E-mail system could warn of next tsunami

With the benefit of hindsight, it seems that the headquarters of the Pacific Tsunami Warning System should now be ready to broadcast an e-mail message to appropriate agencies in those countries in the Indian Ocean should similar earthquake events reoccur.

It will take years perhaps for the Indian Ocean countries to establish their own system, and this warning of a possible tsunami would be useful in the meantime.

Visitor received roadside aloha

While vacationing on Oahu during Thanksgiving week, I was treated to a personal demonstration of your famous "aloha spirit."

After attending the evening show at the Polynesian Cultural Center, I returned to my rental car only to discover that the vehicle would not start, or even turn over; apparently the result of a dead battery. Imagine being stranded on a strange island late at night without knowing where to get mechanical service -- an unnerving experience to say the least.

Fortunately, I carry AAA auto insurance which includes roadside emergency service. AAA promised to send someone out within 45 minutes to an hour. I returned to my car, resigned to wait an hour to get help, and Lord knows how much time and expense to get back to my hotel room in Honolulu.

While I was waiting, a local couple drove up and offered to help. In fact, this couple flagged down a PCC vehicle and insisted that the security officer use a jumper cable to start my disabled vehicle. Within minutes, my car was running and I was on my way back to Honolulu.

Mahalo to the warm, beautiful people of Oahu who share the aloha spirit so freely!

Youth sex activity should be discouraged

Barry Raff's article opposing abstinence education highlights the present culture war (Gathering Place, Dec. 28). Safe-sex (condom) education program advocates like him believe their strategies are based on good science, a claim made also by abstinence program advocates. One is reminded of "expert witnesses" who disagree in court cases. How can the Department of Education deal with these contradictory positions?

The U.S. Supreme Court provides guidance. The majority opinion in the Lawrence vs. Texas case (2003) indicates its position allowing extramarital sexual behavior "does not (extend to) minors. It does not involve persons who might be injured or coerced or who are situated in relationships where consent might not easily be refused (and) it does not involve public conduct." In addition, sexual harassment laws also forbid individuals introducing sex in workplaces, a stipulation that applies as well to school settings.

Of course, children might need help in dealing with their sexual feelings. Since pre-adult sex is legally not permitted, such behavior should be actively discouraged by the DOE. Safe-sex/condom programs are thus inappropriate. In their place should be programs, like abstinence, that work with parents to help students exercise self-control, respect others, and thus avoid sex until adulthood.

We don't need to rely on government aid

Regarding the letter to the editor by Terrance Horton ("U.S. can afford to give much more," Dec. 30): It is amazing how Bush haters will pick on anything to disparage the administration. What would the disaster-struck countries do with a ton of money? What they need is water, food, medicine, clothing and transport vehicles. It's not surprising that Americans are sending exactly those items via an aircraft carrier, ships and planes.

Instead of asking our government, those of us wishing to help the victims just need to donate to any of the great organizations doing their best to help. The Red Cross even accepts contributions by credit card. Americans are among the most generous people in the world and they do not need the taxing power of the government to force them to help those in need.

I agree that the war in Iraq is costly, but we must remember that freedom and liberty are priceless.