Court system can’t cover for sheriffs

In response to the Department of Public Safety’s commentary ("Sheriff Division effective under duress," Island Voices, Star-Advertiser, Aug. 19) regarding the Judiciary’s plan to temporarily close three rural courts due to DPS staffing shortages: The Judiciary cannot function safely without trained and armed deputy sheriffs providing security to the public, court users, employees and judges.

As for DPS’s proposal that the Judiciary arm its bailiffs as an alternative to having deputy sheriffs:

» Bailiffs have their own assignments and may supplement the efforts of deputy sheriffs, but cannot replace them.

» If safety requires a minimum of two deputy sheriffs at all times as DPS requires, then it is logical to assume that safety concerns also would require two bailiffs in each courtroom.

» Hiring, training and arming bailiffs would take substantial additional resources both in time and funds.

When DPS is able to fill its current vacancies (six sheriff positions in Kona and five in Hilo), the Judiciary will re-evaluate the need to close the three affected courts.

Sign-waving politicians are a danger to traffic

Enough of this idiotic campaigning of people standing in roadways handing out leaflets advertising rallies and waving signs.

We were involved in a horrendous car collision at the intersection of Salt Lake Boulevard and Radford Drive Tuesday because a campaign volunteer was waving papers around, stopping people and handing them leaflets through their car windows. He stepped out in front of us and a driver coming the other way on Salt Lake Boulevard and we swerved to avoid him. Both cars suffered severe damage. I was injured badly and my service dog, who was in a restraint in the back seat, was injured also. The police issued no citations.

All politicians who support and encourage this "advertisement" should be ashamed of themselves. Pull your people off the street now. This will only get worse.

Rep. Ward peddles old guilt-trip ploy

Rep. Gene Ward recognizes the right of the Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and his congregation to build a mosque two blocks from ground zero ("Timing is wrong for N.Y. mosque," Letters, Star-Advertiser, Aug. 25). However, he undermines that right by claiming it is at the wrong time and place. It is in an area zoned to allow a mosque (there is already one in the area). The zoning board was unanimous in acceptance.

If this old guilt-trip ploy is followed, it will give victory to opponents of the mosque who do not care about the rights and proprieties of zoning. They would oppose a mosque at any time and place because they denounce Islam. It is to the credit of the city that it recognizes the work of the imam in creating good will and peace. The billions of Muslims and our own Muslim citizens live peaceably and harmoniously with other peoples of faith. Further, we do not condemn or attack the Islamic nation of Saudi Arabia, of which the 9/11 perpetrators were citizens. Rep. Ward’s point is weak.

Closing school would send wrong message

On Thursday, our son brought home a letter from his principal informing us that the state Department of Education had conducted a "consolidation study" of the Kalani complex. The study concluded that the DOE would save $373,000 annually by closing Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School, with students split between Liholiho and Waialae Elementary Schools.

We urge the state Department of Education to seek alternative plans so that students are not victims of decision-making based on finances alone.

The aim of the DOE is to provide quality education for all of Hawaii’s children. How can students receive a quality education when they’re forced to sit in overcrowded classrooms with frustrated teachers who lack the support needed to meet rigorous national standards?

And what message do school closures send to Hawaii’s children about their importance and the importance of education?