Lassner choice highlights flaws

Once again it is time to select a president of the University of Hawaii and, as usual, the process isn’t what we were told it would be.

David Lassner wasn’t supposed to be eligible because his "insider" status might appear to give him an unfair advantage.Since he was nominated by 13 deans, however, suddenly he’s not only eligible, he’s one of only two finalists.

If UH were high on the list of nationally rated universities, Lassner’s nomination by that many deans would be a wonderful endorsement. However, given that the UH rating is almost on the other end of the scale, that same endorsement should be seen as the proverbial "kiss of death." Whatever his credentials or suitability for the position, it certainly looks like the deans consider him to be one of their own who can be counted on to protect the status quo.

The selection committee has given short shrift to transparency and integrity in the search process.

Paul Tyksinski
Kailua

Jay turns back on UH tradition

It is not a little ironic that athletics should foment so much concern about history and tradition. Ferd Lewis rightly criticizes the University of Hawaii athletics department for rewriting history ("History and tradition again take a back seat at UH," Star-Advertiser, May 4).

UH Athletics Director Ben Jay should apologize for his dumb move and do a quick rebranding to restore the Art Woolaway Most Outstanding Player Award. Just because he’s ignorant of who Woolaway was does not mean that others are.

Perhaps it’s time to hear from the two UH presidential finalists about how they regard history and tradition. As part of the selection process, they should be asked to give a public lecture — and take questions from the audience — on the subject of tradition, with particular reference to Edward Shils’ thoughtful 1971 essay which begins: "All existing things have a past."

Warren Iwasa
Makiki

Pono Choices not really pono

Regarding the Rev. Jonipher Kupono Kwong’s concern about the derailment of the Pono Choices curriculum, I feel compelled to defend those concerned parents, educators, clergy and citizens who, because of their compassion for children and understanding of the real meaning of "pono," had serious issues with the program in its present form ("Don’t let Pono Choices be derailed," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, May 4).

Were the "choices" being presented in that curriculum actually righteous? Was the word "pono" just being used because it sounds good or were the authors of the program actually trying to come up with solid, moral and healthy recommendations?

It was obvious to anyone concerned about the spiritual, physical and emotional health of our youngsters that the Pono Choices curriculum was seriously flawed.

Many kudos to those whom Kwong labeled "a small segment of our community with its agenda of exclusion and bigotry."

Is this not a prime example of the pot calling the kettle black?

John Bishop
Kailua

Responsibility is a good lesson

Sunday’s commentary by the Rev. Jonipher Kupono Kwong was outstanding. Part of one of his sentences, in my opinion, should be in capital letters and promoted by all teachers and adults: "teaches our keiki about responsible decision-making."

We all need to take responsibility for our actions and decisions.

Mandy Bowers
Manoa

VA worse than just negligent

Many credible reports regarding the mistreatment of veterans by the Veterans Administration Medical Centers have afforded the public an ugly view of the horrific actions of understaffed, undertrained, unsympathetic and inaccessible VA health care staff.

How many of our veterans will be allowed to continue suffering and dying before someone is held accountable? Many allegations of the systemic patient safety and treatment issues are indicative of gross mismanagement and malice, not negligence or incompetence.

I am a service-disabled veteran who experienced verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, and a callous disregard for my concerns and needs. Is it possible that veterans who feel blindsided by friendly fire choose homelessness, substance abuse and suicide, without any attributable responsibility of the VA?

Those who sacrificed in support of the freedoms afforded to all Americans deserve better than this.

John Nix
Ala Moana