Same-sex marriage debate is complex

I believe that Hawaii’s people are inherently compassionate. So if human rights and equality really are central to the argument, same-sex marriage would have become a reality here two decades ago.

Therefore, we must assume that other, more profound questions exist that merit careful consideration.There cannot be a civil conversation on the matter until same-sex marriage proponents address these concerns without dismissing them as fussy, out-of-step or religious nostalgia.

Historically, "because everybody else is doing it!" has never been a good reason to do anything.And, I suspect, it’s difficult to see societal consequences in states where one does not reside.

With the state Legislature poised to redefine marriage during this session, it is incumbent on lawmakers to weigh every aspect and listen to all parties.After all, though this legislation focuses on a small minority of our population, its passage will undoubtedly affect us all.

Cheryle O’Brien
Kailua

Annual gun fee could pay for police

Donald Wyand claims the $25 gun registration fee will just be used by our lawmakers to give themselves a 30 percent raise ("Gun permit bill just a money grab," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Feb. 5).

I would like to propose we make gun registration $100 per year, but earmark the money for prosecuting and housing all the criminals who use guns in their crimes. The estimated $100 million in revenue could even help pay for additional police officers.

Wim Blees
Mililani

Aloha spirit truly exists in Hawaii

As a visitor to Hawaii for many years, I often heard talk of the "aloha spirit" but never fully understood its meaning.I even sported a bumper sticker that I had obtained in Honolulu and affixed to my Florida car when returning from vacation without grasping the meaning of "Live Aloha."

In October, my son, who lives in Honolulu, became critically ill and I have been tending to his needs and living in Honolulu ever since.I now get it!Every doctor, nurse, nurse’s aide, dietary worker, physical therapist and housekeeper at Straub Hospital has been not onlyhighly professional and proficient, but compassionate, loving, cheerleading for recovery and always present.I knew no one in Hawaii, but each and every person I have encountered, from taxi drivers to bank and store clerks,has extended kindness to me.I will never forget that "aloha spirit" that has helped me through the darkest days of my son’s illness.

Joyce Curtis
Punchbowl

Dementia becoming significant problem

While we seniors wrestle with the problems of how to be good caregivers to our loved ones suffering from dementia, there has been no word from our governor or Legislature about this problem.

There are many programs attempting to help the homeless and less fortunate is our society but few or none for seniors suffering from dementia. They need help with the high cost of assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. Most of it is now covered by family members.

The governor and Legislature should keep these people in mind when they plan their budget.

Richard Wong
Aiea

Mail-in voting would have many benefits

The time has come. This is the year that we go all out and pass an election law in which all registered voters vote by mail.

We can no longer stand by and continue to remain in last place of all the states.

The voting procedure is simple: You vote and mail the forms to the city or county clerks responsible.

The advantages are numerous: You have time to study the issues such as state Constitution and City Charter amendment proposals, you vote in the comfort of your home and not depend on the weather, you have time to find out about the candidates such as the people who run for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and you can vote early.

So, urge your representatives and senators to vote for House Bill 1007. Pronto!

Roy E. Shigemura
Kuakini

New landfill needed or trash will prevail

I know no one wants a landfill in their back yard, but if the city authorities don’t do anything to solve this problem, we’ll have all the waste in our front yards.

Patrick Carvalho
Honolulu

UH approach to pay unfair to taxpayers

Not only are the six-figure salaries of the University of Hawaii administrators outrageous, but they alarmingly escalate when a novice new hire is given a much higher salary than the experienced predecessor being replaced ("UH defends six-figure salaries to skeptical Senate committees," Star-Advertiser, Feb. 2).

For example, as reported, UH-Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple was hired at a salary of $439,008, more than $100,000 more than Virginia Hinshaw, whom he replaced. The same practice applied to President M.R.C. Greenwood, Athletic Director Ben Jay and Coach Norm Chow, all of whom were hired at greatly inflated salaries instead of starting with less pay than their predecessor and earning pay raises as they became more experienced on the job.

This greedy practice is unfair to the taxpayers and an insult to the people being replaced, who must feel that they were unappreciated and underpaid.

Mark Webster
Waialae-Kahala