Pray that Waianae can heal from violence
Mary Adamski's column "Leeward churches unite to march against violence" (
Star-Bulletin, Sept. 19) was well written and encouraging to better the community, especially for those living in the Waianae area.
Residents in this area need to fight against violence, which has happened often. A lot of healing and reconciliation are needed. During his sermon, the Rev. Sebastian Chacko, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Waianae, seemed very much distressed with the violence. He was most apologetic for the Samoan community for what had happened.
I am praying that the community out there can once again live a normal life and that violence will come to an end not only for the residents, but for others visiting the area.
Lehua McColgan
Honolulu
Civil disobedience reigns on roadways
The cause of rising hit and runs: civil disobedience. Lack of respect for our laws and authority.
It starts with minor traffic laws such as yielding to pedestrians, blocking intersections, crossing double/single solid lines, illegal U-turns, making a left turn into the right lane instead of keeping left, running yellow and red lights, not observing traffic signs, illegal parking, road rage and speeding.
The theme or motto of this growing number of people is, "Catch me if you can." This is happening all over the nation, not just in Hawaii. Mmmmm, is it because we are getting too liberal? Nah, we are breeding too many idiots.
Vern Fernandez
Aiea
Women of U.S. should thank Chapman family
What a sad statement about our beautiful country when we worry more about how we appear to a country whose corrupt judicial system is laden with human rights violations than we do about the rights of three upstanding American citizens.
What a sad statement to rape survivors that if your sociopathic rapist is a millionaire, he can run free in a foreign country while you struggle to pick up the pieces of your shattered life.
What a sad statement to the Chapmans that our country honors the job they have done by storming their homes, pointing guns at their family members and hauling them off to prison. Personally, I prefer my thank-yous in the form of a handshake or a pat on the back.
The U.S. government might not know how to say thank you, but I do. As the mother of three girls, I say, thank you, Duane, Leland and Tim, for taking a monster off the street and making this world one step closer to decent place to live. You are and will remain true American heroes in my eyes, even if our government is too blind to see it.
Susie Detweiler
Perkasie, Pa.
Hawaii should reverse its low voter turnout
I have lived in six states and nine cities and it has come as a shock to me to hear about Hawaii's low voter turnout. With the media emphasizing that Hawaii has historically not shown up at the polls, and especially since there are so many candidates in the 2nd Congressional District race, I implore you, Hawaii's residents, to please take the time to go to your local polling place today and vote.
Nationally, Hawaii demonstrates one of the worst voter turnouts. We need to change that. In an election where the winner could represent as little as 15 percent of the population, it is essential that everyone vote and that all votes are counted.
Jason Jutz
Honolulu
State should switch to absentee voting
Is there something wrong with this picture? The state can't find enough paid workers to staff the polling places (a perennial problem), which might translate into longer lines on Election Day.
The taxpayer has to foot the bill to rent polling places.
One-third of the electorate voted absentee in 2004, an 8 percent increase from 2002. That figure is expected to grow this year. Voters clearly prefer not having to go to the polls on Election Day.
Oregon votes exclusively by mail, and has done so for years, saving money in the process. It is time for Hawaii to follow Oregon's lead.
Lynne Matusow
Honolulu