‘Aloha’ doesn’t mean only ‘goodbye’

The editors may have thought they were very clever with the title “Say Aloha to President Obama” on the letter from William G. Parrot (Jan. 25) complaining about the Obama’s vacation over the holidays in Hawaii.

The President was born in Hawaii, has family and friends in Hawaii, and has been spending Christmas in Hawaii for many years, well before he became President.

The Hawaiian word “aloha” has many meanings, only one of which is “goodbye.” The editors could also have been saying “Hello, President Obama” or “Love to President Obama.”

Diane Niesman

Wheaton