As a citizen of Honolulu, I applaud and thank federal defender Alexander “Ali” Silvert, who believed and defended Gerald Puana.

In an interview, Silvert said, “Lawyers do not like to think that the law has anything to do with the politics of the time or with the politics of a judge, and I think that’s hogwash. One of the reasons I’m in this job is because I see it as a fight against injustice, and a fight against the system because the system is inherently unjust.”

In our politically controlled one-party state, this sentiment should ring stronger with local attorneys. Silvert made investigative questioning and jurisdictional decisions by going against the grain and seeking mainland FBI help.

While this may just be the beginning of more federal prosecutions, the outcries of disgust from political, social, financial and legal networks, among others, have been deafening (or self-contained).

Ed Ige

Temple Valley

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