SYMPATHY

MAN'S DEATH REVEALS NEED FOR ALOHA SPIRIT

My deepest apology and sympathy to the 'ohana of Christopher Ruether. I am saddened to hear of the brutal death of this young man from North Carolina who had chosen to visit the beautiful area of Nanakuli, Zabalan Beach Park, Wai'anae Hawai'i. It was an inexcusable beating that caused the death of this young man.

My heart and pain go out to the 'ohana for the loss of such a beautiful handsome son. As a resident and community leader, I am honored to think this young man chose Nanakuli to learn more about local culture and the ways of our people.

I hope that this family will bring light to our community that we must have "the spirit of aloha" in our hearts for all who choose to visit our parts of paradise.

Ua Pa Ua Hala Lakou A Koe No Na Pua,

BAD BILL

LEGISLATURE WRONG TO OVERRIDE LINGLE'S VETO

It is disappointing to see that the governor's veto of SB 1063 relating to legislative vacancies was overridden by the Legislature on May 1.

With this bill, the governor is forced to fill vacancies in the U.S. Senate and the state House and Senate from a list of candidates who were not elected by the people, and it becomes debatable whether these individuals have the best interest of the public at heart. The bill is practically the same as HB 2454, which was vetoed last year.

When we look back in time we can see that the process for filling vacancies in the United States Senate and the Hawai'i state Legislature have remained the same since 1970, and it has worked efficiently ever since.

However, with this bill, the governor is forced to fill vacancies within a time limit and from a constricted list of people who might not necessarily be qualified for the job.

The fact that the bill requires potential candidates to be registered members of the incumbent party for at least six months prior to the appointment, further restricts the governor's choice to select a qualified candidate.

Hence, if the goal of the bill is to fill vacancies in a timely and appropriate manner with the most qualified individuals, the bill itself becomes a contradiction to its own principle, and it does not only negatively impact the selection process but also the future of the state and the people of Hawai'i.

ANIMAL RIGHTS

GOVERNOR SHOULD GIVE OK TO NEW CRUELTY LAW

My heartfelt thanks go out to the Hawai'i Legislature, especially Sen. Clayton Hee, for responding to the will of the people and finally passing a felony animal cruelty law for Hawai'i. I was especially gladdened, after the killings of Porky, Kipu and Gonzo earlier this year, to see that pet pigs are included under the new law's protections.

Although it is sad that it took the deaths of these three beloved pet pigs to spur the passage of the felony animal cruelty law, we can take heart in knowing that their deaths were not in vain. By passing Senator Hee's bill, the Legislature has made a powerful statement that our beloved pets — whether a dog, cat or pig — cannot be tortured and killed with impunity.

As a Native Hawaiian, I will be watching and waiting from my home on the Mainland for Governor Lingle to sign SB 1655 into law. I hope all Hawaiians will contact Governor Lingle and ask her to uphold the aloha spirit by signing SB 1655.

IRAQ

TRAGIC STATISTIC BRINGS NEW MEANING TO NCLB

The Iraqi infant mortality rate increasing by 150 percent is President Bush's No Child Left Behind.

COCKFIGHTING

NEW, STRICTER FEDERAL LAW WAS LONG OVERDUE

The reactions of Hawai'i's gamefowl breeders to the new federal cockfighting law shows just why a felony law was so desperately needed ("Cockfighting law puts fans in a quandary," May 7).

Hawai'i's gamefowl breeders, who do brisk business by shipping birds to cockfighters on the Mainland and other countries, know they have been breaking the law for a long time. But until now, the measly misdemeanor penalties they faced were considered just the cost of doing business.

The new federal law will up the ante for illegal cockfighting and those who profit from it by not only bringing stiffer penalties for interstate transport but also giving federal authorities greater incentive to prosecute these lawbreakers.

The fact that cockfighting remains a popular pastime in the Islands despite its illegality is nothing to crow about. "Cultural rights" and "heritage" are no excuse for animal cruelty, and Hawai'i should be grateful to see this black mark on its reputation on its way to being erased, once and for all.

CONTROVERSIAL VOTE

COMMUNITY HAS SPOKEN IN MOLOKA'I

Information travels slowly, both on and off Moloka'i. Only recently did I see a commentary dated April 30 from Molokai Properties, aka Molokai Ranch, general manager Daniel Orondenker, who chastised a part-time resident of Moloka'i who lives in Kailua.

Orondenker himself lives on O'ahu and knows little about what is really going on here on Moloka'i.

Early this year, the community voted whether to support pro-La'au candidates or anti-La'au candidates in a Molokai Enterprise Community Program election, a USDA-sanctioned program to bolster economic development. At that election, monitored by the Hawaii League of Voters, the anti-La'au candidates won by a margin of over 2 to 1.

The community has spoken. La'au supporter and OHA trustee Colette Machado lost by almost 500 votes to the top vote-getter, only to be reappointed by her cronies on the EC Board. Already infiltrated by Molokai Ranch and its supporters, the EC Board is presently under investigation by the USDA.

Water is and will continue to be a critical issue for both present and future development on this relatively arid island. With one of two wells supplying Kaunakakai Town already brackish, the writing is on the wall, but developers such as Molokai Ranch and its Hong Kong owners don't want to read it. I also hope supporters such as Senator Inouye can open his eyes to the fact that he's on the wrong side of the fence, and should jump back into the pasture.

POLITICS

SHOW REAL CONCERN OVER CHECKS, BALANCES

Rep. Kirk Caldwell claimed on May 1 that the Legislature wished only to uphold the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches when it overrode Governor Lingle's vetoes and rejected two of her nominees. He said these moves were not a "power-grab" and not driven by partisanship.

Give me a break. Each of these votes was dictated by the politics of the moment and had little if anything to do with redressing historic power imbalances that supposedly result from Hawai'i's former status as a monarchy.

If Rep. Caldwell is so concerned about checks and balances, why the piecemeal approach? He should provide a comprehensive overview of the problem and propose solutions. Then we can all debate the issues and reach conclusions. Until then, let's not cloak partisanship in high-minded rhetoric.

DRUG TESTING

TEACHERS HAD REASON TO REJECT NEW CONTRACT

I am just curious about the thinking of those who continue to criticize the teachers who voted to reject the new contract including random drug testing. Would you enter into a contract where important details are to be worked out later? Would you encourage your child to enter into agreements based on blind trust, where they have no clear idea of how they will be impacted by their decision?

Why criticize those of us who chose to do what only made sense instead of voting yes just to prove we are not afraid of being tested?

LIKELIKE HIGHWAY

SPEEDING IS RAMPANT ON THIS STRETCH OF ROAD

I recently started driving on the Likelike Highway. I was reassigned to work at a different location from my present job. I could not believe the speeds that people drive on this road.

Do these drivers realize there's an enhanced speeding law in effect? If you're caught doing more than 80 mph or more than 30 mph over the posted speed limit, the penalties are severe. Things like a $1,000 fine, a six month suspension of your drivers license and a stay in jail, don't seem to deter these speed demons. I personally do 10 mph over the posted limit and stay in the right lane. Cars fly by me like they're on the H-3.

And here's the irony: I usually catch up to these drivers at the stop lights by either Nalani'eha or Kamehameha IV Housing.

Slow down, for crying out loud! As you can see, you got nowhere fast.

PARKS

ENFORCEMENT NEEDED IF LAWS ARE TO HELP PEOPLE

The people in 'Ewa Beach who want to close the neighborhood parks at night need to understand that making a law won't do a bit of good unless the police in their area are ready, willing and able to enforce it.

For example, there is a park in the downtown area (no, not 'A'ala Park) that was closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. under the Harris administration. There are still signs in the park, but police are unwilling to enforce the park closure. Their mantra is, "It is not a crime to be homeless."

It is not only the homeless, but the drugs and crime that go on in that park 24/7. And the police just let it go on and on.

Laws won't do a bit of good unless they are backed up with enforcement.

RECOGNITION

POLICE WEEK A CHANCE TO HONOR ALL OFFICERS

During this week, National Police Week, when you see a police officer on the street, please tell them how much you appreciate what they do to ensure your safety.

Last night, there was a national candlelight vigil in Washington, D.C., to honor all police officers across the country who lost their lives in the line of duty. We are reminded of Honolulu officer Steve Favella who died providing police escort to President Bush's motorcade in November 2006.

Police Week gives us a chance to honor all police personnel, to appreciate their sacrifices and to thank them for their service. One way you can show your support during Police Week is by joining us to celebrate HPD's 75th Anniversary at a gala dinner on Thursday. This dinner is being held in part to highlight the critical role the department has played in ensuring public safety through Honolulu's ever-changing times. Find out more about this week's activities at www.honolulupolicecommunityfoundation.org.

I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the men and women of the Honolulu Police Department on this momentous occasion.