Crews shouldn't spray weed killer on hills

I am appalled by the horrible practice of road maintenance crews to spray weed killer on steeply sloping road shoulders. This is exposing bare dirt by killing the protective vegetation cover and causing never-ending erosion of the fragile slopes. Most of that dirt-laden runoff washes down into the ocean, suffocating coral and causing other damage. On Lilipuna Road they recently had to remove tons of washed-down dirt from the road (only after I complained repeatedly). That dirt would have washed into Kaneohe Bay.

I am calling on the city and the state to stop that practice and mow the vegetation on such steep slopes when needed.

Ed committee needs Hee's leadership

It has been a long time since thoughtful actions in respect to oversight of the University of Hawaii by the Legislature have given hope to university watchers, including alumni. I believe that in calling attention to the "advise and consent" function of the state Senate to the governor's appointees to the Board of Regents, Sen. Clayton Hee, chairman of the Senate's Higher Education Committee, is demonstrating that approval is based on knowledge of higher education's problems, direction, vision and needs of the state.

It was unusual, according to news accounts, for the two appointees who had been rejected to be given a second hearing: one of them passed with flying colors, the other was rejected. To me, this shows a kind of leadership that is rare in local politics, especially with respect to education, which at any level needs all the friends it can get!

Let's keep and promote this kind of leadership. Selling fund-raising tickets is another story, indulged in from the White House to the precinct level ("Hee should resign as committee head," Editorial, April 22). If that needs attention, make the investigations throughout the political system -- don't start with someone who is making an intelligent effort to assure that UH is being governed by the best qualified and informed Board of Regents.

Kanno's behavior deserves scrutiny

Letters and columns defending Sen. Brian Kanno are pure spin. Since when are lawmakers immune from public scrutiny? Kanno was caught (allegedly) abusing his political power and the public has a right to know.

It's equally absurd to imply that because Kanno is chairman of the Senate Labor Committee it's his responsibility to assist disgruntled employees. The Hawaii Labor Relations Board handles workplace disputes. Kanno's intimidating Senate resolution targeting a private company can only be described as scary, and resembles extortion.

Longtime gay rights activist Leon Rouse apparently has a pattern of abuse and exploitation of other people. Prison time in the Philippines for child molestation and charges of workplace sexual harassment are not easily dismissed. Kanno allowed himself to be led into this compromising situation by Rouse and has some explaining to do.

Rep. Rida Cabanilla also owes the public an explanation. Why did she hire a Waikiki resident with a criminal past to manage her state office when she represents Waipahu and Ewa?

This is far from being a "witch hunt." Our local media deserve credit for investigating these allegations of ethical misconduct.

Big Isle slaying victim put others' needs first

I wanted to thank you for the article in Saturday's paper about my friend Arman Johnson ("Questions haunt friends of Big Isle slaying victim"). You reported it correctly and did not sensationalize his senseless death, and I appreciate that. It's painful to read the negative comments about a man who was committed to the people of his community. He cared so much about others, he often failed to meet his own needs.

He was a wonderful person and we will miss him. A hui hou, Arman.

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