It’s a comfort to know we can count on the personnel at the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, a resting place for our military individuals who have served our country and are resting in peace. The staffers at Punchbowl provide meticulous upkeep of the grounds and come to the aid of those visiting their loved ones when needed. Staffers have been there to help us to the grave sites, especially when the graves are far from parking and require a long walk.
I’d like to personally recognize and thank Noel and Keary who were especially helpful in assisting this kupuna who was having problems getting to my husband’s grave site because of the distance and uphill walk. Mahalo nui loa to Punchbowl employees for the great work in keeping the area beautiful and for their kokua and thoughtfulness.
Lehua McColgan
Kaimuki
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Giving to rich takes from poor, mid-class
Wake up, Americans. Don’t you realize that Donald Trump’s Republicans want to repeal and negate all that President Barack Obama and the Congress have passed into law, in the Affordable Care Act? Trump’s obsession with the death of ACA will leave 24 million people without health care and a $900 billion cut in Medicaid. They will attempt to cut Social Security next.
The Republicans want to take from the poor and middle class, to give to the wealthy with an enormous tax cut. Voters should and will kick out these swamp-infested Republicans.
Harold Inoshita
Waipahu
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Diagnosis from afar not medically sound
I read with interest the letter by the arm-chaired mental health “professionals” regarding signing a petition about the mental health of our president (“Mental health pros sign Trump petition,” Star-Advertiser, May 23).
In teaching both medical and veterinary students and residents for over 40 years, the first tenant of the doctor-patient relationship that is drilled into every individual is to personally examine the patient and never totally rely on anyone, including the student or resident, prior to finalizing the treatment. True professionals routinely lose their licenses by diagnosing and prescribing to patients they have not examined.
If either of these individuals were physicians or veterinarians, they would be subject to censure by our medical board and consideration would be given for loss of their licenses. Fortunately they are not, as they obviously were not taught that watching TV commentators and considering their biased input is not the same as a personal evaluation.
Gary R. Johnson, D.V.M., D.O.
Kaneohe
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Peter Boy’s siblings needed head’s up
It wasn’t enough that the children of Jaylin Kema lived through the horrible abuse from their stepfather, Peter Kema Sr. and their mother, and the death of their brother Peter Boy Kema.
Now, Lillian Koller has taken it upon herself to resurrect the horrendous past these children lived through because Hawaii’s Department of Human Services, (the agency Koller once headed) failed to do the right thing and safeguard these kids. She has written an e-book detailing all the failings of this state agency (“About a boy. The abuse. And a book of broken hearts,” Star-Advertiser, May 15).
That she would do this and not even notify these grown children is beyond belief; and then to say that the book was not written to make money. Shame on you, Lillian Koller. You continue the abuse by exploiting the children for your own personal gain.
Lynn K. Mattson
Waimanalo
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Koller actually tried to improve system
Sadly lacking in the article regarding Lillian Koller was full disclosure (“About a boy. The abuse. And a book of broken hearts,” Star-Advertiser, May 15). The article seemed to criticize Koller and had the audacity to use Susan Chandler, previous director of the Department of Human Services, as a reference.
Peter Boy Kema was killed under Chandler’s watch, at which time Hawaii’s Child Protective Services program (CPS) was ranked among the nation’s worst. Also missing was the fact Koller won a national award, in part, for reforming Hawaii’s CPS in taking it from one of the worst to one of the best in the nation.
It is regrettable that the article reflected the comments of Chandler and of lawyers trying to bolster their case. Koller’s record demonstrates she is the heroine, and to this day, endeavors to prevent future child abuse and neglect. She deserves our praise.
Fred Hemmings
Kailua
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Millions are misused for airport renaming
I understand that it could cost up to $21 million for the name change at the Honolulu International Airport. Wouldn’t it be best to apply the $21 million to the rail project and put the late U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye’s name on a rail car?
All visitors know their destination is Honolulu, but have no idea who Dan Inouye is.
Hank Zerbe
Mililani
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Don’t rush to judge on handicap parking
Regarding the May 22 letter on use of handicap spaces by those not using a cane or wheelchair (“Disabled person must be in car to use stall,” Star-Advertiser): Not all disabilities are visible. A person with a heart condition or respiratory problems may not be using a device but surely couldn’t be expected to park far away and walk.
I have a handicap permit. I have arthritic knees that are sometimes so painful, but I don’t want to use a cane unless absolutely necessary because I don’t want to become dependant on it. If I wear a knee brace, you won’t see it underneath my jeans.
Sometimes I don’t use the handicap pass because there are good days and bad days, but I sure am glad I have it when I need it.
Best not to judge unless you know for sure what you are judging.
Michel Grotstein
Kaneohe
