MEMORIES OF WAIKIKI LANDMARK LIVE ON

I was saddened to learn of the shutdown of the Ilikai Hotel. The immediate concern is for the fate of the hotel workers, but in the larger sense we grieve the loss of yet another of Honolulu's historic landmarks. Whatever happens to the Ilikai, some of our memories will live on.

Countless episodes of "Hawaii Five-0" featured McGarrett running out of the Ilikai and jumping into his big, black Lincoln and driving off in pursuit of the bad guys to the sound of squealing tires. And who could forget the timeless elegance of George "Granny Goose" Groves in a tuxedo as he entered the Ilikai on his way up to his luxury suite to host the late-night movie on KGMB?

Mahalo, Ilikai.

Lester Iwamasa | Seattle

ECONOMY

RECOVERY TAKES TIME, JUST AS OBAMA SAID

It is remarkable how some people have so quickly forgotten that President Obama clearly stated from the beginning that the economic recovery will take time, perhaps until the end of his first term.

Critics point out that only a little over 10 percent of the "stimulus" dollars have been expended. This is good, since the president wants to ensure that the dollars are spent wisely and result in positive long-term outcomes. He does not want to waste taxpayer dollars on quick, short-term fixes. Critics appear to be saying, "give me the stimulus dollars now and I will stimulate the economy," for a month or so.

President Obama recognizes that we must work with other nations as partners in a cooperative effort to create a better global economy. He is working hard and has made remarkable progress changing our image from global "bully" to a global "partner."

We need to be patient, as most of us want a stable, strong global economy beneficial to all peoples of the world.

MJ Culvyhouse | Kane'ohe

UH BASKETBALL

ARTICLE CAPTURED SPIRIT OF FAB FIVE

I am not a big sports fan, and UH basketball's Fabulous Five had their glory days years before I returned to Hawai'i in 1976.

But Advertiser staff writer Dayton Morinaga's lively, compelling story (July 9) about these exciting players had the same kind of pace, drive and enthusiasm these athletes exhibited on the court almost 40 years ago.

The article set the stage for a time when African-American men were only starting their meteoric rise in the sport.

Rich with quotes, the story showed what it felt like for those five men to come to a state known more for hula than for hoops, and to take it by storm. Maybe it's because the best sportswriters have a flair for the dramatic, and a talent for capturing action in a few words. Whatever it is, it worked, big time.

Walter Wright | Kane'ohe

UNIONS

LEADERS NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR MEMBERS

I decided to speak my opinion to the board members of the HGEA and basically was told by one of them that if you don't like living in a union state, don't live in Hawai'i. She's right, I don't like it and want to leave already!

How many times have local folks had to rush out to Costco to get rice and toilet paper because of a pending strike by the dock workers? When these folks get higher wages and benefits, who pays for all these increased charges? The poor locals.

Now the HGEA wants to block the furlough plan. What do they want from the public? Higher GET taxes to cover their jobs. The leaders blame Lingle for the problems but hey, if they recognize the problem, the saying goes, then you're part of the problem, too!

Are the union leaders really looking out for their members? The bad economy is hitting all of us and they should be responsive to that also as in the private sector.

But then again, how can we, the public, expect the union who works in a system burdened by bureaucracy and mediocrity to ever make good decisions anyway!

Joni Kamiya | Kane'ohe

PALIN

RESIGNATION SHOWS BRUTALITY OF POLITICS

As Americans, we all should be concerned about the personal cost of running for political office. The Palin resignation is worrisome for what it means about the unconscionable brutality of the political process.

There is a message to all potential candidates, especially young women, not to run for office because it's not worth it for the ridicule it may bring to your family.

The attacks against her children are degenerate and unfair. Sarah Palin is reacting like any mother, to save her family from painful ridicule. Why not let this family heal?

What does this issue say about Republicans who supposedly stand for "family values?" There is conspicuous silence, except from John McCain's campaign henchmen being quoted behind the scenes. Are they doing this for their next jobs?

And then there is John McCain who, for an American war hero, does not sound heroic. Why has he not condemned the attacks on Palin?

Whether or not Palin is even thinking of higher political aspirations, shouldn't there be zero tolerance against harassment against innocent children?

With declining voter turnouts and fewer candidates seeking office, shouldn't Americans be worried and ashamed that the process has degenerated to such depths?

Dale Evans | Waikiki