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Woman died because of strict gun laws
Hawaii's tough gun-control laws couldn't spare the life of an Ewa woman who died within sight of an armed police officer. Again there is proof that gun laws do not work.And we want to make them tougher? Where's the logic in that thinking?
States with tougher gun-control laws have higher incidences of gun misuse. Duh! You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure this one out.
But for those legislators who do need the formula, here it is: tough gun laws + overtaxed society = dead taxpayer. Fix both and you have a thriving taxpayer base to pay for your naps.
Craig Watanabe
Flags are symbols with different meanings
Many are offended by the Confederate flag. Detractors say it represents slavery, oppression, etc., and that, therefore, it should be taken down.Being both a Southerner and a historian, I would be the last person to argue that terrible things were not done in the South. But it would be a mistake to resolve these injustices by blaming a piece of cloth that has a variety of meanings to a vast number of people.
We need to learn to take the bad with the good. If not, where will it end?
Flags and other symbols represent a spectrum of meanings to those who walk under them. So to the people of South Carolina, I say let the Stars and Bars fly!Considering the injustices committed against native Hawaiians, does Hawaii need to remove the Union Jack from our state flag?
Tom Robinson
Quotables
"This game is a reward for these players. But for coaches, you'd like to be spending your time looking at the free agents to see if anybody can help you get to the next level." Tom Coughlin
Coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars
Who is also coaching the AFC team in the Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium tomorrow
"That's nice. I believe in Santa Claus, too." Stanley Sano
One of three dozen bowlers who were going to a Hawaii Government Employees Association tournament in Las Vegas
On being told that Wayne Abe of Wayne's Travel is promising to refund the $13,000 paid by the bowlers for their Las Vegas air-and-hotel packages, because the arrangements apparently weren't made. Police and the state Regulated Industries Complaints Office are investigating.
Tam's proposal is taxing on the nerves
The state Tax Department is going to have to spend an additional $70,000 of our tax dollars to correct a mistake in this year's tax forms. This poses an interesting dilemma.In light of Sen. Rod Tam's proposal to give our state employees nappy time and provide them with refreshments so they may do their work more efficiently (aka correctly), I wonder what the correct punishment should be for those who allowed this mistake to happen.
Perhaps the choices could be made from the following list:
1) No nappy time for a week.We know that the Hawaii Government Employees Association wouldn't allow choices No. 1, 2 or 3, because that would have to go to collective bargaining. So I guess that only leaves No. 4.
2) No state-provided candy bars for a week.
3) Both of the above.
4) Promotion to department head.Tam is an embarrasment to his position and all of the many valuable state employees who are earnest in their work. They should also feel outraged.
The political absurdity here reminds me of a scene from the movie, "Network." I want to open a window and scream, "I am mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore."
Come election time, keep your windows open.
Mark A. Nannis
Hawaii Kai
Park admission charges are getting out of hand
What is happening to Hawaii when a place as beautiful as Hanauma Bay charges admission? I was shocked to learn that the place where my family and I enjoyed our weekend barbecues is no longer truly open to the public.When I return to show my children where I was born and raised, how much will it cost me to visit the landmarks of my native home?
Kimberly Galbraith
Madrid, Spain
Vinny Marino saved many lives
I would like to voice my thanks for the life of Vinny Marino because he gave me back the life of my son. Eleven years ago at age 19, when my son was at the depths of drug addiction and faced either death or prison, we learned of Habilitat.After a week in the program he tried to leave but was convinced to stay and 21 months later he graduated from the program and returned home.
Habilitat forced him to get his GED and taught him to have confidence and to become a super salesperson through its programs such as the rodeo, Christmas tree sales and Home Expo.
He is now gainfully employed, owns his own home and will be married this month. If it hadn't been for Habilitat and its outstanding program, I'm not sure I would be able to say these things. It was a life saver for my son and many, many others and for that, I thank Vinny Marino and his life's work, Habilitat.
Jane W. Evans
Midlothian, Va.
Waikiki prison sounds good to Big Islanders
Governor Cayetano has the right ideas, but in the wrong places. He should locate a big, new public park and golf course in lower Puna, where there is a severe shortage of open space. As for a new prison, couldn't he put that in Waikiki, perhaps with the Ala Wai Canal acting as a moat?Greg Henkel
Pahoa, Hawaii
U.S. didn't overthrow Hawaiian kingdom
Hawaii and mainland media continue to indicate that the U.S. government "overthrew" the kingdom of Hawaii in 1893 when, in fact, it played no role in the overthrow and had no knowledge of it until weeks after the event. President Cleveland, upon hearing of the overthrow, objected to it and supported the deposed queen.Historical data clearly indicate the overthrow was initiated by a 13-member safety committee, consisting of seven subjects of the kingdom, four American citizens and two European subjects.
Therefore it would be factual to say that some American citizens were involved in the overthrow, but incorrect to state that it was a function of the U.S. government.
Frank Scott
Kailua
Star-Bulletin is a source worth saving
I cannot tell you how glad I am that the Star-Bulletin is still publishing. I usually buy both the Advertiser and the Star-Bulletin every day. The quality of reporting and the accuracy of your paper is about 200 percent higher.Thank you for a publication with high quality, timeliness and fearless reporting.
Dave Fahrenwald
Kailua
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