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In response to poker arrest letter from Keakalaulono Makahanaloa
By Kehau Pule, The Maunaloa Roving Reporter
3/24/2008 3:44:51 PM
Public Forum : Columns
Aloha! I am writing in response to an article written in the March 12 issue, page A-7 of The Molokai Times, "Response to poker arrest story."
First of all, my husband was one of the 15 players who were in custody on Feb. 20 at this poker game. As a roving reporter columnist for a few years, I have always advocated for a safe, healthy and drug-free community. So I begin by saying, "That I absolutely do not condone what has taken place regarding my husband and the other individuals who were arrested!" And furthermore, I would like to address some of your questions!
You stated, "What were these guys thinking?" Well! These guys were probably thinking the same thing as the people who held a big Texas Hold'em tournament at One
Ali'i Park and this specific bar who holds a poker game on a regular basis! Were they ever arrested? No! You also mentioned entertainment? Fun? Money? Greed? Isn't Las Vegas the designated place for this type of activity? Yes, you're right! But this has been going on for centuries, at lu'aus, the park, at home, reunions, church gatherings; just about everywhere!
Now you question the integrity of these individuals by saying what lessons of aloha were they trying to instill, or what values were they trying to transmit and are they positive or negative role models for our children? Think about it?! These guys did not even go before a court of law yet, and already you have "judged" them to be guilty?! You dare to ask these questions about them! Do you even know them personally? I don't think so! But I can reassure you that they are good fathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc. and hard working taxpayers, disabled individuals, self-employers and volunteers who have given much of their time and effort in various community projects that have benefited even our children! Did you know that?! Until they are found guilty, who are you to judge?! Despite public remarks made by a certain wife toward her ex-husband who went to this place? Did you know that most of these men go there for relaxation, a place of quietness, getting together with friends having numerous cookouts, enjoying the taste of different ethnic foods and singing karaoke?
How sad that there are people who are so quick to find faults in others, people who are slow in forgiving, or people who can't even take the time to share or give an encouraging word to someone who has fallen and are feeling low and depressed?! Do we really know what the lessons of aloha truly are?
Yes I commend our MPD for a job well done, but just a little reminder. Every police officer has taken a sworn oath to uphold the law and to be an official servant of his community. That officer born and raised on Molokai knew prior to taking oath that when he was assigned to work on this island, what the challenges would be when he would need to arrest a family member or a close friend.
Speaking about the MPD?! I'm a little curious though as to why they took every money that was in these fellows' wallets and pockets and enveloped it as evidence when only poker chips were on the table! This is a serious matter and it needs some looking into!
Did you know that when you sell raffle tickets this is also illegal?! You call this purchasing something on "chance." How about the innocent game of church bingos?
Well, in closing, there's a story in the Bible that tells us a lesson about a woman who was a prostitute and the people wanted to stone her. Jesus came to her rescue and said to the people: "You without sin, cast the first stone?" How do we take care of our keikis in this generation and the next? By continually praying for them and the people of our island!
So, have a blessed day and remember that this article is not to offend anyone, this was straight from the pu'uwai (heart). God bless and a hui hou! If you have any questions or comments, please email me at auntykehau@wave.hicv.net. I look forward to hearing from you!
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