Erroneous claims
Erroneous claims
This is in reply to Ms. (Susan) Bond’s letter claiming that Mayor (Billy) Kenoi is doing polling and hiring a company from Utah and … that we are engaged in negative campaigning (Tribune-Herald, Sept. 16). She is incorrect and erroneous on all three claims.
We have not and will not hire a polling firm or do polls between the primary and the general election. We chose not to do any further polling. The most accurate poll we have is from Aug. 11. We do not know who called Ms. Bond, but it wasn’t any firm hired or contracted by the Friends of Billy Kenoi.
Our campaign has always worked with local companies, whether it is for advertising production, brochures, T-shirts, signs or polling. We have never contracted or hired any company from Utah. We are a Hawaii campaign supporting Hawaii companies. We agree with Ms. Bonds that our money should be spent here.
Finally, our campaign always has and always will run a positive campaign. In both 2008 and now in 2012, our campaign values have always been to work hard, treat everyone with aloha and respect, and focus on our accomplishments, achievements and our vision. Those values have never changed or wavered.
Mayor Kenoi has always treated candidates respectfully and has directed everyone else to do the same. He nor I will tolerate anything less.
Kimo Alameda
Campaign chair, Friends of Billy Kenoi
Telephone surveys
I have also been the recipient of telephone survey requests, as (referenced in) reader Susan Bond’s letter published in the Tribune-Herald on Sunday, Sept. 16.
In the past week, I have received no fewer than nine survey calls, though mine have come from Michigan and New Jersey, not Utah.
I have found that the best way to avoid even speaking with the caller is to simply let my voicemail answer and not answer the call at all. This is an inconvenience, since now I do not answer ANY calls without screening.
What are we supposed to do in this situation? Have our phones disconnected? Changing our phone numbers and going unlisted?
Gerald DeOreo
Hilo
Mahalo, HTH
The Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association recently held its annual garage sale. It was a tremendous success. We can’t thank the Hawaii Tribune-Herald enough for its generous publicity. We couldn’t have done it without your help. The “What’s Hot” section, and the Spam musubi in the front-page banner sure clinched it. This is a fine example of the power of the press!
Donations of merchandise poured in from the entire community. Dozens of members volunteered their precious time for two weeks prior to the sale to sort and price the items for sale. The doors were to open at 7 a.m. on sale day, but one woman was waiting from 5 a.m. Of course, she had the privilege of entering first. The Sangha Hall was filled with eager shoppers looking for “treasures.” Most of them learned of the event through the Tribune-Herald.
It was a pleasure to work with your staff. Our goals were met, and now our temple’s programs can continue.
Ellen Okano
President, Hilo
Betsuin BWA