Recent killings show need for death penalty

In light of the recent killing of Honolulu Police Officer Glen Gaspar, 11-year-old Kahealani Indreginal and the Xerox employees several years ago, I wonder when the people of Hawaii will realize that the death penalty is needed for the horrible crime of murder.

Shane Mark will probably be convicted of murdering Officer Gaspar and be sent to prison. Like other murderers in Hawaii he'll get off easy. These killers are sentenced to life in prison or, in some instances, allowed to plea bargain for lesser time to be served behind bars. There's no doubt that some of Hawaii's lawyers and judges have felt that the powerful bite of capital punishment would deter many from committing this heinous crime. Some argue that the death penalty is inhumane. Bull! The killers of Gaspar, Indreginal and the Xerox employees didn't care that murder is inhumane.

It's time that Hawaii's leaders, lawmakers, politicians and people stop being wimps. Bring back the death penalty for those who commit murder.

Merv Kahumoku Jr.
Palmer, Alaska

Cut the budget before increasing taxes

No one is ever in favor of a tax increase. I am particularly incensed that the mayor would propose a property tax increase when we're constantly being told about cost overruns on city projects. Then we have soccer fields and other facilities that are not generating the revenue promised.

We need to come to grips with our spending before considering tax increases. Apparently that message is not getting through to the city administration. It is still spending money on nice-to-have projects rather than budget items that need to be funded in order for the city to function.

I'm sure the administration can point to many things it has done to reduce the city's spending, but when you review these measures many of them are based on counting the beans a different way.

The mayor should go back and prepare a "no frills" budget, recount his beans, and then try to convince the public that a tax increase is justified. Cut the frills and just maybe a tax increase wouldn't be necessary.

Tax increases should be a last resort, not an extra source of money so the unchecked spending can continue.

Bill Nelson
Haleiwa

Legislators shouldn't impede Lingle's plans

In reference to the state House cutting Gov. Linda Lingle's operating budget: It's possible the House Democratic folks are looking out for the common folks of Hawaii by squeezing Lingle's requested operating funds. There may be tough times coming, especially with the tie-up of federal and state resources and funds dedicated to fight terrorism.

But it's a very real problem that without funds, Lingle may not be able to produce results. And this may hurt the common folks even more.

An investigation may be warranted into the adequacy of checks and balances in our state governmental division of powers. Intentional fouling of Lingle's progress could be viewed as crippling the state's economic recovery.

Curtis P. Chun
Ewa Beach

Paring governor's budget is only fair

Gov. Linda Lingle's inaugural address emphasized three E's (ethics in government, economy, education). She stated, "It is the people of Hawaii who pay for government." Cutting the governor's budget was not a distraction or childish, as she called it. If legislators are cutting budgets, hers should be included.

A cool million for furnishings and staff?

Here are a few tips to keep within the budget: Get a personal secretary, and get her a PC system. If she has experience and organizational skills, the governor won't need a gopher. She'll save thousands yearly!

Mansion: Think practical. Drop the decorator and look at sale ads on furniture. She can do the decorating herself.

Sharolyn Josiah
Kaneohe

U.S. might bite off more than it can chew

In its overconfidence of a speedy, casualty-free victory over Saddam Hussein, the United States must not discount the possibility that Russia -- and possibly China -- might send troops to "defend" Iraq against external aggression. Their long-term geopolitical and economic interests would probably dictate such involvement.

Article 51 of the United Nations charter allows use of force only in self-defense when attacked or when an attack is imminent. Since Iraq has neither attacked the United States, nor is such an attack imminent, we cannot invoke this article. On the other hand, Iraq could do so after the U.N. Security Council rejects U.S.-U.K. request to invade Iraq. Russia and China could then respond to Iraq's appeal for international help against U.S.-U.K. aggression. While these troops will probably need to move through the central Asian republics and Iran, permission for such movement will probably be granted -- and possibly also reinforced by Iranian troops en route.

The U.S. government must assess the likely increased casualties, increased finances and increased time-frame needed to overthrow Saddam if this scenario becomes a reality. President Bush must share this assessment with the public -- before troops cross the border into Iraq.

Saleem Ahmed

Editor's note: Saleem Ahmed is the author of "Beyond Veil and Holy War: Islamic teachings and Muslim practices with Biblical comparisons."

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