We have very serious concerns about the Oct. 12 article by Star-Advertiser reporter Sophie Cocke, “Rape kit storage questioned,” and subsequent editorial (“Protect integrity of ‘rape kits’ to ensure justice,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Oct. 17).
The article was full of confused, conflicting data and unsubstantiated conclusions. There is no basis for the article’s central premise, which is that the Sex Abuse Treatment Center (SATC) in Hawaii has compromised the chain of custody for evidence stored at its facility.
In fact, quotes by Kimberly Lonsway, our research director at End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI), were misrepresented, to the point that SATC’s name was specifically inserted into Lonsway’s general statements about evidence storage and on chain of custody. This is absolutely outrageous; in no way did Lonsway state that SATC is not following chain of custody. Further, we were extremely dismayed to see the editorial, based on Cocke’s article.
All this is harmful on several levels: It damages the credibility of Lonsway and EVAWI; of confidence in SATC and its reputation; and could have significant repercussions for future prosecutions or even past cases.
Joanne Archambault
Chief executive officer, End Violence Against Women International
Kamehameha II ended old religion
Thirty Meter Telescope protesters are saying Mauna Kea is culturally sacred (“Dissenting views open second hearing on telescope,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 21). They also have an individual representing a supposedly traditional Hawaiian faith known as The Temple of Lono.
Apparently, these folks are unaware that King Kamehameha II in 1819 abolished the Hawaiian religion and its gods to stop the killing of Hawaiians for sinning (breaking a kapu). Moreover, there has never been a church that prayed to these gods since.
Hawaiians continue for nearly 200 years to embrace the Christian religion, a faith in which sins can be forgiven.
Those opposing the TMT should use other arguments to support their case.
Bill Punini Prescott
Nanakuli
Clinton’s solicitation disqualifies her
In endorsing Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump (“At long last, elect Hillary Clinton,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Oct. 23), the Honolulu Star-Advertiser essentially engages in moral relativism by acknowledging her flaws but considering them to be less objectionable than Trump’s.
According to the latest batch of emails released by WikiLeaks, Clinton solicited a $12 million donation from the King of Morocco for her foundation. Are we to believe there is no quid pro quo?
The conflict of interest she exhibited cannot be dismissed as a mere “flaw” that can be outweighed by other factors. It absolutely disqualifies her from the office of the presidency.
On this basis I call upon the Star-Advertiser to reconsider its endorsement of her and to withdraw it.
Edward D. Lasky
Hawaii Kai
Curb light pollution on Oahu roadways
Driving on the H-1 freeway Saturday night, it was so nice to have the streetlights off in both directions from University to 6th avenues.
Why do we need to have the freeway lit up like daylight? There are no cross streets and no pedestrians; plus, all the other streetlights and other light pollution make it easy to see. That is probably why so many people forget to turn on their lights, because they can see just fine without them. I relish the small portion of the Pali Highway between Pacific Heights and Wyllie Street that does not have streetlights.
When I am on Molokai’s west shore there is a big glow in the sky from Oahu. I can see why the shearwater seabirds get disoriented. We all pay for this unnecessary annoying light pollution. Tone it down.
Matt Buckman
Diamond Head
Physicians need fair compensation
Physicians are not surprised at the train-wreck results of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Physicians are trained to diagnose and prescribe solutions for the most complicated human ailments, and yet they were not included in the formulation of the ACA. Instead they are targeted for reductions in medical care cost reimbursements, face increased mandates and will now be punished for adverse health outcomes for treating patients with underlying health challenges.
Physicians start their careers with huge education debt. Many physicians are unable to establish a private practice because of the costs. There is now a shortage of physicians to care for our aging population. Many doctors will not accept Medicare and Medicaid or new patients.
Government policymakers need to acknowledge this critical medical crisis and make changes that encourage the brightest and best people to choose medicine as their career goal, by embracing fair treatment and compensation for physicians.
John Tamashiro
Pearl City
Kapolei needs more diversity in movies
I am writing to protest the fact that Olino, the new theater in Kapolei, is showing the same movies as all the other theaters, except Kahala Mall and sometimes Dole Cannery. For a resident of Royal Kunia, going to Kahala Mall is a major trek across the island, especially considering the rail construction and lane closures.
I was so looking forward to the opening of this theater, hoping that some or all of the movies offered at Kahala would be available on this side of the island. My husband and I like to see good movies, and often go every week, but more and more we are staying home because of the general selection.
I have written to the management of Regal and Consolidated theaters. I feel that there is a market in Kapolei for the kinds of movies showing at Kahala and Dole Cannery.
Barbara Foote
Waipahu
