We might as well ban everything unhealthy

So the smoking ban in restaurants goes into effect July 1 ("Smoking ban divides eateries," Star-Bulletin, June 24). I'm glad the City Council took responsibility for my health. I don't smoke, and I find the habit dirty and hideous. Now I don't need to worry about second-hand smoke and the awful effects it brings.

I can't wait until our government decides that all restaurants must provide vegetarian food. Perhaps one day they will ban all meat products and hydrogenated fats from entering our beautiful state. I eat meat, and I know it's bad for me. The government needs to protect me from myself.

While they are at it, they should pass laws requiring all residents to exercise, take vitamins, brush their teeth, use sunscreen and practice safe sex.

Mike Middleton
Kapolei

Something is missing at busy corner

The flags festooned at the corner of Kalakaua Avenue and Kapiolani Boulevard remind the thousands who pass every day of John "the General" Rogers, but still missing are his familiar, joyfully smiling face and the shaka he gave everyone.

The General, who died last December, was a flag-waving patriot long before 9/11 made it fashionable. Wouldn't it be a fitting tribute to this inspiring man -- as well as a reminder to those passing -- to have a life-size statue of him with his flag at the intersection? And what a perfect location -- right across the street from our convention center, where thousands of visitors will see it.

If the city is pinched for the money, I'll bet that with a little publicity the General's many friends could easily raise the funds.

Leroy Jack Syrop

State shouldn't sell its soul for Waahila lines

In response to Leonard Chun's June 17 letter, East Honolulu needs a string of 130-foot power poles over the historic Waahila Ridge like it needs a new development at Sandy Beach. The neighborhood boards in Kuliouou, Ala Wai- Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Manoa and others oppose this planning disaster.

In a contested case hearing on the Kamoku-Pukele Project, Judge John McConnell weighed the evidence. In a strongly worded 71-page document, he concluded that the Board of Land of Natural Resources should deny the conservation district use permit to HECO.

There is no vital need for the power lines. Electrical reliability in this state is 99.8 percent. The ratepayers would be spending more than $30 million on a redundant third line. Our state would be selling its soul to become dependent on fossil fuels for the next 30 years.

However, I must agree with Chun's last statement that denial of this project could mean a reassessment of any future development and hotel expansion in East Honolulu. Amen.

Jeremy Lam
Kaneohe

High court has used same criteria before

Regarding your editorial concerning the execution of mentally impaired individuals ("Ruling gives hope to end executions," Star-Bulletin, June 22): You failed to mention the report from the Supreme Court minority. In it, Justice Anton Scalia wrote: "Seldom has an opinion of this court rested so obviously upon nothing but the personal views of its members." Maybe I can refresh the honorable justice's memory.

The presidential election of 2000 comes to mind.

Larry Solomon

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