MISSION NOT ACCOMPLISHED!

"OUR MISSION"

The Honolulu Advertiser’s mission is to chronicle Hawai’i’s story while being a vigilant partner in helping the Islands shape their future. To be diligent, truthful, accurate and fair. To provide a voice for all of the community. To reflect a love and understanding of this place and its people. To honor Hawai’i’s ethnic, cultural and social diversity. To cherish the land and sea. To perpetuate the qualities of aloha — tolerance, humility, sharing and respect. To inform, educate and entertain. To be Hawai’i’s newspaper.

This is the Mission Statement of the Incredible Shrinking Honolulu Advertiser, established July 2, 1856. For more than 100 years this publication actually attempted to fulfill these ideals. But, under the direction of Gannett “Parachute Editors” (those dropped into a market with no knowledge of the place) the paper has become a vague shadow of itself. 

There are now perhaps five local stories in the front section. “Sports” consists of high school and UH event coverage. Award-winning editorial cartoonist Dick Adair was but one of many talented staff members fired in a series of cutbacks.  Every edition includes large “house” ads.

As a former contributor and subscriber for over 50 years, I feel that it is my duty to make these disgusting facts known to the public. 

MISSION definitely NOT ACCOMPLISHED. 

Ron Jacobs, Kane’ohe, Hawai’i

March 18, 2009

50th anniversary of the 50th State