Dems should keep big tent

Hawaii and the United States need less ideological purity, not more.

Hawaii’s Democrats should reject the example of the national Republican Party, which has retreated into its ideological corner.

The recent election of state Sen. Laura Thielen showed what voters thought of the local Democratic Party leaders’ efforts to control access to the ballot. More recent moves to change the overall primary process to permit, or even to force, closed primaries is exactly the wrong way to go.

If the party’s leaders succeed in limiting who can run as a Democrat, then the people of Hawaii should demand that the state Constitution be amended to move to a partyless primary, as suggested by David Shapiro ("Democrats file lawsuit to tighten grip on power," Star-Advertiser, Volcanic Ash, April 24).

If this were combined with instant runoff voting, a second round of voting could be eliminated, saving considerable government expense.

Edward S. Gaffney
Ewa Beach

D.C. trip for rail seems wasteful

Why are the city powers spending taxpayer money on another trip to Washington, D.C., to meet on the funding for rail ("D.C. trip affirms city’s commitment to rail," Star-Advertiser, April 24)?

Are we being misled on the funding? I thought the total funding amount to be furnished by the feds was a done deal.

The continuing saga of the train to nowhere that will not ease traffic congestion is dumbfounding.

Gregory A. Poole
Mililani

Individuals can make difference

The recent articles in the paper about the deterioration and sad condition of Thomas Square reminds me of an article in the Sept. 7, 1983, edition of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

It told of how a young housewife named Audrey Palma, along with two friends, got the city to clean up the park, which had become an eyesore of disrepair, neglect and criminal behavior.

After weeks of letter-writing by Palma and her friends to the mayor and Department of Parks and Recreation, the park was cleaned up, its foliage and trees trimmed, and the sprinkler system and fountain repaired.

Subsequently, the park received an American Society of Landscape Architects Medallion Award.

Audrey Palma no longer lives in Hawaii.She was here on a short visit not long ago and was deeply saddened by the deteriorated condition of Thomas Square.

The 1983 story about Thomas Square is a fine example of what can be done by a private citizen with determination and vision.

Kathleen Muirhead
Mililani

Don’t authorize phased surveys

Senate Bill 1171 is short-sighted and destructive.

If passed, developers would be able to start construction before completing archaeological surveys.

Enough of our history has been destroyed in the name of progress. If we don’t preserve the history of our native people, who will? Once lost, it’s lost forever.

This is not the continent, where preserving cultural sites can’t compete with the almighty dollar. Our islands are unique precisely because of our native people.

For all of our sakes, please defeat SB 1171.

Kamalani Hurley
Mililani

442nd Infantry still dismissed?

A few days ago, a state legislative conference committee passed House Bill 1203 to give preference to Hawaii National Guard members who apply to become the adjutant general.

HB 1203 would eliminate soldiers of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry from applying for the job.

In the history of the adjutant general, the governor appointed the best qualified person, with confirmation of the Senate.

Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, who commanded the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry, served as adjutant general from 2003 to 2010.In his tenure, he did a great job.

In World War II, men of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry volunteered to fight and died for our country because they wanted to show their patriotism and fight discrimination.

More than 70 years later, they are still facing discrimination.

George Waialeale
Kapahulu

Abortion trial poorly covered

Dr. Kermit Gosnell of Philadelphia is on trial for murdering babies.

Now, just think, if Dr. Gosnell was found to be murdering whales or turtles, his story would make the front page of Hawaii’s media!

Steve Baker
Kahului