The decisions made by the child are independent, and this bill will not make a significant impact on the child. If his/her parents pay the fine, there may be the tendency for the child to once again commit the same offense without a second thought.
Perhaps there are other alternatives. For instance, have the offender do community service to repay the damages, or even erase the graffiti. There should be a direct correlation between the actions done by an individual and their consequences.
I have been taught that I am responsible for my actions. I think that the individuals who spread graffiti should accept responsibility for their actions, also.
TINA TAMAYOSHI
Sacred Hearts Academy
The State Ethics Commission only has the authority to interpret and enforce the State Ethics Code. The conflict of interests law in the State Ethics Code only prohibits conflicts between one's official position and generally a private financial interest in a business.
Though the State Ethics Commission has stated that there is not a conflict between Blanco's serving as a regent and being employed in the governor's office, this opinion is limited to the scope of the conflicts law currently on the books.
Other individuals, including Solomon, may find Blanco's two government positions troublesome. They may even term these problems as conflicts of interests. These personal views, however, should not be confused with the State Ethics Commission's interpretation of state law.
Your readers should know that situations that are in compliance with the state's ethic laws may still be troublesome to others. The fact that the Ethics Commission interprets its laws in one way does not negate another person finding the situation to constitute a conflict of interest.
DANIEL J. MOLLWAY
Executive Director
Hawaii State Ethics Commission
I hope his actions will force us all to rethink the current misguided foreign policy thathas our troops engaging in conflicts that have nothing to do with protecting our vital interests. Michael New is right to believe that the United Nations charter is in direct conflict with the United States Constitution.
JACK O'KEEFE
Kapolei
Editor's note: This letter was signed by seven other Oahu residents.
For fairness and to compensate for the fact that an employer's trust fund is charged for the cost of benefits, the court created the rule of 20 percent. That is, if the strike reduces business activity by 20 percent or more, the employer should not suffer such additional costs, and striking workers become ineligible for benefits.
It is understandable that some employers and those who oppose collective bargaining might say such a system is unfair. From a balanced point of view, however, it might also be said that it is unfair to deny a minimal livelihood to workers who are being forced to have their concerns addressed through the strike process.
LORRAINE H. AKIBA
Director
State Department of Labor
and Industrial Relations