Letters 03/07

What our readers have to say

APPLAUDING DOUGLAS KAHIKINA CHANG

I was one of the people in the audience at HVCB’s Annual Luncheon [“Hawaii Calls” January 2007] that gave Douglas Kahikina Chang a standing ovation. His speech was well written and delivered extremely well. I could have easily listened to what he had to say for at least another hour. Mr. Chang is the perfect steward to make certain that a balance exists between culture and identity

Lance B. Duyao
Hilo, Hawaii
Via letter

DON’T FORGET THE FARMERS

I enjoyed the November article on Parker Ranch with Chris Kanezawa.

Yes, we are trying to preserve the lifestyle of Kamuela. In these rapidly changing times, it’s very hard. When certain members of the community talk about change, perhaps they forgot what drew them to Kamuela in the first place. Indeed, people here are passionate about this special place. More than any newcomer could understand.

I would like to mention, that the farming community is a big part of Kamuela, too. Not only in the past, but the present as well. We are a large group of small farmers. There are farms in Puu Kapu, Hawaiian Homes, Mana and Lalamilo. The Lalamilo Farm Lot area is the green basket of the state. The highest amount of leafy vegetables are produced here. Agriculture is the largest employer of this community. The farming community is as diverse as the crops we grow.

Unfortunately, with progress comes a greater threat for our community. Hopefully, the people of Hawaii understand what self sustainability is all about.

Donna Mah, Farmer
Kamuela, Hawaii
Via email

MEMOS TO GOV. ARIYOSHI

Could someone remind Gov. Ariyoshi has that he’s writing for a business magazine? Frankly, considering recent entries, the title of his column should be changed to “The Democratic Party Old Guard Speaks.” His last write-up [February 2007] worried me as it seemed he was experiencing severe amnesia. His criticism of ‘the current administration’ sounded much more like the Democratic Party of the last 20 to 30 years.

Need I remind Mr. Ariyoshi of the Bishop Estate Trustees the Democratic Leadership gave us? Or the endless conga line of other scandals we’ve endured from his party compatriots? Unfortunately, favors & personal gain at public expense have been the political bread and butter of the Islands for years. Gov. Ariyoshi knows that.

Besides, if there’s an Old Boy Network here, its name is the Hawaii Democratic Party. I think Mr. Ariyoshi’s shock from losing his East West board seat was really due to being on the short end of the patronage scale for the very first time. Stick to the subject of business and leadership, please, Mr. Ariyoshi. There is a lot you can, and do, teach us. Besides, campaign season is over.

Jonathan Cook
Honolulu, Hawaii
Via email

Having enjoyed the “lively look at” Hawaii Business for many years as edited and published by Bill Wood, I have a soft spot in my heart for this informative and objective business magazine. With a special full page on Leadership Lessons, our former Governor, George R. Ariyoshi commands great respect. However, his leadership lesson in Hawaii Business should not be the place to discuss party politics, as he is using his leverage to overpower any other message. Perhaps if there is another party leader to discuss alternative opinions in a column next to his, there would be level playing field: or better yet, leave politics at the front door with the flip flops.

Jan Campbell Atkins
Santa Barbara, CA
Via email

REMEMBERING LISA

I haven’t seen Lisa [Okuhata] in many years – not since she was Lisa Kuwabara, I think. She was an amazing person and isn’t it the truth (too often, it seems) that the “good die young?” Another friend of mine passed away on January 7th, just two days after turning 43. Both of these untimely deaths break my heart.

Lisa and I attended UH together and also worked at the Office of the Internal Auditor on campus. I didn’t attend her memorial service because I learned of her death too late. Since then, however, several of our mutual college friends have been in touch and are planning to get together soon. I wish it had been something other than Lisa’s death that inspired our reconnection.

Thank you for writing a fine [Editor’s Desktop, February 2007]; it’s a wonderful tribute to Lisa.

Anita M. DeMello
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
Honolulu, Hawaii
Via email

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