Isle residents could have prevented deaths

Whenever there are flash-flood warnings on Kauai, we get a rolling message on our TV screen, or Channel 12 has the TV schedule voiced over by the weather. Both of these systems could have announced the earthquake and potential tsunami event to us in real time.

Had those in the know of the earthquake and possible pending tsunami announced this event with intent for the general public to disseminate the warning, many in Hawaii with ties (cell and regular phone and e-mail) to Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, etc., could have started making warning contacts to their families and friends or people they knew traveling abroad to these areas by calling their hotels at the very least. Word would have spread fast. Perhaps the toll could have been halved.

Better to spend Iraq money on tsunami aid

As the death toll in Southeast Asia and Indonesia rises from the 9.0 earthquake and resultant tsunamis, I expect most Hawaiian islanders to reflect on our own vulnerability.

It's a crying shame the United States is blowing $1 billion a week to free the Iraqi people, where by all accounts it's getting worse, and the Jan. 30 elections are a bull's-eye for terrorism.

The Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies could sure use the billions we've earmarked for a desert region whose citizens, "insurgents," try to kill us every day.

Think Sri Lanka would shoot down a rescue helicopter or blow themselves up to stop any U.S. aid?

Humanitarian assistance is color blind.

I just wish the American people knew this when they voted on Nov. 2.

More tsunami sensors are in place

When interviewed for Monday's story "Hawaii not well prepared for tsunami, experts fear," I erred in mentioning only the three tsunami sensors on the sea floor between Hawaii and the Aleutian Islands. Your reporter naturally inferred that we do not get enough information about tsunamis from South America.

Fortunately, that is not true: One tsunami sensor is strategically located south of the Equator, about halfway between Hawaii and Chile. Two more sensors are off the Pacific Northwest, and one will soon be installed off the Big Island.

Warriors managed to turn season around

As I stated in my Nov. 17 letter, regarding how disappointed I was in the University of Hawaii Warriors football team for getting blown out in two nationally televised games, I am and always will be a true Warrior fan. Therefore I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Warriors for their big win on Friday (on national television) and for turning the season around when things were looking pretty bleak.

I feel if I'm going to "let them have it" when I think they are not playing at the level they are capable of, then I must also give kudos when they play above that level. Well done!