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Legislators are to blame for woman's death

I am overcome with sadness on learning of the death of the Palolo woman as a result of fireworks that burned her home.

Not only was her death senseless, but something that could have been prevented. Our legislators refused to heed the warnings of our city and law enforcement officials who said the only solution to the control of fireworks would be a total ban on the island.

Statistics were provided regarding health, environmental, property damage and cruelty to animals posed by fireworks. Yet our elected officials ignored the facts.

Instead, they implemented a law that they felt would have some control over the issue and at the same time support the public's plea to not break "tradition."

Well, guess what? It didn't work! This has gone beyond tradition. A precious life was taken and it appalls me when I hear comments like, "Oh well, that is sad, but it's just one person and luckily not more."

I encourage everyone who supports a total ban on fireworks to call or write their representatives and voice their concerns. You have a constitutional right to protect your life, your property, and the lives of your family and pets.

Brenda Hampton
Ewa Beach

It's time for total ban on fireworks

The adult population on Oahu is definitely fed up with the existing law on the sale and use of fireworks. The fault lies with lawmakers who create such weak and nebulous laws that are easily circumvented. And, because of the overwhelming number of people who use fireworks on New Year's Eve, police cannot be expected to enforce such ill-conceived regulations.

Rather, lawmakers should totally ban fireworks display by individuals in residential areas and come up with a plan to allow fireworks only at designated areas, such as parks and beaches. Such fireworks displays should be approved by the appropriate government agency and supervised accordingly, similar to the displays on the Fourth of July.

Let's take a firm stand on this issue once and for all!

Toshio Chinen
Pearl City

Quick enforcement is key to fireworks control

Banning all fireworks: We've been there, done that, and just like prohibition and gun control, laws are useless unless they are enforced and the public is willing to accept them. What we need is quick enforcement.

This is easily done by posting triangulation teams at strategic high points, probably a dozen teams of three people, volunteers drawn from military reserves, police reserves, the National Guard and the citizenry.

All they need is a flat table, with a bearing circle, set up to true north; one spotter lookout; one bearing taker and one radio operator. They would take a bearing on an aerial rocket from two or more sighting locations and call them in to the command center, where a street address can be established very quickly, and an enforcement team of police can be pre-positioned, based on activity at this past New Year's hot spots. They can very quickly reach the address, while the evidence still exists.

Now you have enforcement, quick and to the point. This can be accomplished with less than 50 volunteers, and the construction of 12 bearing boards that could be mounted on folding card tables. So let's get started preparing for the Fourth of July now.

Capt. Skip Crawford
U.S. Navy (Retired)

Quotables "I invite you -- and challenge you -- to maintain the momentum, to commit to excellence and make this year a turning point for the public schools of Hawaii." Paul LeMahieu STATE SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT Asking the Legislature for a budget of $164 million for the next two fiscal years "We aren't as concerned about gowns as we are about borrowing some warm coats." Miriam Hellreich HAWAII GOP NATIONAL COMMITTEEWOMAN Looking forward to attending the presidential inauguration but dreading the cold weather in Washington, D.C.

Group has changed to detriment of Hawaiians

Once again, the Hawaiian community has been poorly represented. Hui Malama I Na Kapuna O Hawaii Nei has admitted its incompetence by returning 205 sets of remains entrusted to it to the very office it had so passionately accused of sacrilege in studying and measuring those bones.

This self-interested group has publicly insulted the archaeological community, denied its own race the opportunity to learn about history and misrepresented intentions in taking possession of some of the most treasured ancient artwork to come to light in the Hawaiian Islands.

It will be interesting to observe how its actions play out over the year. For instance:

Has Hui Malama splintered and self-destructed, leaving a trail of confusion and distrust behind?

Will the state Office of Historical Preservation and Oahu Burial Council be reimbursed for the expense suddenly thrust on it by Hui Malama?

Will the new trustees at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have the strength and resolve to show the community they have risen above the actions of their greedier fellow Hawaiians?

Will the Forbes Cave artifacts ever be returned and, if so, in what condition?

Will the next leaders of the Bishop Museum allow themselves to be tricked into giving away more of the cultural artifacts they've been mandated to preserve and display, or will they move toward regaining a leadership role in anthropology and archaeology in the Pacific?

Will the Internal Revenue Service be intimidated and bullied as well, or demand an accounting of the nonprofit dollars squandered by racial babble?

Richard W. Rogers
Haleiwa

Columbia Inn lives on in memories

I have many fond memories of Columbia Inn, where I had many breakfasts, lunches, dinners, late-night meals and cocktails. Even though I live in Las Vegas now, I used to always visit the place when I returned home. I can now visit in my memories.

Keep up the good work and thank you for access to your Web site.

Jack M. Hope
Las Vegas, Nev.

Mink joined blacks in protest of vote travesty

I couldn't have been more proud to be a Hawaii resident than when I saw U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink stand with the members of the congressional black caucus in protesting the electoral college vote in Florida.

That protest was one of the most touching experiences of my lifetime. God bless them!

Rick Lloyd

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