A word of thanks.

To all of our government officials and service providers, thank you for keeping us well-informed on Hurricane Lane and having all disaster preparations in place.

This could have been bad.

As a 9-year-old in Long Beach, Miss. in 1969, I remember the aftermath of Hurricane Camille. The Gulf Coast was devastated. We had little warning because the current weather forecasting technology was not available.

Some people may say officials “cried wolf” too many times, and in each of these cases of hurricane warnings, I felt that I prepared for a dinner party where no one showed. But this is one guest we don’t want. It would be the equivalent of the big bad wolf huffing, puffing and blowing our houses down.

I have noticed the only thing missing in all the reporting and commentary was anything on the safe use of generators.

They can be deadly to people who use them improperly, as well as to electric company workers in the aftermath of a deadly storm.

Bill Schroeder

Kailua

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Thank you, first responders

While the rest of us were able to go home on Friday to be with and protect our loved ones, I want to thank the first responders, who had to leave their homes and loved ones to protect all of us. I know it was hard to leave your loved ones.

Thank you.

Chris Correa

Kailua

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Many factors helped isles during storm

Yes, we are safe for now. But, we must not let our guard down as this hurricane season lasts until Nov. 30.

Some might think that due to the mountainous terrain and location of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, they were our “protectors.” Others might say that the scientific data and technology assisted our most experienced and prestigious experts to guide us to a better understanding of hurricanes. And then there are those who believe in miracles.

I believe that it was a combination of all of these. Being part- Hawaiian, I know the mountains have long been sacred to us. Our meteorologists have the most in-depth information to forecast the path of a devastating hurricane. And those who prayed for a miracle had much to be thankful for.

Thank you to our governor, mayor, and the representatives of the different state, county and federal agencies who worked together to keep all of us safe. And of course, our TV was on all day and the information was a lifeline for us.

Carol Ann Alina

Pauoa Valley

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Appreciated getting newspaper daily

Thank you so much for keeping the newsroom on duty, the presses rolling, and paper deliveries coming during the uncertain times these past few days as Hurricane Lane approached.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I went out on Thursday, then Friday, and even Saturday, and found my paper in the driveway.

It’s a testament to the dedication of you, the reporters, the copywriters, the press operators, and the intrepid delivery men and women who braved the weather and continued to bring us subscribers the news of the day.

God bless you all.

Mike Hanson

Mililani

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Let’s remember this good-news weekend

So the big bad Category 5 ended up watering our lawns for this week.

I’m not trying to bachi here. But as much as we Hawaii residents keep Iwa and Iniki in our minds, we certainly should allow ourselves remembrance of these past few days — with most of us having a few extra deserved days off into the weekend and with the backdrop of both a classy local Little League team creating great waves of their own, along with our University of Hawaii football Warriors playing their first game of the season on the mainland with great positive fervor and aloha.

Paul Ventura

Mililani

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Congratulations to Little League champs

A shout out to the boys from Honolulu for winning the Little League World Series on Sunday. They were great ambassadors for Honolulu and the U.S. of A.

I live in Georgia so that was where my heart was, but being a graduate of Waipahu High School in 1963, I wasn’t too disappointed in the outcome.

Again, great Series, guys.

Mike Greene

Byron, Ga.

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Eventful weekend clarifies our values

What a jumble of emotions!

Anxiety over the threat of a devastating hurricane. Like many other times, our neighbors on Hawaii island and Maui did not escape rain, floods and fire. If the storm didn’t hurt us personally, we were lucky — this time.

There was sadness over the loss U.S. Sen. John McCain — a man who epitomized heroism, integrity and the best of American values. He wasn’t concerned with labels like Democrat or Republican — or skin color — or loyalty to an individual.

He walked the talk.

Joy was watching our Hawaii Little League team. They show us what our future can and should be: making “we > me,” and playing the game with such class.

If we want America to have the qualities our kids show and deserve — respect, caring, kindness, authenticity and aloha — we have to act. Vote in the midterm elections and call, write, text, tweet, post your friends and family on the mainland so they vote, too.

Judith Goldman

Ala Moana