---

War hero’s U.S. flag
gets unexpected gift
from the cleaners

BETTY Smith of Waikiki was flabbergasted by the unexpected answer. She took an American flag to Al Phillips the Cleaner at Ala Moana Center to ask if the company could clean it and, if so, what it would cost.

The cleaning was free.

"I was really shocked and pleased," she said.

Free flag cleaning for individuals is not something the company advertises, but the service has been provided since before Finance Director Roy Miyamoto started working for Al Phillips more than 20 years ago. The company also offers free cleaning of robes for clergy, and Santa Claus suits at Christmas for nonprofit organizations.

"It's a gesture of community service -- and to give back," said Miyamoto.

The company was established in Nevada, with the first drive-through Hawaii store opening in 1969 where the Waikiki Gateway Hotel now stands. The six Hawaii locations are owned by John and Beverly Brewer, who bought the business in 1979.

Retired Air Force pilot Richard Smith, Betty's husband, flew their flag outside his and Betty's home every day from the day he received it in August 2001.

It had flown over the nation's Capitol on Aug. 3 of that year, at the request of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, "to honor (Smith's) patriotic service in the U.S. Air Force," according to a certificate that accompanied the flag.

"I didn't even know Senator Inouye was going to send that, and it was such a nice, wonderful surprise," Betty said.

Richard retired as a major after 25 years and three wars: World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In Korea, he rescued U.S. Marines from the Chosin Reservoir and was a member of the Aloha Chapter of the Chosin Few veterans' group. He died on Nov. 27, 2004, on Betty's birthday.

Betty will pick up her late husband's flag today with a thank-you letter, copies of the certificates and a heart full of appreciation for the company's patriotism.

"They had no idea about the history of the flag and how it flew over our nation's Capitol so close to 9/11," Betty said.

Aloha, Kathy Muneno

KITV weather anchor Kathy Muneno will leave the TV station early next month.

Her contract expired at the end of last year, and it's unclear why the contract was not renewed.

News Director Tod Pritchard notified the staff of the move Wednesday night, but declined to specifically discuss the personnel matter.

"Obviously, we wish her the very, very best. She's been great to work with," said Pritchard.

He will accept tapes and resumes for the job, but said, "We will be making a decision on the future of that position here in the near future."

Following Muneno's last day, March 4, weekend weather anchor Justin Fujioka will temporarily fill in.

"I don't have a clear plan right now. I'm still trying to catch my breath," an emotional Muneno said.

She will miss her co-workers and the viewers. "I love this place and I love the people here. The people are what's good about KITV. It always has been," she said.

The viewers "could never know how much I appreciate them and that they gave me a chance," she said. "My prayer is to thank God for the opportunity to touch people."

Muneno "would like to do some kind of good in Hawaii," but has no specific opportunity in front of her. "I'm just looking forward to a beautiful future with a lot of possibilities."

Publicity a-go-go

NBC "Today" Weekend Edition anchorwoman Campbell Brown hits Hawaii's surf on TV tomorrow morning. She and the show's crew wrapped a shoot Feb. 15 that will feature Garrett Valles, a firefighter and vice president of Hawaiian Fire Inc., which operates Hawaiian Fire Surf School on Oahu.

The show airs from 5 to 7 a.m. on Hawaii NBC affiliate KHNL. According to a local publicist, the Hawaii segment will run in the last half-hour of the show.