Remember point of Memorial Day

Based on some of the activities plannedthisweekend and in prior years, it seems some people should be reminded of what Memorial Day is for.

Memorial Day, a federal holiday, is a day for remembering the men and women who died serving in the U.S. armed forces.

It’s great to have "memorial days" to remember loved ones who have passed on, but Memorial Day is a day to honor those who died in our nation’s service.

John Jacobson
Kailua-Kona

Capt. Nishizuka an inspiration

With Memorial Day approaching, let us remember Capt. Reid Nishizuka and his airplane crew of three who now rest in eternal peace, as well as all the others who served our country in the armed services and lost their lives in war.

The funeral service at Central Union Church and burial service at Punchbowl for Nishizuka were touching and spiritually moving. They were fitting tributes to one of America’s and Hawaii’s best. May he and others before him serve as an inspiration for others to serve in the armed forces.

My deepest condolences to his family, relatives and friends, and mahalo nui loa for the service and ultimate sacrifice of Reid. May he rest in peace.

Lawrence M.O. Chun
Kailua

Trash blights our neighborhoods

I am deeply saddened by all the trash I see in my neighborhood, Kalaeloa, and all through the Waianae side. I find myself on weekends gearing up with my gloves and lots of trash bags going out picking up what I can.

I live in the area and I would appreciate it if others would pick up behind themselves. It’s a shame we live on this beautiful island that’s called paradise to the tourists, yet our own neighborhoods become a dumping ground. We need to protect the Earth and its environment for the future by respecting this land.

People should stop turning away from the situation and leaving it for someone else to deal with.

Carolyn Flanders
Kalaeloa

Bookstore at mall is point of pride

I am appalled by the news of Kahala Mall’s dereliction of duty toward Oahu, specifically, the community of Kahala-Kaimuki.

I am grieving over news of the mall’s management decision to replace our Barnes & Noble with a Ross store.

Barnes & Noble is a proud flagship destination, a landmark of culture and tradition. More than a store, it stands as a much-needed symbol of literacy in a state too often dismissed as a tropical outpost.

My proudest boast regarding my fortunate address is: " … and we have a Barnes & Noble right up the street!"

The diminishment of tone for the neighborhood is unacceptable to many of us.

Where do we sign up to vote against this offensive, hubris-ridden, undemocratic decision?

Penelope Cardoza
Kahala

Expand cemetery for WWI vets

I guess the Friends of the Natatorium feel strongly that those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in World War I must be honored.

It was also said to be a memorial for all who served, not just those killed in the line of duty.

Here are some points to be considered before the final decision is made.

» Punchbowl, our famous national cemetery, established in the 1940s originally for World War II dead, has been expanded to receive more recent losses. Perhaps a special spot of honor might be established for Hawaii’s losses in WWI.

» The late state statistician, Robert Schmitt, wrote "Hawaii’s War Veterans and Battle Deaths" published in The Hawaii Journalof History in 1998. This is what was reported for WWI: "Actual battle deaths of persons in the U.S. armed forces whose pre-service residence was Hawaii numbered six; seven others were wounded."

Common sense.

Sylvia C. Mitchell
Makiki

Kim’s answer was incomplete

Regarding the story about state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim disputing University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood’s account of pressure about Kim’s son’s law-school application: To be completely accurate, Kim’s quote at the end should have been modified to read: " … I do that all the time.I challenge people’s answers (except for my son)."

Jim Long
Kaneohe