Legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii

It is now time for Hawaii to become the 14th state to legalize same-sex marriage. In the most diverse state in the union, it would be symbolic if Hawaii could be noted as the 14th state to uphold the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, enshrining the due process and equal protection clauses for all residents of the 50th state.

Denying the right to marry is incompatible with the equal protection clause.

Kurt Wollenhaupt
Haiku

High court can’t redefine marriage

For those like myself who support traditional marriage, contrary to what you hear in the news, same-sex marriage is not the law of the land. The U.S. Supreme Court did not find a constitutional right to same-sex marriage. All the court said was in states that allow it, those couples cannot be denied federal benefits.

God of the Bible ordained marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman. The court ruling on same-sex marriage did not redefine traditional marriage.

However, an unchanging God will have the last word one day soon.

Melvin Partido Sr.
Pearl City

Downtown has real bicycle dangers

The real danger is not in Palolo ("Bicycle riders need to learn road rules," Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 24). Take it from a Downtown resident of 42 years, where we have Waikiki tourists, workers going to and from work or Chinatown, and the numerous messengers delivering and picking up documents from offices.

Riding on the sidewalks or even on the wrong side of the street. Riding in a crosswalk which is not legal anywhere on Oahu, as you are a vehicle when astride. It’s tough to get out of their way as you get older. Even in a residential area, has anyone ever heard a bell or horn when being overtaken from behind? Good luck! The last time I saw a bell or horn on a bike’s handlebars was on my own bike when I was a kid.

Kedric Dean
Downtown Honolulu

Organized thieves strike Oahu homes

Several of us shared some stories of recent burglaries with University of Hawaii basketball coach Gib Arnold at lunch ("UH coach’s home burglarized," Star-Advertiser, June 18).

Many areas of the island have been robbed. Roving professional thieves rob many single-family homes. Some tips:

» The burglars go quickly and are not put off by fake signs or dogs.

» Streets cased by criminals use nearby construction sites to cover them, as these places have many vehicles.

» Items that are taken include cash, cameras and jewelry. Log your possessions.

» These thefts are not random. I was recently burgled with two other homes on my street on different days, and our neighborhood has a part-time security patrol. I now have an alarm.

» Information is critical to security and we need to be diligent. We have started an open Facebook page called Oahu Burgled Homes to share your stories.

Warner Kimo Sutton
Honolulu

Open primary best we can hope for

I was delightfully surprised to read Larry Tool’s comments ("Hawaii Democrats an embarrassment," Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 25). It is proof positive that there are indeed sensible people who are Democrats.

As a lifelong conservative I cannot add one word to his piece. I will, however submit on my own that, for the past 50 years, it has been the sole purpose of Hawaii’s Democratic Party to "strangle citizen choice and guarantee job security for party hacks."

I sympathize with his embarrassment. Auwe! There is every reason for it.

Politics here in the islands is truly a dirty business. Unfortunately for all, the destruction of the Republican Party here is nearly complete.

We are a single-party state, much to the shame of those of us who do not protest the status quo that is the "good ol’ boy" political makeup of Hawaii. I fully support a blanket primary, but am sure the best we can hope for is an open one.

Michael Gilleland
Kailua

Project will help YMCA’s members

Serving as the associate healthy lifestyles director for the Central YMCA, I see first-hand, every day, the amazing benefits the Y brings to our members.

It is a place where everyone is welcome no matter your gender, age, background or even ability to pay; where you can not only get healthy and fit, but can make friends, build a stronger mind and spirit, and have the opportunity to give back to our community.

For many members, Central YMCA is within walking distance.This is critical to our seniors who make the Central Y their second home.The benefits of exercise and healthy lifestyle help our members enjoy a better quality of life, many into their late 80s and 90s.

I support the partnership between Aloha Kai Development and YMCA of Honolulu that allows for a brand-new Central YMCA to replace our current aging Y, and I’m in approval for the zoning change that will allow for a slimmer, less obstructive, positive addition to the revitalization of our neighborhood.

Kathy Lohman
YMCA of Honolulu, Central Branch