Embrace our ethnic diversity

It is certainly true that the state needs Native Hawaiians to represent the needs, concerns and cultural ideals of the Hawaiian people.

However, if state Rep. Faye Hanohano is unable to articulate her concerns in a racially unbiased manner, she most definitely is not someone who should be holding a public office.

More to the point, she should not need to temper her comments to fit her audience.

Our ethnic diversity should be embraced by our legislators, not just "tolerated."

Hawaii needs the voices of individuals who are open-minded, considerate and accepting of the racially eclectic environment existing in our state.

There are many, many Native Hawaiians who meet those criteria.

Vanessa Shea
Waianae

Aloha Run didn’t get due coverage

Yes, it was a Great Aloha Run!

It was delightful to see so many kind people encouraging the runners and walkers on. Serving ice-cold refreshing water along the way, bands playing, cheers, music and song shared by happy people.

However, the local news was really disappointing. I anxiously waited to see the coverage of this awesome event on two stations, and it was a mere few seconds, and that was it. Really? So many wonderful people full of the aloha spirit, not proudly recognized by the media.

I’m so proud of our great citizens here with the true Hawaiian spirit. The people are what makes our state the very best.

Frances Rose Hodge
Waialua

Publicizing site was foolhardy

As a resident of East Honolulu for more than 26 years, and a mother who raised two children in Hawaii Kai, I was surprised to see the article, "5 things we love," featuring China Walls (Star-Advertiser, Feb. 24).

You’ve got to be kidding!

To quote the article, "crossing my fingers that they make it back OK."

To publish this article showed a complete lack of community responsibility.

Do you have any idea how many people have been injured jumping off that particular area?

You should have researched this particular cliff before publishing the article and giving directions on how to get there.

In the future, please think twice about publicizing such a dangerous area. Who knows how many people may think it’s a good idea to jump off "Chinas" this week and get hurt, or worse?

Kathryn Nicholson
Diamond Head

Laniakea needs a wiggle road

Laniakea traffic relief was a long time coming, but is here now, is greatly appreciated and has helped immensely.

As for those who insist on placing themselves in danger to see turtles, they need to question their decision to do so. There are many other places on the North Shore to see turtles without causing traffic problems or being placed in danger.

There is a much better solution than the proposed very costly huge tourist stop. It has been called a wiggle road that would lead to a city-owned parcel designated for park on the makai side of the highway near Chun’s Reef.

There would be sufficient parking at both areas, have much less cultural issues, need much less agricultural or important ranch land, and the cost would be a fraction of what is proposed presently and done in two parts.

Robert Robinson
Waialua

Pvt. Kealoha was true warrior

The efforts of Justin Vance, Nanette Napoleon, Anita Manning and Eric Mueller are most gratifying in honoring Pvt. J.R. Kealoha ("Civil War veteran’s grave will remain unmarked," Star-Advertiser, Feb. 23).

As Plan A is aole, I am certain Plan B the purchase of a marker by we keiki o ka aina, kanaka maoli and Hawaiian at heart through afundraiser would make it right, 150 years later.

Mahalo to Justin, Nanette, Anita and Eric for recognizing Pvt. Kealoha as a true warrior more so because he was a citizen of the kingdom of Hawaii and knew what he was getting into and the risk of giving his life.

Patrick Keliinui
Kapahulu