How many more times must the citizens of Hawaii have to read or listen to reports that this person or that person who just committed a new crime — this time, the murder of a police officer — has been arrested 10-15 times arrested and has three or more convictions, but is out on bail or probation (“Manhunt Opens in a new tab underway for Big Isle Opens in a new tabshooter Opens in a new tab,” Star-Advertiser, July 19)?
Why cannot the supposed legal system place people on the bench who have the guts to take the right action and keep these thugs in jail while awaiting another trial for another offense? Maybe it is time to have judges elected by the citizens of Hawaii so the voters can vet their record. Many states do this now.
It is time for judges to wake up and smell the injustices that continually happen in our courts.
Mike Eberle
Waikiki
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Is sign waving a distraction or not?
Our commute to work the past few weeks has been filled with political sign-wavers at nearly every corner. One spot in particular caught my eye: The pulloff on the Pali Highway just past the Wyllie overpass.
You may remember last summer, when Tamara Montana was sign-waving at this location, promoting peace and love — a welcome smile and wave for every commuter in the morning.
She was told to move on by the police due to someone blaming a fender-bender on her. I can’t help but find it ironic that someone spreading peace and love was given the boot, yet hundreds of people waving political signs are permitted.
Similar irony can be found in the distracted-driver sign-waving campaigns that remind you to not text and drive while distracting you with a sign.
Travis Counsell
Kailua
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Technology leaves many people behind
A large segment of the population, those without smart phones and its accessories, is being discriminated against by governmental and business entities.
On Oahu, the only way to make a reservation for driver’s license renewals is via cell-phone app. Credit-card issuers want customers to download their apps to activate new cards. One has to search to find another way.
Medical registries want to send you information via text. If you don’t text you are out of luck. The only way Amazon Prime members can obtain discounts at Whole Foods is via their app. The list goes on.
Those in charge must understand that they have to cater to all and provide other options instead of excluding those who don’t use the technology.
Seniors, many of whom do not use computers, tablets, smartphones, etc., are disproportionately impacted. So are those who live paycheck to paycheck, those who fear being hacked, and others.
IT and AI do not and should not rule the world.
Lynne Matusow
Downtown Honolulu
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Sinking ships bad for environment
The actions of RIMPAC and the sinking of decommissioned ships are extremely harmful to the environment (“Retired Opens in a new tab USS Racine sunk during RIMPAC Opens in a new tabexercises Opens in a new tab,” Star-Advertiser, July 18). Sinking ships leaves a wreck in the ocean that cannot be removed.
Remains of missiles and other munitions also are left behind, further polluting the ocean.
Over time, shipwrecks release harmful pollutants from corrosion of aging metal structures, ultimately becoming a major marine pollutant that threatens marine biodiversity.
Sunken vessels often ooze oils trapped within the ship’s interior. These types of polluting practices are cumulative, exacerbating other critical ocean sustainability issues, including increasing amounts of microplastics and plastic debris, ocean acidification and warming.
Our islands, with their unique natural environment, have long been taken advantage of by the U.S. military.
The bombing of Kahoolawe — an effort that actually cracked the water table —remains a horrifying example of what military practices can do to our island home.
I fear that our marine life may hold a similar fate with the continuation of detrimental RIMPAC practices such as the sinking of decommissioned ships.
Brayden Aki
Moiliili
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Homeless need to be moved off streets
Tom Howes’ letter made me glad that someone actually agrees with me and many other residents of this island (“Streets Opens in a new tab have become an open Opens in a new tabasylum Opens in a new tab,” Star-Advertiser, July 17).
As long as progressive politicians in this state continue to support the incorrigible homeless, their number will continue to grow. They need to be contained and kept in an area out of the public eye. The government needs to stop giving them all the free stuff they get.
I drive from Waikiki along South Beretania and South King streets to Kapahulu.
It sickens me to see encampments of homeless trespassing on public lands, putting up tents, leaving filth behind. And to allow them pets is really insane. If you cannot take care of yourself, how can you take care of a pet? And I don’t want to hear about “companionship.”
If Tom Howes or a person who believed as he does would run for any office in this state, I would vote for him/them a hundred times over if I could.
Sanity must begin to prevail.
Diane Tippett
Waikiki
