DRIVE ALOHA

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY WAS PROBLEM IN 1945, TOO

It was with great interest that I read the reprint of The Advertiser's front page of the V-J Day 1945 paper that was recently published, but what astonished me most was an item near the bottom of the sheet about a hit-and-run. Part of the heading was "City's 53rd death" and the first line began "Honolulu registered its 58th traffic fatality of the year." I noticed a box on the left of the masthead. It said "Traffic hazards ... So Observe Signals, Drive Carefully and Protect the Pedestrian."

It was a serious problem then and it is now. I want to commend The Advertiser for printing articles about pedestrians in crosswalks and the small change in law concerning them. I have noticed that many drivers are now more courteous when it comes to crossing the street in the crosswalks. Thank you.

TRIP HIGHLIGHT

DUKE KAHANAMOKU FEST WAS APPRECIATED

Just a note to let you know of the highlight of our family's vacation in your beautiful Hawai'i coming from Melbourne, Australia.

Strolling along Waikiki Beach, we were attracted by the festivities at the memorial of the swimming and surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, being held opposite the famous bronze statue. My family was intrigued by the events, the haunting Hawaiian music, the hula and mixed Polynesian cultural dancing, etc.

Our surprise was being treated to the Hawaiian foods and wine by your friendly people, meeting up with members of the Kahanamoku family and the display in the Hyatt Hotel lobby of Duke's medals even though only a gold and silver medal were on display. I presume that the exhibitors will be able to obtain and display all of the medals Duke had won in the Olympics from 1912 to about 1932 in future exhibitions.

The varied and large display of Olympic memorabilia was another interesting feature that attracted my family, among the many others, and revived the nostalgia and spirit of the Olympic Games.

We certainly enjoyed our trip to Hawai'i and unfortunately could not personally thank the friendly people who offered my family the Hawaiian-style lunch. We like to proudly share the aloha spirit as much as we shared the Olympic spirit.

HURRICANE

DON'T FORGET TO PREPARE TO EVACUATE YOUR PET

In Hawai'i, we are urged to be "hurricane prepared." We must learn lessons from the horror of Katrina. One lesson is preparing to evacuate pets.

For some people, a pet is the most important thing in their lives. For the old, the sick, the lonely, a cat or a dog gives them a reason to get up in the morning, something to care for, something to greet them, something to take their mind off physical and mental pain, something to hold. A child's pet provides comfort in a world that is hard to comprehend.

All Katrina's victims are in pain. We have witnessed misery compounded by being forced to leave a pet to starve or die of thirst. Survivors can be helped to heal if they have their pets with them when all else has been lost.

This tragedy highlights the need for making plans for managing pets in disasters. Pet owners take on a big responsibility. Part of this responsibility is having a secure pet carrier and emergency food and water for just such events as Katrina. Many people in New Orleans have refused to evacuate because they acknowledge this responsibility, and this is increasing problems for rescuers. Every living thing feels thirst, hunger, fear and pain.

The suffering of Katrina's victims is compounded by the loss of their companion animals. Take note, pet owners.

IMPACT

HEARTWARMING STORIES DO BELONG ON PAGE 1

Concerning Caroll Han's statement that "sports news doesn't belong on the front page" (Letters, Sept. 1): When someone local attains a near-miraculous achievement and that achievement warms the hearts and souls of all of the citizens of that area (Hawai'i in particular, and the USA overall), then you have a story worthy of the front page.

We are surrounded daily by the chaos and pain of the Middle East war, Hurricane Katrina, higher gas prices, etc. That little sunshine helps balance our existence. Life is a mixture of laughter and tears, and the "mana" of our front-page Little League champs goes a long way in balancing the negativity that bombards us daily on Page One.

Your attitude doesn't speak highly of your perspective of human conditions. Inhale deeply and take in a breath of fresh air that our 'Ewa Beach world champs brought home to Hawai'i and the USA.

RELOCATION

TOO MANY NEGATIVES WITH KAILUA HIGH PLAN

I oppose the proposed relocation of Kailua High School and the building of additional homes in Pohakupu.

I have been a resident of Kailua for many years. One of the things I love about Kailua is the dedication most residents here have to preserving our environment and small-town atmosphere.

Mr. Bobby Carter, in a Sept. 10 letter ("Campus doubles as ideal disaster shelter"), advanced one good argument against the proposal. I think there are many other negatives: the damage to our environment with the destruction of more open spaces; the ugliness, inconvenience and visual blight of months (most likely years) of construction activity; increased traffic congestion. All of these negatives so that one family can make a lot of money on a residential development. Too often I have seen communities in Hawai'i suffer from such projects.

Please don't let this happen to Kailua. I urge all residents of the affected communities to speak to our neighborhood boards and to all persons who will be involved in the decision-making surrounding this proposal.