Wilson will be an excellent justice

Regarding Judge Michael Wilson’s qualifications for Hawaii’s Supreme Court, I am reminded of his eloquent defense of people’s First Amendment rights that Kaiser Development Corp. violated when it subpoenaed 53 citizens for having signed the Sandy Beach Initiative petition that ultimately got the initiative on the ballot and saved the Sandy Beach coastline from development.

The Sandy Beach Coalition sent out letters at the time to all major law firms in town, asking for pro bono legal help to defend in court the First Amendment rights of the petition signers. Wilson was the only attorney who stepped forward. He argued the case before then-Circuit Court Judge Simeon Acoba, who quashed the subpoenas.

Wilson will be an excellent Supreme Court justice. He not only knows the law, but also is also fully committed to protecting people’s constitutional rights.

Robert Retherford
Kailua

Jail time for felony property crimes

I was shocked to learn at Thursday’s Kailua property crime community meeting that in Hawaii, 70 percent of those convicted of felony property crimes are sentenced to probation rather than prison. This sentencing practice does not reflect my values. I want every individual convicted of felony property crime to be sentenced to prison.

Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro, who was on the meeting’s panel, opined that a lack of consequences for convicts is causing the high crime rate.

HOPE Program Judge Steven Alm, also on the panel, stated that the HOPE program is far more effective at preventing recidivism than the standard court system because there are consequences for violating probation in the HOPE program.

Let’s learn from our experience with the HOPE program. Besides getting career criminals off the streets, sentencing everyone convicted of felony property crime to prison will punish those who have committed those crimes and teach everyone there are consequences for criminal activity.

William Leary
Kaneohe

Kauai’s ‘antis’ intimidate locals

No to the Superferry, no to plastic bags, no to GMOs, no to more roads, no to a Walmart super center. There is a group on Kauai we refer to as the "antis," formerly known as the contrarians.

Antis are basically against anything that could help civilization progress. Most antis are transplants from the mainland, most are liberal. The antis are usually active in politics and one of the first things they do upon relocating to a new community is register to vote.

Many local people have given up on the political process, and for good reason. There is a large number of born-and-raised locals who want progress but are afraid to speak.

It’s time to say yes. Please everyone, register to vote, and don’t forget to vote. Yes is not a dirty word.

James "Kimo" Rosen
Kapaa, Kauai

Plans for Kakaako lack green spaces

Christine Donnelly’s article, "No place for green space," (Star-Advertiser, March 9) is definitely on to something disturbing developing in Kakaako. I have lived in the district for the past 15 years and participated in a number of Hawaii Community Development Authority hearings regarding 801 South St., Tower B.

My public testimony addressed the lack of adequate, meaningful open space and recreational space, although both are required by HCDA’s own rules. One of the spaces that HCDA is allowing the developer to count as recreational space is the condo lobby. Residents have asked HCDA how this qualifies as recreational space and have not received an answer.

Regardless of the apparent lack of open and recreation space, 801 South St. Tower B was approved. Potential buyers should also be warned: although the condo is deemed "pet-friendly," pets are not allowed on any of the green spaces, according to the house rules.

Cara Kimura
Kakaako

No money in budget for free preschools

I don’t get it. The governor is asking for funds to establish free public preschool. At the same time, the forecast for state revenues has been reduced to zero for this year and reduced for next year.

Studies of preschool results have shown that any advantage to preschool attendance is lost by the third grade. The idea of funding public preschool fails any logic test. It may feel good, but it is just another program with no results.

Please use my tax money wisely and work on some real issues that can be solved.

Don Miller
Mililani

Natatorium perfect for sand volleyball

Sand volleyball is so Hawaii and I’m proud of our team and University of Hawaii sand volleyball coach Scott Wong for his dedication and commitment ("SandBows off to fast start," Star-Advertiser, March 13).

Why not convert the Waikiki Natatorium into a sand volleyball arena? Keep the bleachers, refurbish them and fill in the pool area and make them sand courts.

Families can go out and support the sport and enjoy picnicking in the area and making it a special occasion.

Is there a City Council member willing to accept the challenge? It would generate interest and spread and be another plus for Hawaii.

Sand volleyball in Hawaii, a stone’s throw from the famous Waikiki Beach, along the Gold Coast below Diamond Head? It’s a no-brainer.

Kandi Heleloa
Kaneohe