U.S. isn't alone in losing war on drugs

Cynthia Tucker's column on drugs ("U.S. should quietly end war on drugs," Star-Bulletin, June 28) is the best article I have read since arriving in Honolulu. I am visiting your beautiful island from Glasgow, Scotland. In my city and every other city in the United Kingdom, drugs are freely available. The police simply don't have the resources to combat drugs. It is a war that can never be won, being fought on the drug dealers' terms.

What America does, the U.K. tends to follow. Is there an American politician with the courage and vision to legalize drugs? The illegal-drug market is worth billions of dollars to criminals. What would it be worth to governments if it was heavily taxed (not unlike alcohol and cigarettes)?

If drugs were legalized, it would mean more control, less drug-related violent crime and proper funds for drug-awareness programs. Of equal importance: More money would be available to address the social issues that lead too many people taking drugs in the first place. Morality is important, but sometimes common sense must take precedence.

On a lighter note, does anyone know a pub in Honolulu where a guy can get a decent pint of Guinness? It's too long a swim back to my local in Scotland.

Danny Harkins
Visitor from Glasgow, Scotland

Illegal aerials still endanger life, property

Fireworks permits do little to prevent the use of dangerous illegal aerials. More action should be taken to prevent the use of illegal fireworks.

Last year, a fire in Aiea left five adults and a 10-year-old child without a home when an aerial rocket landed on their lanai. It caused $200,000 worth of damage to the house and its contents. In another case, a Waianae home received $25,000 worth of damage when aerial fireworks landed on the roof.

The permits may be good for restricting people from buying large amounts of fireworks; however, better alternatives are needed, since it was clear that the permits did not eliminate all problems. A tighter watch at the docks and the airports is necessary to prevent the smuggling of illegal fireworks. Stricter punishments should be enforced to deter people from using illegal fireworks. People should be encouraged to call the police when they see illegal aerials used in their neighborhoods. Doing so could save someone's home, or even life.

Fireworks are a great way to celebrate New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July. But during the holiday season we want to avoid someone being killed or property being destroyed. Fireworks should be made as safe as possible so everyone can enjoy the holiday worry free.

Tiffany Chun
Waipahu

Fishman candidacy is good for Hawaii Kai

I'm pleased to hear that Bob Fishman, a longtime resident of Hawaii Kai, will be running for City Council from our district (Star-Bulletin, July 6). Many of us were concerned that our next Council member might end up being someone who has never lived here and has no idea what this community needs.

Council members should have real roots in their community. Fishman knows and understands East Honolulu and Waikiki. He also knows how the city works and how to fix things. He'll be up and running on election day finding ways to improve operations and protect our tax dollars.

Tim Houghton
Hawaii Kai

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