Isle Filipino center fulfills a dream

Thank you for publishing such a positive story about the Filipino Community Center (Star-Bulletin, June 6).

I was very active in the Filipino community before moving to Las Vegas in 1979 and I know that Soledad Alconcel, prior to her death, spoke often about how we needed a Filipino cultural center. During her days we would have many of our cultural events held at the Philippine Consulate. She had a vision and I'm glad to learn that part of her legacy is in the FIL-COM center and that her brother Toy Arre is at the helm and making it run smoothly. If anyone can do it, he can.

Congratulations to the Filipino community and best of luck.

Police officers didn't behave with respect

People wonder why the public no longer respects police officers. It is difficult to respect someone who approaches an already touchy situation (such as a traffic stop) by setting the tone with disrespect and insecurity.

Because the officer at our traffic stop was unsure of himself, he mumbled something unclear about why he was pulling us over. When we asked for clarification, he said, "Just pull over." Then another officer asked us for the license, insurance, registration and safety check. When we asked this officer why we were pulled over, the first officer said, "Just give us the stuff."

Is this the type of treatment the public is to expect from our police officers? These officers looked and acted like rookies. Police officers need to remember that as "Honolulu's finest," their actions will determine how a situation plays out. They are in a position of authority. In general, people will respond better to a person who is sure of himself and shows it by conducting himself in a professional and courteous manner.

Watch out, guys -- the ladies are gaining

Annika,
Danica,
Vroooom,
Driving over the moon!
Annika,
Danica,
Pure Joy,
Beating boys
With their own toys!

Judge Mollway's behavior not 'activism'

Your editorial criticizing federal Judge Susan Mollway for "judicial activism" ("U.S. Supreme Court strikes blow to judicial activism," May 24) is inaccurate and unfair. The case was in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals before Mollway heard it. The Ninth Circuit sent it back to her and specifically directed her to hold a trial on the "persuasiveness" of the parties' experts. She had no choice but to comply.

Any blame for judicial activism is attributable to the Ninth Circuit, not Mollway.

Politicians don't listen to people's wishes

I heard on the radio that there was a public meeting about taxes and no one came. Is it possible that not one of us had heard a word abut the meeting? And even if we had, the arrogant politicians would listen in one ear and out the other and then do exactly what benefits them, not us, as always. The most-taxed state in the union and they aren't even ashamed of themselves. A pox on them.

Surfing death could have been prevented

I was stricken to hear, while I was away from the islands, of the death of a student in a Gold Coast surfing school. Neighborhood residents have been warning that the school operates a dangerous, intrusive and inappropriate program for the location. The authorities cannot claim that they were not apprised of community concerns.

It is indeed sad that this man died when proper safety procedures might have given rescuers a chance to intervene. I am certain the operators will argue that the death could not have been prevented. This will never be known because the surf school, to my knowledge, does not require screening for health capacity for strenuous sport activity, nor does it require instructors to have CPR certification.

Moreover, permitting the conduct of classes in a difficult-to-access residential location, far away from tourist support facilities, is in itself negligent. It is painful to have this man die when our city and state authorities should have prevented it.

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