Late senator instrumental in building new base chapel
I am saddened with the passing of Sen. Daniel K. Akaka. Yet, there is much to celebrate and reminisce on his many years of dedicated and distinguished service to the nation, indigenous peoples, people of Hawaii, unions, military, and veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
I had the pleasure to hear him speak on a few occasions. One of the more memorable was the dedication of the base chapel on the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base in honor of the late Bishop Joseph W. Estabrook of the Roman Catholic U.S. Military Archdiocese.
The previous base chapel had been housed in an old building adjacent the base exchange annex and Papa John’s Pizza. Projected cost for the new chapel several years ago was in the $10 million range.
The late Bishop Estabrook pushed for the chapel a number of years ago when he was the base command chaplain before retirement from the U.S. Navy. Senator Akaka was instrumental in securing federal government funds for the chapel. At the dedication of the chapel, I remember the moving words of the late senator to the effect: “It was not fitting that our men and women of the military worship in an old facility.”
A good number of people attended the dedication including Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Military Archdiocese who presided at the blessing, Bishop Larry Silva, and many others, both military and civilian.
Farewell, Sen. Daniel K. Akaka. Requiescat in pace. Me ke aloha pumehana.
Larry M.O. Chun, Kailua
Commending Catholic Charities on senior housing project
I’m writing to you today because I would like to congratulate and commend Catholic Charities Hawaii that is making a difference in the community. In the recent article published by the Hawaii Catholic Herald on April 4 titled “Catholic Charities dedicates phase two of affordable housing project for seniors” inspired me.
As a resident living in the state of Hawaii I am familiar with the high cost of living and the struggle that many citizens succumb to. Growing up in the Catholic community I believe that it is essential to care and help others in any way possible.
Being able to provide these people with all these amenities is a big accomplishment and I applaud those who have given much of their time to help. After reading this article it has inspired me to help and follow in your footsteps.
Jarrad Baker, By email
Accessible safe environment training welcomed
I was pleased to read in your article that was posted on April 4, “New safe environment training program offers both on-line and classroom options,” that there are places that are actually doing something to help prevent sexual abuse. I like how they have included the option to take the online class or the in-class sessions so it may be accessible to almost anyone.
I believe this should be taught to high school students as a requirement for students to learn about sexual abuse and how to defend and handle those situations because I believe that the younger generations are the most vulnerable to sexual abuse and may not even notice they are being sexually abused.
I am very surprised that there are so many facilities that could be found throughout the island that provide this kind of training and think this is a very important thing that people should take the time and enroll in one of the classes.
Cy White, Mililani
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