The U.S. Supreme Court’s 9-0 ruling allowing part of President Donald Trump’s travel ban to proceed clearly shows that the judges of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and Hawaii’s federal district judge are either incompetent or ignorant of the law regarding the Constitution’s clear description of executive powers given to the president regarding immigration.
Or they didn’t care what the Constitution says and just let their political agenda affect their judicial decisions.
In a few months, we’ll know more when SCOTUS revisits the case and makes a more definitive ruling, but it is clear that the president does have the right to make such decisions when it comes to protecting our citizens by imposing temporary restrictions on immigration.
It’s too bad that there are no consequences for these political judges when they make obviously incorrect decisions of law.
At least with attorneys, we can have them disbarred. Not so much with appointed judges.
Gary Fuchikami
Ewa Beach
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Money wasted on legal challenge
On Dec. 1, 2016, the state attorney general submitted a report to the Legislature saying that there were 1,951 rape kits from Hawaii rape victims still not tested and the cost would be $750 per kit, or nearly $1.5 million.
However, in 2016, the U.S. Justice Department granted the state $2 million to test kits, investigate, and prosecute rape cases, and the Legislature appropriated an additional $500,000 for fiscal year 2016-2017 to test the kits.
By my math, the attorney general could find $150,000 in the budget to challenge the now Supreme Court-upheld immigration ban, but could not use the money allocated to process rape kits.
Obviously he cares more about possible immigrants than our own mothers, sisters, aunties, wives and daughters. It is time for a new attorney general.
Gary R. Johnson
Kaneohe
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Kalihi homeless camp dangerous
For years, a homeless camp has existed near the Keehi Transfer Station in Kalihi. Most are unaware of it. A dangerous situation exists here because a city bike path runs through the camp.
On June 15, a jogger was attacked by dogs from the camp. State and city agencies have been reluctant to act on complaints against these people.
I complained about these aggressive dogs for years. Only after I was bitten and made a police report did the Hawaiian Humane Society respond.
Meanwhile, these people continue to illegally occupy state land. Their animals run free to do whatever. Litter is everywhere. They bring their cars, mopeds and motorcycles onto the paths. Also, this camp serves as a refuge from which to conduct illegal activities.
Who ensures the safety of the runners, bicyclists and people who use the path in this situation?
Clarence Chun
Kalihi
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Obamacare needs to be replaced
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz claims the Republican health care proposals are income redistribution to the wealthy.
As a board member of a small organization that provides health care to our employees, I believe the real redistribution is from private-sector businesses to health care insurance companies forced to comply with Obamacare mandates.
Premiums for experienced employees over age 56 are two to three times higher than for younger workers.
Something must be done to repair this collapsing system. But it’s easier to demagogue, delay and obstruct rather than engage in hard work to fix the failing system.
I ask our congressional representatives: Where are your health care plans? Or do you simply support the status quo, believing ideology is more important than repairing an imploding system?
For those advocating universal health care: California just pulled the plug on its proposal for universal health care when estimated costs rose to $400 billion, twice the state’s annual budget.
Jim McDiarmid
Mililani
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Thompson should get Nobel Prize
Along with many others, I watched the Hokule‘a homecoming on June 17. The navigators and crew accom- plished a remarkable feat. And then Nainoa Thompson’s speech. Outstanding!
He acknowledged the contributions of others, beginning with the founders of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, to the present-day crew members.
Although Thompson was responsible from the beginning of the voyage to the arrival home, he never took credit. He reiterated that we all are responsible to malama our honua.
I believe that he shared peace and understanding on this worldwide trip.
I would like to see Nainoa Thompson nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
He deserves it. Let’s rally for it.
Mandy Bowers
Manoa
