A THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE OF LAHAINA

As the parents and siblings of Steve Lambert, we want to give a most sincere thank you for the compassion and support that the people of Lahaina gave to Steve’s widow, Valerie, his two children and to our family due to the passing of Steve on Feb. 16, 2012. Your attendance at his service, the very kind words and your memories of him were very supportive for us and will always be cherished and remembered by all of his family.

Steve spent 28 of his 46 years living in Lahaina, most of them as a charter fishing boat captain. His passions were deep sea fishing and making people feel comfortable and good about their lives. We are very proud to say that he accomplished both.

It was very difficult for us to leave Maui this time, but we are comforted by the fact that Steve’s family has a fantastic support system through he and Valerie’s many friends. Words can never express our heartfelt thanks for all you have done for us. It has made Steve’s passing at such an early age much easier for us to bear and accept.

THE FAMILY OF STEVEN CHARLES (SKILLET) LAMBERT

LETTER WRITER DOESN’T UNDERSTAND THE OCEAN

In the letters to the editor you published in the March 1 issue, you did a huge disservice to Capt. Killer Kellam, giving an armchair quarterback a voice as if he had a crystal ball.

First, we all know how spot-on the weather forecasts are. Secondly, our company has several other boats in our small fleet. We happened to have another charter that left for Oahu Monday morning and was to return Wednesday. Aikane X5 was left in the charge of a seasoned captain, who made a decision. We have been on storm watch with X5 many times and understand the awesome power of the ocean and weather, and the need to protect our property and that of others. Even though we had worked on and replaced all the mooring chains two weeks earlier, and felt we were probably safe where we were, Killer decided to have the captain (25 years of experience) move the boat to safer water, not so close to Black Rock, while we were on Oahu.

It did not work out so well for us.

This does not give the right for Billy Jacobs to gaze into his crystal ball and cast aspersions on Killer Kellam! Capt. Killer has been in these waters for over 34 years and has helped literally hundreds of people whose boats have come undone from a mooring, or were in danger of going onto the rocks, or simply had engine or other problems inherent to boating, on nearly every island in the Hawaiian Islands, asking nothing in return.

To act like having stewardship of a boat somehow precludes you from ever having a problem on the ocean not only shows Mr. Jacobs’ ignorance, but his utter lack of understanding of the sea. He should offer a public apology to Killer, and you, in your infinite wisdom, should have never published his letter.

BRAD KELLAM

BOO BOO ZOO NEEDS HELP

We wanted to give you all an update on our progress through this very hard, frustrating and challenging time. We appreciate all of your ongoing support; in addition to the Boo Boo Babies, you all are what keeps us going.

We are deep in the midst of major construction to separate out various animal groups to come into compliance with Department of Agriculture and Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations, so that we can regain our permits to take in injured wildlife and to allow visitors into The Refuge. Animals (fawns, owls and others) must be sent to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, on a daily basis, to be euthanized, because our permit renewal depends on these facility changes. It is breaking our hearts.

The cost and extent of the work involved has far exceeded our expectations and has stretched our financial resources beyond our current assets. We have no choice – the work must be done in order for us to continue taking in distressed animals. We are appealing to all our supporters to help in any way possible to complete this renovation process.

Much of the beauty and charisma of the Boo Boo Zoo has always been that different species live and thrive together in peace and harmony. Separating the wildlife from the domestics is a requirement of the government agencies now overseeing every aspect of our operation and facility. We will still continue the same rescue and lifetime care for any animal in need, just in new and various areas. Thank you for all your generous and loyal support. We will persevere.

We really need your help’ no amount is too small. You can also help by sharing (e-mail, Facebook, etc.) this with your friends that care for Hawaii’s animals and wildlife.

You can either donate online at booboozoo.org/Donate.html or mail a check to EMAR, 25 Maluaina Place, Haiku, HI 96708

Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts.

EAST MAUI ANIMAL REFUGE

START A PETITION TO REGULATE ROOSTERS

I am happy to support your March 8 letter writer in her quest to restrict roosters in residential areas, and I know many others are as well.

Since you did not include any information so anyone can contact you, I can only assume you want us to reply thru this newspaper. I’m not sure “NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST” demonstrates real passion for your mission though.

I speak to people in my neighborhood all the time who are fed up with the crowing day and night but have no recourse. You can report a barking dog or a loud party, but the response to complaints about roosters brings the same answer every time: “There are no laws pertaining to roosters.” Okay… but that should not be the period at the end of the sentence – the forever and ever. I have an idea! It’s not rocket science – PASS A LAW!

It just takes one of our politicians to step up and bust a move to correct this. I know Sol Kaho’ohalahala introduced a bill before he was unjustifiably given the boot, and since then it has been laying on the floor dead. SO, this is my way of offering support. I will start with my name, and maybe the good folks at Lahaina News will continue to carry this, so others can e-mail their names and add them to the list, too, which will hopefully grow and grow until we embarrass someone into doing something. People do have power, especially if they unite. I expect to see your name next week. Of course, then we will have to deal with the enforcement issue; but one thing at a time right? It is Hawaii.

Add your name to a rooster petition.

PENNY AND KEITH WEIGEL, Lahaina

POP WARNER COACHES SOUGHT

I’m looking for assistant coaches for my Lahaina Little Chiefs Pop Warner Football, PeeWee Division (ages 9-12) team. Requirements: must be able to make every practice, lots of patience and a willingness to learn/teach football. The season runs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1, and the practice days/times are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Please send a letter with your name, telephone number and a brief statement on why you want to coach Peewee football to 3500 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Unit 2C, Lahaina, HI 96761.

RONALD MAIELUA, Head Coach, PeeWee Division