He presented a reasoned and extremely well-articulated decision to allow tabulation of the votes but to prohibit its publication. Preserving the status quo, he explained, is the first order of business in adjudicating a restraining order.

However, his decision gnawed at me all weekend. Isn't this really a First Amendment case?

Thousands of Hawaiians cast a ballot with the expectation of knowing their preference in pursuing, or not, some form of self-determination. Can the publication of this vote be prohibited because the means of its assembly or the issue itself offends some?

The answer is clearly no. And the reasoning is unambiguously contained within the U.S. Constitution, the Hawaii Constitution and dozens of rulings by the Supreme Court upholding freedom of speech, freedom of the press and prohibiting at every turn the suppression or prior restraint of same.

Judge Ezra should lift his order so that Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike may enjoy their constitutionally protected right to learn the results of this long-awaited, momentous event.

Jeffrey G. Wilmot

After hearing what all three had to say, it seems clear to me that only Randal Yoshida and Peter Carlisle are truly qualified for the job.

Despite some imaginative claims, David Arakawa admitted spending only three years as a deputy prosecutor. He spent most of his time defending people accused of crimes.

It seems to me Arakawa is seeking the wrong job: He should be applying for public defender.

Judy Ichinose

Many families have a plan of what to do in case of fire. Very few families have a plan on what to do if they have a home intruder. Here are some simple tips which don't cost too much:

Have a secure solid room in the house which is not easily broken into. This means a solid door with stronger hinges, locks and frame.

An extra strong door backed up by a home burglar bar slipped under the door knob and the other end stuck to the floor would probably stop a battering ram. These bars are available from stores like Kmart.

A peep hole is advised.

Once the door is closed and locked, police should be called from a secure phone line.

Given the amount of violent crime here in Hawaii, consider yourself lucky if you get police officers to respond to your call in 4-5 minutes. You have to buy time and survive until the cavalry arrives.

Of course, having a firearm with you will ensure your survival.

Vernon Okamura

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has a strong, effective and outspoken lobbying group at national and local levels. It represents a minority under the guise of the Second Amendment to our Constitution as a right to bear arms to protect our freedom.

The amendment had merit during the log cabin days of the 1600s and early 1700s, when the early pioneers had to protect themselves from Indians.

However, in this modern age, it no longer can be interpreted in the manner stated by the NRA. Military and other law enforcement personnel should be the only ones authorized to carry guns.

Let's get the legislators to work on this problem so we can once again walk our streets without fear of some drug addict or lunatic shooting at us with an illegal hand gun.

Toshio Chinen