A Lady In Mechanical Distress

Aloha Pamela,

Many women, myself included, panic when they’re driving alone and the car won’t start. That’s what happened to me at Walgreen’s on North School Street.

Parked right next to me was a gentleman with two keiki in his car. Realizing the problem was battery-related, I asked him if he had jumper cables. But quick-thinking John Pangelinan popped the hood and said he wanted to check to see if a jump was needed.

It took him all of 10 seconds to diagnose the problem as a loose battery terminal connection, which he tightened with his hand. It was dinnertime and I’m sure his children were hungry, but he took the time to help a stranger, saving me waiting and paying for a tow truck.

My luck continued when I drove straight to Burt’s Union Service, where mechanic Ray was getting ready to go home for the day. It was late and I’m sure he put in long hours, yet he kindly took the time to explain exactly what was needed, and the next day mechanic Richard expertly did the repair. APPLAUSE to all who assisted me that day!

Cinde Fisher
Hawaii Kai

Dear Cinde,

Ray Nakagawa has been a mechanic at Burt’s Union Service for 12 years and he loves his job.

“I was waiting for my wife to pick me up,” he says. “I had the time and there was a customer standing right in front of me who needed help. It’s a part of our customer service.”

Dear Pamela,

I would just like to say a sincere mahalo to everyone at Islands Hospice for the help, care and support during and up until the passing of my wife of 23 years. I hope more people support their local hospice organization.

Gerald King
Waikiki

Dear Mr. King,

“On behalf of Islands Hospice, I offer you my deepest sympathy and warmest wishes,” writes Dr. Michael Duich, executive director of Islands Hospice. “Thank you for asking the community to support their local hospice. Each year, we continue to advance our mission of providing the highest quality patient care focused on the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our patients and their loved ones. Our goal is to make a significant difference to our patients and their families during their tender, end-of-life moments by relieving their suffering and enabling them to live life to the fullest. Supporting your local, nonprofit hospice allows us to provide this care to anyone in need, islandwide. Again, thank you from our hearts to yours.”