Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 5, 1 May 1987 — Our Readers Write. [ARTICLE]

Our Readers Write.

Mary A. Spinney Green, director of the Kona Genealogical Society, writes the following to this newspaper: "I am reading the last issue of Ka Wai Ola O OHA, for the month of April, and I felt that I should write and say what a wonderful job that you have been doing. I am very proud that our Hawaiian issues are brought to our Hawaiian community. Ka Wai Ola is our only link' to what is happening here and abroad. OHA has always been close to my heart from the very ;kumu' and I will eonhnue always to feel this way. It takes people like you to make all of us feel like 'great' Hawaiians that we are. My best goes to you always, and I always look forward to the news in the next edition." Ka Wai Ola O OHA extends mahalo and appreciation to Aunty Mary for those kind words. The following was received from Wendell P. K. Silva, executive director of the non-profit KalihiPalama Culture and Arts Society ine.: "The Kalihi-Palama Culture and Arts Society ine. extends our aloha and mahalo nui loa for the fine article relating to our 2nd Annual Keiki Tahiti Fete in the April, 1987, edition of the Ka Wai Ola O OHA newspaper. Your excellent coverage of this special event enabled us to recognize the aeeomplishments of Hawaii's talented keiki o ka'aina in the art of traditional Tahitian music and dance and share our culture and arts efforts on behalf of our people of Hawaii. We appreciate you taking precious time from your busy schedule to attend our festivities and we commend you for the wonderful work you are doing to publicize newsworthy happenings within our Hawaiian community. Again, our gratitude for all your kokua and especially your aloha." This one is from Fred Cachola, director of the Kamehameha Schools Extension Education Division: "Aloha kaua. Mahalo for the very interesting and informative article about Molokai's alternative education program, Ka Papa Honua O Keawanui. This joint effort between the Department of Education (DOE) and Kamehameha Schools/ Bishop Estate (KS/BE) is a good example of how public and private agencies ean collaborate in a manner whieh benefits all concerned. If the DOE or KS/BE were to conduct such a program independently of eaeh other, the chances for eontinued success would be slim. However, working cooperatively and sharing the responsibility for educating Molokai's youth greatly increases the chances of success. Your recognition of the ". . ,talented and dedicated staff ' was very appropriate, as well as your observation that it is ". . .a very successful program." Mahalo, again, for the positive reinforcement given to this program and its staff and students."