Why are we tolerating
part-time Legislature?

It seems every year during the last month of the legislative session, lawmakers scramble to complete the task at hand. But such a scramble results in a measure being killed, tabled or sometimes being passed without enough thought and investigation.

Let's be honest. Hawaii is a full-time state. We pay full-time taxes. The governor works full time. The counties work full time. But the Legislature works part time.

Consider this: A recent statistic shows Hawaii residents earn an average of $27,000 annually. That's less than the national average. Lawmakers make more than that yet work only three months.

State workers face possible termination due to cutbacks. Lawmakers should look at themselves, too. You work part time; get paid part time. Or, work full time for a full-time state.

Lawmakers: Work nine months and rest three. Do the responsible thing and give taxpayers more of your time.

Jeff Matsuo
Mililani

Dems shamelessly exploit
legislative TV project

Although I did not hear the entire story, last week I heard a radio report that Rep. Gene Ward protested strongly on the House floor regarding funding for the legislative television project.

My experience a few years ago as technical director and a bidder for the House of Representatives' committee meetings leaves me no doubt that Ward is correct to protest. The intention of "public access" has been converted to "public relations" for the Democratic power machine.

There is a difference between media power and media integrity, a difference that the Democratic Party seems unconcerned with.

I fought for public access to legislative process and documents. The Democratic Party, while pretending to champion the cause of public access, is doing a disservice to public access by overcontrolling and censoring content, according to the Hawaii Democratic Party line.

Having the Democratic Party in control of the legislative television project does not allow for true public access. It's obvious as day, unless you're another cog in the Democratic machine.

Steve Purnell
(Via the Internet)

Rep. Tom ignores plight
of domestic abuse victims

I am in total agreement with John Proud's April 2 letter on Rep. Terrance Tom's poor behavior as a legislator.

Recently, I came into contact with his office over the matter of HB 652, which relates to the abuse of a family or household member. The bill calls for an increase in jail time for offenders, and was introduced by Rep. David Pendleton.

Tom would not even allow this bill a hearing. His lawyer stated that it was because there was a similar bill (relating to the expungement of records). However, the expungement bill does not say one word about increasing the sentence for domestic violence offenders. The lawyer also stated that Tom feels that present laws are adequate.

Adequate? Hardly! Twenty percent of all women in Hawaii between 18 and 64 have been victims of domestic violence. We lose an average of one woman per month as a result of this crime.

I know we have a problem with prison overcrowding, but is that reason not to hold violent people accountable? Clearly our laws are failing, and the message that violence in unacceptable is not getting across.

How many more women have to be killed for the laws to change? Come on, Rep. Tom, listen to the voice of the people, for it is they who wield the power of the vote.

Dianne Pana
Pearl City

SHOPO stickers shouldn't
be shields against tickets

It seems everybody has a wild scheme for solving county or state revenue problems. Here's one as sane as most:

The Honolulu Police Department could enforce traffic laws on cars with SHOPO (the police union) bumper stickers. In fact, they could start by ticketing loyal SHOPO supporters who feel compelled to do 65-70 mph over the Pali Highway. Clearly, those white stickers are considered an exemption from traffic laws.

Considering how many SHOPO bumper stickers I see flying by me each time I cross the Pali, I have no doubt the revenue from those tickets would go a long way toward balancing our budget.

Ken Armstrong
Kailua

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