I applaud the excellent article written by Robert L. Fitzpatrick, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii, expressing concern over building a new jail instead of addressing our problems with social services (“Instead of building a new jail, spend money on rehabilitation,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Jan. 25).

Our present jail holds many people who have not been proven guilty of any crime. These prisoners cannot afford bail, in addition to others who need mental health and substance- abuse treatment.

The present system is discriminatory, as evidenced by the fact that Native Hawaiians and women are disproportionately represented in the system. Safety appears lacking, resulting in too many suicides.

We must live our aloha by changing from a punitive to a rehabilitative system.

Joan Schumacher

Kailua

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Hawaii workers need $15 minimum wage

If you’re looking for a job, I may know about one for you. Here’s the deal: You’ll be putting in 40 hours a week. It’s hard work most of the time and it’s hot, repetitious and sometimes dirty work. The job pays minimum wage. That means if you stick it out for a full year, you will have earned a total of $21,000.

That’s how much you can make at $10.10 per hour under Hawaii’s brand-new minimum wage law. It just went into effect on Jan. 1. Lucky you! That’s $21,000 a year — before taxes and deductions for health insurance.

With Hawaii’s cost of living, that’s a bare minimum wage. Let’s get serious. Let’s start thinking about what’s good for all of us as a community.

Other states have raised their minimum wage to $15 an hour with no loss of jobs. In fact, more people had more money to spend.

It’s time for Hawaii to step up to the plate and do what’s right.

Jim Loomis

Haiku, Maui

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Relocate parking lot at Ala Moana Park

As a regular user of Ala Moana Regional Park, I have been anxiously awaiting for the improvements to happen ever since they were announced in 2015.

Slowly but surely I have seen some gradual improvements within the park through the years.

I’m all for any change with parking. It’s a shame to have a huge parking lot at Magic Island so close to the beach, when it could better serve as a beautiful green space. Relocating this eyesore of a parking lot would immensely improve this public space.

Thank you to all those involved for taking on this revitalization project. I look forward to the wonderful changes it will bring.

Josh Amas

Waikiki

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Dogs run amok on Magic Island

Magic Island is turning into a dog run. More and more dog owners are bringing their dogs to the park and many are allowing their dogs to run free of their leashes.

These animals are peeing and pooping everywhere. It’s disgusting. You never know if you are sitting on a spot previously pooped or peed on.

This park is meant for family picnics. Dogs are not allowed in Ala Moana Beach Park. Why are these dog owners allowed to break the rules?

Joy Schoonover

Waipahu