Honolulu Police Chief Michael Nakamura is right when he says that we need more prison space and that it is high time to strongly consider a private prison that would not cost the state any start-up money.
Private prisons have a better record than state institutions in reducing recidivism and can normally save 10-14 percent in operating expenses. We also need to look at better managed half-way houses and more aggressively educate elementary school children about crime.
It is a fundamental duty of government - at all levels - to provide a physically safe environment for all. To achieve that end, we need to implement new ideas and launch new strategies now!
Bill Sharp
Shame on the other six and especially on my councilman, John Henry Felix, who did not represent me when he authored and voted for this bill. It now paves the way for destroying Camp Kailua, which served the handicapped, the elderly and the very young among the over 20,000 people per year who camped there.
Camp Kailua takes up a mere, out-of-the-way and insignificant three acres of Kailua Park. It's in nobody's way and nothing will be gained by destroying it.
However, much will be lost forever if the camp is destroyed.
Thank you, Mrs. Kim, Dr. Bainum and Mr. Holmes for having the wisdom and courage to vote your conscience. The citizenry can be proud!
Barbara Elm
Perhaps because:
a) Guys are taken more seriously (they would look really silly twirling a baton).
b) They have bazillions of other scholarship resources.
c) There is a limited market. Who has the time or desire to see hunks in contrived settings?
d) Sponsoring corporations are almost exclusively run by men. It is their interest to influence the perpetuation of beauty pageants and to continue a male-dictated ideal of what makes a woman beautiful.
Eve S. Morawski
Pearl City
It's always been a burr in my saddle - people's unwillingness to accept responsibility. That's bad enough but, when enablers like the Hawaii Supreme Court back them up, I want to scream.
Richard Sullivan
Los Angeles