Who are we to criticize?
A recent article discussed cockfighting and an effort to make it illegal.
Many who oppose that effort make the point that it is an historical part of Polynesian culture. As a relatively recent transplant from the mainland, it is not my place to say this is right or wrong.
Though illegal, dog fighting is still practiced in many places on the mainland.
It was mainland culture that demanded the arrest and incarceration of all citizens of Japanese descent in 1942. That same culture is now looking to arrest and fill concentration camps with millions of undocumented immigrants.
Female genital mutilation, human slavery and arranged child marriage are still culturally accepted practices in many parts of Africa and Asia. Who are we to criticize the culture of others?
Russell Button
Pahoa
Nahale-a should be the next mayor
The Big Island community was proud of Alapaki Nahale-a when he was chosen to be a regent for the University of Hawaii board. A well-deserved honor.
We were surprised, disappointed and saddened to hear him be abused by some members of the Higher Education Committee. One wonders what the hidden agenda might be.
I have known Paki since he was a teenager, and even at a young age he had a strong sense of responsibility, a passion for helping and doing the right thing. Early on, he made a conscientious commitment to the community and was determined to make Hawaii a better place to live.
His calm and thoughtful way of communicating promoted unity and harmony, and he worked as a volunteer without compensation on the university board looking to “getting things done in the long run.”
Alapaki is an exceptional human being that is well-respected and very much loved, admired and appreciated by his many friends, family and the Big Island community. His spirit may have been trampled on, but he will continue graciously giving of himself.
Losing his thoughtful insights and perspectives will be a tremendous loss to the university.
Paki has always wanted to serve, has integrity, dedication and is not afraid of hard work. We love his collaborative style, and he would be a breath of fresh air. Let him leave the egos, petty politics and drama and come home to the Big Island.
In just a few days he had 14,000 supporters for the University of Hawaii board. Imagine how many he could have if we support him.
Alapaki Nahale-a should be the next mayor of Hawaii Island!
Patty Sue Salvador
Hilo