War memorial work did not include highlighting names [Honolulu Star-Advertiser (HI)]

Question: I have a concern about the war memorial at Punchbowl and South King streets, which was just renovated. They painted over the names of the war dead engraved at the base of the memorial. From the fence looking in, you cannot see the names. I think that's the most important part of the memorial and should be highlighted. Are they going to do anything about this?

Answer: At this point, no.

The names of more than 400 servicemen from Hawaii killed during World War II are engraved at the bottom of the memorial, designed by sculptor Roy King and dedicated on Dec. 7, 1944, fronting the Territorial Office Building.

The recent $95,000 renovation was to remove peeling lead-based paint, then repaint the memorial, as well as deal with termite damage to wooden portions of the structure discovered after work began.

An official with the state Department of Accounting and General Services, which oversees the memorial, said the repainting required just matching the previous paint job and that there are no plans to have the names highlighted.

"Prior to the recent repainting work, the names were not highlighted. ... The names may have been more visible prior to the painting due to soot collecting in the engraving," said Dean Shimomura, program manager for the Repairs and Alterations Branch of DAGS. "Currently we don't have any plans or funds to do any further work. ... (We) will keep this work in mind and look into it if our situation changes."

There's no way to get up close to the memorial anymore. The gate is now always locked because of problems with people defecating, urinating and littering, Shimomura said.

Question: I've noticed a business that seems to work in the same way Pachinko works in Japan in which you have to buy coupons, which allows you entry into a game that looks like a slot machine. It smells a lot like legalized gambling. Is this truly legal in Hawaii?

Answer: We passed the details on to the Honolulu Police Department, which is investigating.

In the meantime, HPD says the public can report suspected illegal gambling, drug, prostitution or other vice crimes to the Narcotics/Vice Division by calling 529-3101 or online at honolulupd.org/forms/nvformonline.htm.

MAHALO

To the honest, kind and thoughtful lady who turned in my red wallet, with everything intact, to the customer service desk at the Kona Walmart. I had been shopping for gift boxes for the Marines in Afghanistan, a program sponsored by the Kona Sunrise Rotarians, when I realized I had lost my wallet. I felt heartsick at losing my driver's license, credit and debit cards, insurance cards and cash I had just withdrawn. When I returned home, I saw the red light blinking on my phone and heard the happy message. You didn't leave your name so I could personally thank you, but want you to know how profoundly grateful I am. May your life be blessed many times over with people watching over you. -- Your No. 1 Fan

Write to "Kokua Line" at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email [email protected].

Credit: June Watanabe