Humane Society lowers animal euthanasia rate

As a long-time Hawaiian Humane Society supporter who has seen the organization navigate a difficult transition to emerge even stronger, I was appalled by the spurious attack recently published in a commentary (“Bill 59 means more animals will die,” Island Voices,” Nov. 27).

Bill 59, under consideration by the City Council, is modeled on animal welfare best practices and follows consultation with experts in the field. Its provisions, if enacted, will reduce the euthanasia of pet animals.

The 70% euthanasia rate mentioned in the column has no basis in fact. As Oahu’s only open-admission shelter, Hawaiian Humane welcomes all animals, even those who are too ill, injured or aggressive to be made available for adoption. And progress is being made to help more of them. The euthanasia rate has dropped 23% this quarter when compared to the same time last year, with declines in euthanasia for both cats and dogs.

I urge the community to support Bill 59 and help Hawaiian Humane save even more animals.

Steven Prieto

Makiki

Prepare teachers better to meet real challenges

In response to a Dec. 11 letter proclaiming that subsidized housing for public school teachers would be a viable option to demonstrate support, obviously that letter-writer is unfamiliar with Hawaii’s education history, which included the prior implementation and abandonment of that old idea, many decades ago, due to disinterest.

Those new to the teaching profession should know that embedded within their expertise and newly acquired skill sets is the knowledge of how to craft and deliver curriculum in a way that motivates and meets the current rigor and expectations of K-12 education.

Expert education professionals do not need to rely on administrators to discipline their students, nor do they need office secretaries to help them.

Those who have quickly left the profession are those who were not prepared. The challenges require more than just a lecturer in front of the class. The challenges require more than time spent within the four walls of a classroom. The challenges require individuals who can step up.

Traci L. Kane

Assistant principal, Las Vegas, Nev.

Half-century of Kaiser care reflects well on firm

I have been a very satisfied member of the Kaiser Permanente medical plan since 1969 when I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. When I moved to Hawaii, my husband and I transferred our membership to Hawaii Kaiser. We have had a variety of challenges as we age (now 88 and 81) and have been very satisfied with the care and people of Kaiser.

Recently, my husband spent eight days in Kaiser’s Moanalua hospital and when he was discharged, was hugged by the nursing staff and physician. The care was excellent.

We want everyone to know of the excellent care and treatment at Kaiser, and know that the current news of financial issues will be resolved. It should be the model for national health care.

Judith Fernandez

Ala Moana

SHARE YOUR RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

“Pay it forward”: a situation in which the recipient of an unexpected good deed pays forward a kindness to someone else.

In this season of goodwill, think about it: Have you ever benefited from a “pay it forward” gesture, which in turn inspired you to bestow a random act of kindness?

If so, let us know in a 150-word letter to the editor, or in a well-written essay (500-600 words) — and submit it by Dec. 16 via email to letters@staradvertiser.com, or via snail mail to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., #7-210, Honolulu, HI, 96813, c/o Letters. A collection of these will run on Dec. 22.

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