Local AIG doing all it can for its customers

I can appreciate columnist Charles Memminger's unique theory behind the cause of AIG's financial situation (”;Did bogus Hanauma Bay ad bachi AIG?”; Star-Bulletin, Sept. 22), and if there is any validity to his premise, then I'm just thankful that our AIG Hawaii operations were unaffected. We continue to do business as usual here, providing the same level and quality of insurance products and services to our loyal Hawaii customers.

We are monitoring the national situation closely and are committed to communicating with our customers, business partners and the community as we learn more.

In the meantime, we'll be careful not to step on any cracks, break any mirrors and avoid stepping under ladders. We'll also tell our corporate office to return those lava rocks.

Regulations needed to protect hunting dogs

The recent cruelty case involving 80 dogs on Kauai demonstrates the need for the regulation of hunting dogs (”;Kauai owner charged after dogs found malnourished,”; Star-Bulletin, Sept. 19). Across Hawaii, hunting dogs are routinely abandoned, often after being seriously injured while hunting, or kept in deplorable conditions as mere disposable hunting “;tools.”;

Since the state has no requirements for the use, training, identification, registration or keeping of hunting dogs, ensuring humane treatment is nearly impossible. In addition to animal suffering, local humane societies and taxpayers bear the financial burden of such irresponsible hunters. Policy makers and reputable hunters should support regulations, including a code of ethics and conduct, that mandate the humane care and keeping of man's best friend.

America doesn't need another Jimmy Carter

I grew up in the '70s and wanted “;CHANGE”; from the Nixon/Ford administration. I had just turned 19 in '76 and jumped on the bandwagon of “;CHANGE”; and decided that I, along with all the other young and naive people, were going to make a difference and with our participation, got Jimmy Carter elected.

Once we did, I realized that his policies led to a rapid rate of inflation, much higher gas prices and sky-high interest rates. I got my first car loan in 1978 and paid 12.5 percent interest. His tax increases on the “;rich”; led to higher prices. The $200 he saved me through “;tax breaks”; cost me an extra $500 or more per year in inflation. Some change! An increase in capital gains taxes, raising taxes on “;big business”; and environmental restriction costs were passed on to regular people like me, people these changes were supposed to help.

Barack Obama wants to implement these same laws and restrictions that failed in the past. How naive can one be to think that these policies would work now? In these rough economic times, we cannot afford Barack Obama. Even if he is from Hawaii.

Persecuting tourism head is un-American

Is this America? The United States of America? Where the powerful can destroy a good person who loves Hawaii and the Hawaiian culture. Who has done so much for the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the state of Hawaii.

I have known Rex Johnson for more than 25 years. Rex is not a sexist or racist. Rex is a fun-loving, normal person who has a wonderful family and has friends of all ethnic nationalities including Japanese, Chinese, Filipinos and, yes, African-Americans.

Let's research Rex's record of his accomplishments rather than his e-mail. Let's publish this information side by side for everyone to review and judge.

The accusations are trivial compared to his contributions to Hawaii.

Our men and women are sacrificing their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect our freedom and our lives from what Rex is experiencing. Is this really America? The United States of America?

Cline show even better this time around

This past Saturday, we had the privilege of attending “;Always ... Patsy Cline”; at Manoa Valley Theatre. Remembering how much I enjoyed the original Patsy Cline show some six years ago, I was anticipating a wonderful night of entertainment. This show, completely different from the original (except for the songs), made meager my expectations!

Zenia Zambrano Moura, as she was six years ago, is Patsy Cline, and this show is so full of fun and good music, you will likely float out of the theater. Give yourself this treat. Fortunately, the show has been extended, and I strongly encourage everyone to become part of these warm, memorable moments. You will enjoy!