Why approach violent suspect in mall?

Regarding the incident at Kapolei Shopping Center in which Honolulu police Officer Glen Gaspar was killed, my condolences.

However, I have two questions. The police were aware that the suspect, Shane Mark, had a violent history, so why was Officer Gaspar not wearing a bulletproof vest? Also, why would the police endanger the civilian community by attempting the arrest in such a public place? This really has me concerned. I take my children to that shopping center, as do many people. This situation seems very irresponsible to me.

Malia Kim
Kapolei

Campaign-fund laws should be enforced

Sen. Cal Kawamoto doesn't get it (Star-Bulletin letters, March 14). He's trying to remove laws that regulate how money is donated to politicians and how they use it. He should know by now that these laws were put in place to protect the public's interest, not that of politicians and their contributors.

Whether or not he is trying to protect his okole is another matter, since new rules would go into effect at a future date -- unless of course he tries to make them retroactive.

We should be focused on what effect the enactment of these new rules will have on campaign spending and donations in the future. It's clear that they will unleash an orgy of donations and questionable spending practices that will far exceed anything we've witnessed in the past.

We need stricter rules and stiffer penalties for those who violate our campaign-spending laws, not looser laws.

I say to Senator Kawamoto, if the Legislature is to set policy for the Campaign Spending Commission to follow, then let's make sure this policy is in the public interest and not some self-serving interest of members of the Legislature or political contributors.

Bill Nelson
Haleiwa

Folks in Honolulu friendly and helpful

I want to thank the friendly people of Honolulu for always making our visits so pleasant. We find the people extra friendly and helpful.

My husband and I were there in February and went to the military museum by Fort DeRussy. When walking down Kalakaua Avenue, we paused several times to look at the map we got at Hotel Princess Kaiulani, trying to figure out how far we had left to go. An older fellow dusting the bikes at a bike-rental stall came over and asked if he could help (and he did).

When we got to the Fort DeRussy area we weren't sure whether to go through the park or down the street. A lady saw us studying the map and asked to help. She said the shortest way was down the street.

Such examples of helpful, friendly citizens are certainly appreciated and make Hawaii a wonderful place to visit.

Sue Nitz
Tucson, Ariz.

Assisted suicide undermines trust

I disagree with Roland Halpern (Star-Bulletin, March 7) that legalizing physician-assisted suicide (PAS) would benefit Hawaii. Here's why:

Mainstream medical organizations, including the Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Nurses Association, Hospice Hawaii and Hawaii Cancer Pain Initiative, oppose legalizing PAS.

Dr. Craig Nakatsuka (Star-Bulletin, Jan. 17) wrote, "My patients trust me to do everything medically possible to heal them, and when that is not possible, to make them comfortable until death comes. But if I'm given the legal right to kill a patient, that credibility will quickly crumble into distrust."

A nine-year study by a secular 25-member task force appointed by New York's governor unanimously gave PAS a thumbs down. Even members in favor of PAS agreed no safeguards could control the abuses.

Halpern's "clients" should know that there are truly compassionate alternatives.

Susan Matoi
Kaunakakai, Maui

Isle dance group made it to Star Search

I am new to the island (one month), but feel that I must comment on something. For a couple of weeks, all I heard on the radio and television was about the young man from Hawaii appearing on "American Idol."

I was watching Star Search last Tuesday, and there was a dance group from Honolulu called 24-VII. Where was their support? They made it to the semi-finals Friday, but didn't advance from there. I think they deserve a round of applause, too.

Dan Barlow
Waipahu

Protesters should urge Saddam to leave

Our president has given Saddam 48 hours to leave Iraq. That is 48 hours more than the cowardly terrorists gave the United States on 9/11.

Whether or not Saddam is in bed with al-Qaida, he is a threat to world peace, and I think the warning was an honorable thing for our president to do.

Now I'm waiting to see if the so-called anti-war demonstrators will exhort Saddam to leave Iraq so a peaceful solution is reached. I don't think they will because they are not really anti-war; they are anti-American.

Saddam has the power to spare his people the death and destruction these protesters say will be inflicted by the United States. The U.S. government, through our president, has stated we will not use military force if Saddam and his sons leave the country.

So to these anti-American protesters, I ask: Will you now ask Saddam to leave, or will you continue bashing America?

Jim Fromm
Waipahu

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