Regarding the reported arson attempt at the canoe club hale (The Maui News, Aug. 2), in commenting on this incident, I must assume that the account in the newspaper included all of and exactly what happened. If there were any other contributing factors, perhaps they will come out in court. And what the young man reportedly committed was a very serious crime.
However, according to the quoted statement from Paul Luuwai, "who runs the (canoe) club's cultural program," "We actually asked the individual to leave the area because he wasn't part of the team or our club."
That sounds like snobbery or exclusionism to me.
I have been on the receiving end of such treatment: We built (this or that); we were the founding members; because you were not one of us then, you cannot be admitted now.
Of course, the members could hardly have predicted the alleged arson attempt. But wouldn't it have been more positive to extend a welcoming hand and invite the young man to participate? To keep such an organization going, new blood must be brought in. Otherwise, as the founding members die, leave or pursue other interests, the organization weakens and dies. Let's practice practical aloha.
Dave Slocum
Makawao
