Let retired firefighters use HFD headquarters

As a retired firefighter, I take issue with Chief Kenneth Silva and Hawaii Fire Fighters Association President Bobby Lee for their actions against the retirees association ("Chief bars retired firefighters from HQ," Star-Advertiser, May 31).

Barring the retirees from headquarters certainly gives the appearance of politicizing the issue.

I was proud of my brotherhood when I learned that retirees were able to use the headquarters for meetings. That’s the way it should be. These men and women put their lives on the line the same way active-duty firefighters do today — some with far less equipment. So long as they aren’t holding press conferences or hanging signs off the building, where is the harm?

The statement that the department is neutral is laughable, given how highly sought the firefighters’ union endorsement is. The retirees association has nowhere near the clout, and in any case, is not directly affiliated with the HFFA or the Fire Department.

I say stand down and leave the retirees alone.

Jim Titcomb
Kailua

Volunteer to help foster children

Once again we are saddened by the death of an innocent child ("Couple arrested in death of boy, 4," Star-Advertiser, May 31).

Maui police have arrested the boy’s father and live-in girlfriend for investigation of second-degree murder. As tragic as this needless death is, it represents only the tip of the iceberg of child abuse and neglect in our state and our nation.

In 2010, there were 1,976 confirmed cases of child maltreatment in Hawaii. Most of these children were placed in foster care because they were unable to live safely at home. Now into these children’s lives come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, therapists, social workers, judges, lawyers and more.

Hopefully, one of these individuals is a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). CASA volunteers advocate for these children to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal system. They stay with each case until it is closed. For many children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence — the one adult who cares for them.

There are CASA programs on all islands. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, please visit CASAHawaii.org.

Ken Bailey
President, Friends of CASA Hawaii

Improve quality of Pro Bowl game

Hawaii football fans deserve a solution to the lackluster performance at the Pro Bowl, not just an admission ("It’s not really a football game, but the Pro Bowl draws nonetheless," Star-Advertiser, May 31).

As a spectator at the 2012 Pro Bowl, I witnessed NFL players run onto the field for their introductions faster than running to chase an opponent for a tackle. Overall, there was a distinct lack of effort by most of the NFL players, with a non-existent pass rush countered by offensive linemen "blocking" with little technique or power.

Are Hawaii football fans satisfied? I doubt it. If the Pro Bowl profits the state approximately $21.5 million, why not contribute a million or so as an incentive for the players on the winning team? A better quality of game will secure the longevity of the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, better satisfy local football fans and attract more mainland NFL fans as tourists.

Until there’s a solution, I will revel in the six University of Hawaii Warriors’ home games. Season tickets start at less than $100 and the athletes commit 100 percent.

Ryan Rawlings
Lower Nuuanu

Use federal money to help state nurses

More than a year later, state nurses still have no contract. Yetthe Abercrombie administration will award $10 million in federal money to the state’s public hospitals.

Perhaps the money could be used to finally pay state nurses a fair, equitable and livable wage when compared to private hospitals in Hawaii.

More likely it will be spent on quick-fix schemes — iCare posters, website propaganda or cupcakes for "Nurses Week" to show appreciation to state nurses who are willing to work for 39 percent less and who can’t afford to pay their bills.

Kenneth Moskow
Haiku