Wally man of integrity
Wally man of integrity
This is in response to John Rabi’s letter about Wally Lau. This issue of the mayors mistakes being connected to Wally are nonsense. Wally Lau was in charge of the West Hawaii Civic Center and he did an exceptional job there.
This issue of the mayor is the classic who dun it syndrome, the blame game. Blaming keeps everyone involved helpless. Wally Lau does not play the blame game. He is responsible for himself and cares deeply about the people on Hawaii Island.
Anyone who says disparaging remarks about Wally Lau doesn’t know him. When I was registering people to vote in Ocean View, people would ask whom I was voting for. They were referring to the presidential election but I answered I was voting for Wally Lau for mayor. Whenever anyone heard that who knew Wally Lau would nod their heads and smile and I would add, ‘So you know what a great mayor he will be’ and then the smiles broadened and much head nodding.
Wally is kind and listens to people. He also solves problems. When I worked at Neighborhood Place I ran into a problem. Throughout my life hundreds of people have told me I sound terrible on the phone. Someone told Wally to fire me because I answered the phone. Instead, Wally asked me what my good skills were. I wound up making dozens of signs to honk for children and he asked me to not answer the phone. A friend of mine added a new beatitude; blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they will constantly be amused. Wally Lau laughs at his mistakes.
The Bible says we are forgiven 490 times a day. I teach 12th grade psychology. One theme in psychology is locus of control. Locus is center. People like Wally have a strong internal locus of control. That means he is in control of himself, his goals, feelings, thoughts etc are what he controls. He is honest, law abiding, cheerful, friendly, organized, works very well with others and has many gifted supporters to help him when he needs it.
Debra Zager
Ocean View
Leave your dogs at home
Mahalo for your article June 24 informing readers that it is nesting season for sea turtles — honu and ea on the endangered list. In addition to what fishermen can do, you also ask us to avoid driving on the beaches which is where turtles nest.
However, you neglected to point out a bigger problem: dogs. Many residents and visitors seem unaware or don’t care that in Hawaii, dogs are not allowed on beaches, not even on a leash. I have seen, often in remote areas where honu are basking, off-leash dogs running along the shore, their ignorant or disrespectful owners nearby. Enjoy the beaches but please leave your pooch at home.
To those dedicated to the feeding of feral cats at popular beach areas, know that they carry a parasite harmful, even fatal to honu and ea as well as monk seals, another endangered species. It’s nice to care about the felines, but rather than trap, spay and release, a better solution would be to adopt and take them home.
Dogs and cats are not endangered, but turtles and monk seals are. If you choose to be in these beautiful islands, please help protect our fragile environment which includes the inhabitants of the ocean.
Rochelle Delacruz
Waimea