NEW LAW WILL PROTECT PETS FROM VIOLENCE

Hawaiian Humane Society applauds the initiative of Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu for championing legislation that will include pets in temporary restraining orders for domestic violence victims.

Our staff has worked closely for years with law enforcement, social services organizations and the community at large to educate about the proven link between animal cruelty that can quickly escalate to violence against people.

We have worked confidentially and intimately with victims to help protect their pets from family violence. Donations have funded free programs in which our staff and volunteers work with local shelters to help by ensuring the safe removal of pets from dangerous situations and providing emergency pet foster care while victims are in transition.

Countless cases on O'ahu and throughout Hawai'i have involved pets tortured and slaughtered at the hands of a family abuser intending to intimidate a victim.

Thanks to Rep. Karamatsu, supporters in the Legislature, and the many Humane Society volunteers and supporters who rallied for the legislation's passage; we eagerly anticipate the bill's signing into law by Gov. Lingle.

Pamela Burns | Hawaiian Humane Society

ISLAM DAY

SEPT. 11 DEEPLY AFFECTED ATTITUDES

Regarding the May 28 op-ed by Michele Ouansafi, "Islam Day should foster understanding," and the May 31 article by Christine Wilson "Islam Day resolution aims to 'bridge gap,' " for many, if not most, Americans, rightly or wrongly, there already is an "Islam Day": Sept. 11. It will take much more than dialogue and outreach to change our deeply ingrained attitudes.  

Robert Lebo | Honolulu

WAR ON DRUGS

WE SHOULD LOOK INTO LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

In his well-argued "Island Voices" column (May 25, 2009) Spencer McLachlin cites Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron's estimate that taxing marijuana similarly to alcohol would bring in revenues of up to $76 billion per year. A study by Hawai'i economist Lawrence Boyd concluded that legalizing, taxing and controlling marijuana would save Hawai'i $10 million annually and would create tax revenues of between $4 million and $23 million.

After three decades, it is time to admit the failure of the "war on drugs" and move on to more sensible, effective policies.

Jeanne Y. Ohta | Executive director, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii

ECONOMY

WISDOM OF FREE MARKETS IS SUPERIOR

For Kathleen Nullet (Letters, May 29) and others who think that a thriving economy results from simply spending money, a little lesson in sound economics might help. True prosperity is achieved when people create products and services of value. If, for example, Ms. Nullet's profession of teaching is of greater value from private schools or home schooling services, then those organizations and individuals should rightfully be trading their services in the marketplace.

Forced funding of public schools, when a better alternative is available, does not create prosperity. This kind of thinking assumes that government edict magically makes paper money, Fannie Mae mortgages and public education valuable. Many of us, who have gained an education in spite of the public school system, know better. All of it is only as good as a politician's promise.

The inherent wisdom of free markets, where individuals of a wide spectrum of intellect and education make personal choices that best suit their situations, is vastly superior to top-down decisions made by presidents, governors, legislators, bureaucrats or government teachers.

Guy Monahan | Honolulu

SUPREME COURT

SOTOMAYOR IS BEST CANDIDATE FOR JOB

I am in full support of Judge Sotomayor's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

I believe she is a role model of discipline, intellect, commitment and integrity with her wealth of experiences in both the practice of law, and as an able jurist. It is my view that she is the best candidate to fill this most auspicious duty and that she will uphold the laws and this great land and our Constitution with honesty, without bias in its application, and with vigor and perseverance.

For these simple reasons, I will stand and support her nomination.

Laura Manuel-Arrighi | Wai'anae

RACE, POLITICS FROM ANOTHER ANGLE

Can you imagine the outrage from the Democrats if a white man, with the hopes of becoming one of the nine highest-ranking judicial members in the country, endorsed by a Republican president, had said, "I would hope that a wise white man with the richness of his experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a Latino woman who hasn't lived that life."?

Paul E. Staples | Kailua

DOCTOR SLAYING

RELIGIOUS ZEALOT BEHAVIOR GRIEVOUS

I was driving, in the car, happy, listening to NPR. Then the news broadcast reported the gunning down and death of a doctor in Kansas who performed abortions.

On what planet, in what galaxy, should the behavior of a religious zealot (be they an alleged Christian with a firearm or an alleged Muslim with a bomb strapped to their belt) be tolerated?

Hopefully, not here, nowhere, not anymore, please, God.

Martha Jane Urann | Honolulu

NUCLEAR POWER

CONSIDER ALL OPTIONS FOR ALTERNATE ENERGY

The (May 26) commentary, "Nuclear Power," by Evan Ringquist is thought-provoking.

With emerging global markets and global economies growing appetites and competing for carbon energy resources, "carbon free" nuclear base-load power generation systems should be attractive, especially for Hawai'i.

However, at present, it is politically correct to talk "seriously" only about wind, solar, geothermal, ocean wave and trash incineration. They're good starts but, realistically, can they address the bulk of our future power demands?

Probably not. Also, carbon credits and penalties are coming. These, in turn, will most probably become "taxes," over and above the basic cost of the carbon fuels themselves.

Frank Wells | 'Aiea