JPAC efforts help many find closure

In support of the proficiency and dedication of Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), Ispeak from my own personal experience ("Bumbling mars effort to tally, ID missing GIs," Star-Advertiser, July 8).

During the Vietnam War, my husband Maj. Stephen Hanson, a Marine aviator, was shot down in Laos in 1967.I lived with the agony of not knowing his fate for many years.Through the diligence and tenancy of JPAC, his remains were recovered and returned to the United States in 2000.Through DNA and dental records, JPAC was able to make an identification.

I cannot tell you how important it is to have closure for the loss of a loved one.Steve is buried at Arlington National Cemetery and I would hope thatevery American would be proud that our country does not dismiss these individuals who have given the ultimate sacrifice despite the fact that their fate was unknown for so many years.

Carole Hanson Hickerson
Nuuanu

Texting drivers are being cited

We all know that it’s dangerous and illegal to use hand-held electronic devices while driving ("Texting law not being enforced," Star-Advertiser, Letters, July 12). Yet many drivers still choose to put their personal convenience above others’ safety.

The Honolulu Police Department is doing its part to change drivers’ behavior. Since 2012 our officers have issued 1,200-1,300 citations every month for texting and driving.

But we need everyone’s cooperation. Don’t wait until you get a ticket or worse.

Maj. Raymond Ancheta
District 7 (East Honolulu)

Treat ‘vaping’ like regular smoking

A recent article about electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, got my attention.

I am a non-smoker and just recently moved back to Hawaii.I noticed that e-cigs are not as popular in San Francisco as they are in Hawaii. I was very surprised at the sheer amount of people using this unhealthy device.I was even more surprised to see people lighting up their e-cigs in supposedly non-smoking establishments.Sure, e-cigs are a little different from traditional cigarettes, but they should be treated the same since essentially smoke is the end result.

I was shocked to see people "vaping" in restaurants, bars, Ala Moana Center — even inside a class-A building in the financial district.

Legislators should look seriously into this matter. E-cigs should be treated as regular cigarettes and "vaping" indoors should be banned.

Lisa Llamas
Kalihi

Kawananakoa wish should be honored

Mahalo ia oe no ka hailona ana ka manao o kanekoa Akaka, me Kamaki Kanahele, a me Ivan Lui-Kwan, I kou nupepa, July 1 Star-Advertiser no ke kumumanao, "Mauna ‘Ala: A proper memorial to Kawananakoa’s legacy." He kakoo nui kela manao hooholo a pono nui ke makemake ana o ka Wahine Alii o Abigail Kawanana-koa he kanu noho mai I Mauna ‘Ala. She has a right to be there!

Mahalo to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for printing the article entitled, "Mauna ‘Ala: A proper memorial to Kawananakoa’s legacy" (Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, July 1), and especially the thoughts of Sen. Daniel Akaka, Hawaiian culturalist Kamaki Kanahele, and Ivan Lui-Kwan.

I endorse wholeheartedly the thoughts of the three gentlemen as they made known to us Princess Abigail Kawananakoa’s desire to be buried at Mauna ‘Ala. She has a right to be there!

David K. Kaupu
Retired chaplain, The Kamehameha Schools; Ke Kahu Hoomaha, Kaumakapili Church; Ke Kahu Kahiha, Kalihi and Moanalua Church

Word ‘marriage’ not really needed

Confer the benefits of marriage without the word "marriage"?

A lot of men and women get married to each other in civil marriage ceremonies. This is a lot like civil unions in Hawaii, where no religious institution is required to perform or recognize them. So simply treat civil unions as federal marriages.

We fill out forms that ask us whether we are married, single, divorced or widowed. Add a box for civil unionized partners.

This approach would eliminate the need for all to agree that marriage is between a man and a woman.

James Arcate
Manoa

Concrete pads seem unneeded

I notice that a contractor is installing reinforced concrete pads along the repaved Mokapu Boulevard. Is this necessary on this lightly trafficked road?

I did not note any undue wear or deterioration before, as I certainly had on several intersections nearby, which were perfunctorily and rather sloppily paved. Let’s use our limited resources more wisely.

Tadahiko Ono
Kaneohe

America does not need to grandstand

Have we not learned from the Cold War that grandstanding leads a nation nowhere except to be viewed as hypocrites by other developing nations ("Interceptor fails to hit target in missile defense system test," Star-Advertiser, July 6)?

Our missile defense systems, intended as a deterrent, contribute only to a distrust of America by other nations, leading to an arms race. From the lessons of World War II, nations have learned that no one wins, as all suffer from retaliation and defeat.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel refers to challenges from North Korea and Iran. This is pure rhetoric. Neither country would risk their wealth or position in the global economy, fearing the outcome from the devastating effects of retaliation by the U.S. and our allies.

America’s government does not need to grandstand. We are a great nation of many faiths and cultures whose people want to lead by example, by our own Constitution, not by current U.S. policy and the profiteering and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Jonathan Norris
Waikiki