CANDIDATE'S AIM IN SERVING QUESTIONABLE

Ed Case has announced his decision to run for U.S. Congress for the 1st Congressional District in Hawaii. If Mr. Case wanted to serve the people of Hawaii why did he give up his relatively safe seat in District 2 to try to unseat Sen. Akaka? It begs the question of whom he is serving and why. Is this about serving the people of Hawaii or about serving Ed Case? There are other ways to serve the people. Citizens do it every day. Why would we trust Ed Case to serve us again? I do not know who will earn my vote in 16 months, but I hope we can do better than this.

PAY RAISES

LEGISLATORS QUIETLY WAITING OUT CRITICISM

There have been several letters from ordinary citizens and a deafening silence from legislators about the pay raises. The one certain method of showing the legislators just how angry the public is can be done at the next election. However, our legislators are well aware that the memory span of Hawaii's voters is something on the order of four days. They have nothing to worry about because the next election is a long way off and there will be some other issue(s) the legislators can use to divert the attention of the voters. Let's hear it for a one-party system and lucky we live Hawaii.

ISLAND FAVORITES

ISLES' MODERN-DAY CHAMPIONS ABOUND

Honolulu-born Barack Obama became Hawaii's best-known and perhaps most loved favorite son ever as he rode the crest of a pretty big wave, all the way to the White House. He is now the best-known person ever from Hawaii, known and admired all over the world.

But he is not alone in joining King Kamehameha, Duke Kahanamoku, Don Ho. Consider Bryan Clay, who won the Olympic decathlon and the title of world's best athlete.

Or Jake Shimabukuro, following in the footsteps of Island musicians who helped put Hawaii on the map by continuing to popularize the Hawaiian 'ukulele to the world.

Or United States Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. Now the third most senior member of the Senate, he has become one of the most powerful political figures in America.

Or Father Damien, who devoted his life to leprosy patients and who will be canonized in October as a saint in the Catholic Church, a significant first for Hawaii.

We have many other champions who may not be as well-known outside Hawaii, but who certainly as deserving — Islanders like Ah Quon McElrath, the late, great social worker and shaper of our conscience.

We are not without modern-day champions, great examples to all of us.

DRIVING SAFETY

BE CONSIDERATE, USE TURN SIGNAL PROPERLY

Where's the aloha? As drivers, we can be considerate to other drivers by using our turn signals when merging or changing lanes.

The regulations clearly "require that you display a turn signal for at least 100 feet before you can make the intended turn or lane change." I have witnessed many near misses as drivers merge without making a signal or signal as they are about to collide. Making the signal as the merge or turn is being made is dangerous and unacceptable!

The Hawaii Driver's Manual states the "Failure to use a turn signal properly indicates driver ignorance, arrogance, or uncertainty and shows a lack of consideration and courtesy toward others."

The Hawaii Driver's Manual lists three important rules about turn signals.

• Signal every time you intend to make a turn or lane change.

• Begin signaling well in advance of the intended turn or lane change so others have time to see and understand what you intend to do.

• The signal only indicates your intent. It does not give you the right of way to make the movement.

These simple rules will facilitate safety and a smoother movement of traffic while merging.

TRAFFIC STOP

MAHALO TO OFFICER FOR SHOWING KINDNESS

On Aug. 7, 2007, I received a phone call from my mom saying, "Come now. Uncle's ready (to go to heaven)."

Driving up the unfamiliar Pali Highway with extreme caution making my way to St. Francis Hospice, an HPD motorcycle officer requested for me to pull over as I was almost at my destination. My brother, who was a passenger in the car, quickly gathered my registration and insurance card, as I pulled out my out-of-state driver's license.

I apologized and mentioned where I was heading as my uncle's time was drawing near. He gave me a blank look, as he probably could write a book with all the expressions and excuses he's encountered throughout his career.

Heading back to his motorcycle, I knew he had a protocol he had to follow. He quickly wrote me a warning, excused me and hurried me along. Although no threat was there in comparison to the officer and NFL player, we've procrastinated to truly thank the officer who stopped me: Thank you for being prompt and professional with a kind heart and allowing my brother and I to be present as my uncle shortly took his last breath.