As a frequent pedestrian and cyclist, I am sensitive to vehicle and pedestrian safety on Oahu’s roadways.

It is therefore with dismay that I have read on several occasions over the past year about pedestrian safety enforcement efforts by the Honolulu Police Department in which the majority of citations (three-fourths or greater) are issued to pedestrians.

There are certainly a lot of pedestrians who technically violate traffic laws, but that does not necessarily equate to endangering themselves or others.

The same cannot be said of the many drivers speeding, switching lanes or turning without signaling, using mobile devices, and entering crosswalks with pedestrians present.

This disparity in citations during pedestrian safety campaigns sends a clear signal, even if unintended, about whom the police think is at fault.

It might be easier to issue citations to pedestrians at busy intersections, but it’s the drivers doing all the damage.

Travis Idol

Downtown Honolulu

Capitol a symbol of indifference

Hats off to Richard Borreca for his article about the crumbling Capitol building (“Crumbling Capitol building slowly losing its dignity,” Star-Advertiser, On Politics, Aug. 14).

The building should be a source of pride reflecting the spirit of Hawaii, its beauty and unique architecture. Instead, after years of neglect, the structure has become a symbol of indifference not worthy of a state Capitol building. Borreca noted the leaky ceilings and “smelly, algae-choked reflecting ponds.”

Carp would refuse to swim in these waters. You can bet if tourism was involved, the problem would be a priority.

If the building continues in its downward spiral, the politicians will be forced to wear rain gear when the roof leaks again. That may generate a reaction.

Tony Locascio

Waikiki

Hep A response needs analysis

Hawaii has become the center of a national story as it faces the worst hepatitis A outbreak in modern Hawaii history (a disease of the “developing world,” we are taught in medical school).

With what will likely be hundreds of serious and potentially life-threatening cases, we must ask why it took the state Department of Health (DOH) more than two months to identify the source of this outbreak.

The delay has become a national embarrassment and created a public health catastrophe.

A transparent investigation of DOH and root-cause analysis is urgently needed to improve handling of infectious disease outbreaks.

Stephen Chun, M.D.

Houston, Texas

Update voter rolls to help avoid fraud

The voter rolls need to be purged regularly.

When I first registered to vote almost 40 years ago, I was informed that if I did not vote in two consecutive election cycles, my name would be removed from the voter rolls. That policy hasn’t been enforced for a long time. I know people who last voted in Hawaii almost 20 years ago who are still registered.

Why should we care? Because it creates a significant potential for voter fraud. Has it happened in Hawaii? Who knows?

Nationally, voting by dead people and by people in multiple jurisdictions has been documented. In close races, a few fraudulent votes can make a difference.

I call upon our government officials to clean up the voter rolls regularly to reduce the risk of voter fraud.

Robert W. “Bill” Hastings

Kamuela, Hawaii island

Students with uku should stay at home

I’m a middle school teacher in urban Honolulu. Yes, several of my former students lost school time because their households got ukus and they were unable to sanitize their dwellings enough to effectively get rid of the infestation (“No huhu over uku,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 4).

It takes a lot of work, time and resources to get rid of uku in a home. I know because I’ve been through it. If you think parents who are juggling multiple kids and low-paying jobs have time to stop their lives and deal with uku, then you have never personally experienced it.

And what about the impact on other students? Is it OK for them to get uku, lose sleep and spread the parasites to their families and peers and teachers?

Students who are unhealthy are not ready to learn.

Are we a Third World country where having head lice and bedbugs is the norm?

We need to make our health standards higher, not lower.

Connie Wickware

Kalihi Valley

It’s concerning that dogs were returned

I am very concerned about the case of the homeless man who was mauled to death by those dogs (“Owners get 2 dogs back days after fatal attack,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 11).

What if the dogs mauled a child? What then? Do they still give the dogs back to the owners?

There is no voice for the homeless man except his friend, who took his belongings away and said that he had never hurt anyone.

Louise Honda

Kakaako

Let Jill Stein into presidential debates

Jill Stein of the Green Party is the only candidate for president who expresses the views and has the support of millions of progressive American voters.

Although U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has thrown his support behind Hillary Clinton, many of his followers have not. Stein is an articulate, intelligent and courageous leader of the progressive movement. Excluding her from the presidential debates would be an affront to democracy. Include her and let the voters see what she has to offer.

Malachy Grange

Kahala