Volunteer program helps neglected keiki

Hawaii has a wonderful volunteer program with the courts called the Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem Program (538-5930).

As just one of dozens of community volunteers who work daily with abused, abandoned or endangered children, I was unable to locate the funds to ship two teenagers their school clothes to the outer islands where we had found a wonderful new foster family to welcome them.

I soon learned that since 9/11, most air carriers will not accept baggage or airfreight unless accompanied by a passenger or after undergoing a lengthy security screening process.

Thanks to the generosity of Aloha Airlines and their customer service representative, Ed Araujo. we were able to transport three large boxes of the sister's school clothes and other personal effects overnight to their new home outside Hilo free of charge.

When business is often getting a black eye in the press it's nice to see the good guys helping the community. Mahalo to Aloha Airlines for their thoughtful generosity.

Public funding makes for cleaner elections

I note in the op-ed the Feb. 12 guest column by John Higgins that the voter-owned elections bill is still not being considered for adoption this year. It is so easy to forget the many people indicted for election fraud by former Campaign Spending Commission Director Bob Watada. The recent story about Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff should be a reminder. Campaign finance fraud isn't going away under the current system.

The only real reform is the public funding of campaigns where the campaign money is from the public, not the insurance companies, the electric company, the developers and so on. "He who pays the piper calls the tune."

It is important for every citizen to let their legislator know they would respect them more, and vote for them, if they passed this beginning real reform -- the voter-owned election bill.

Mayor was right to keep landfill open

I would like to voice my support of Mayor Hannemann's veto of Bill 37 that would force the closure of the Leeward Coast's Waimanalo Gulch landfill. After watching hours of public discussion on the TV with the City Council, no matter what decision the mayor made, Waimanalo Gulch would still have to be kept open. The City Council passed a bill that was doomed from the start and after years of passing the political football back and forth (the Council and previous administration), I congratulate the mayor for making a tough but correct decision. I have been a Waianae resident for more than 45 years and know about the problems.

Performance art takes isles to Wolf Trap

The performance art production based in Volcanoes National Park, which is scheduled for a premiere Sept. 9, is wonderful and exciting for Hawaii ("Breaking stereotypes," Star-Bulletin, March 6). However, it will be premiered at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, not at the "Wolf Trap National Park" as stated in the article. There are 58 National Parks in the National Park system and 330 other units designated as historic sites, memorials or other designations specific to their usage, such as this one.

This will be a beautiful and educational presentation, and I would love to see it at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia on the 30-foot tall screens. I hope there will be an opportunity to see it here.

New warehouse gets a gorgeous bay view

There's a beautiful new edifice being built right on the water in Hawaii Kai. It stands boldly facing the Koko Head Marina and overlooks Maunalua Bay. It sits several stories higher than any other building; you can't miss it as you come up over the bridge just past the public boat dock. How lucky to have such a grand structure for all to admire for years to come.

What is it? you may ask yourself. Who was the talented architect who had the vision to incorporate the island style materials and framing? Who dedicated the time to design such elegant angles and arches? Who considered the majestic background silhouettes of the mountain peaks and the lush tropical landscape? Who created such a subtle blend of modern construction and respect for the aina?

Yes, it's just another ugly, square, windowless, aluminum, box-like self-storage warehouse, larger than Costco and with an exquisite waterfront view!

Mahalo to the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board commissioners for their insightful development plan. We can't wait to see the next project for our neighborhood!