-'95) during the terms of three presidents, Harlan Cleveland, Fujio Matsuda and Ken Mortimer. Perhaps the "level of toxicity" he perceived would have been alleviated if he had demonstrated a modicum of humility and patience that so often graces the local culture.

During my eight years there were many controversial issues, a variety of administrators and regents, and wide-ranging "inputs" from the numerous university constituencies. Despite the heat that many issues generated, it was always clear that the only individuals that were treated as "outsiders" chose that path by their own actions.

Costello closes with the question, "What was it like to live in Hawaii?" I suspect he never really lived (or embraced) Hawaii. His perceptions most likely came from his cloistered university environment, far from the reality of our island homes.

John A. Hoag
Honolulu

Ignorance is bliss for fired UH head

Could it be that Evan Dobelle doesn't want to be "officially notified" of his termination? With an annual salary of $442,000, he is making $1,210 for each day he remains on the payroll until he is officially notified.

Ruth Yong
Waimanalo

Writer understands what Hawaii is about

Nanette Napoleon's "The day my father became my hero" (Mauka-Maikai, Star-Bulletin, June 20) captures the almost indescribable essence of Hawaii. This is what being on the beach was like and why the few years I had the privilege of being there are among my most treasured recollections. To this day, I smile and burst into laughter and sometimes even tears whenever I think about "the boys." They have always been a source of inspiration. This is what Hawaii is about and should always be about.

In contrast to the mediocrities pursuing recognition and paltry economic gain in the name of public service, Nappy and the rest of the gang stand tall. They are the true sources of mana and unyielding strength. Thank God, they are Hawaii. May they always be.

Toshio Nagatani
Formerly of Aloha Beach Service
Honolulu