Backup beepers warn of oncoming madness

It's 7 a.m. and the sounds of paradise are once again waking me and welcoming us to another full day of total insanity. The Waikiki Allure at the corner of Kalakaua Avenue and Ala Wai Boulevard is currently the location of a dozen or more construction trucks, front loaders, cement mixers, pile drivers and myriad other devices seemingly designed to make life miserable for anyone within earshot of the site. Every one of these machines has a back up signaling device that sounds a continuous beeping while in reverse, a feature mandated by our idiot politicians who have nothing better to do that concoct another way to intrude on what little peace we have.

Has any study been done to determine how any construction worker could be safer when 10 or more of these machines are all in reverse and all beeping at the same time? And has the benefit of these maddening beeping warnings been weighed against the near insanity it causes to the thousands of residents who cannot escape it?

Globe-trotting clowns nothing to joke about

As the founder of Clowns Without Borders USA, it saddens me to see Charles Memminger take it out on clowns in general, and on Clowns Without Borders in particular ("Honolulu Lite," Star-Bulletin, Jan. 27). I find it distasteful that he asks his public to imagine CWB performers wearing kevlar vests and carrying automatic weapons. Of course we did not go to Uzbekistan or Southern Armenia, however we did go to Haiti, to areas of Louisiana and Mississippi affected by Katrina, to Guatemala, Chiapas Mexico and the Sudan. That is just the United States; the other eight CWB organizations went to some 30 countries ... no, not to Uzbekistan.

I am surprised that your newspaper would carry a humorist column that makes fun of a humanitarian organization. There are enough targets that deserve a bit of flak in the world, but humanitarian workers who give it their all to help those most in need on the planet are not it.

CWB brought joy and laughter to 40 000 children last year without a single flak jacket in sight. It is certain that the world needs more humor and laughter, however there is humor that is uplifting for all without it having to be at the expense of somebody.

Leaders should take fireworks seriously

Why did the controversy about aerial fireworks quickly fizzle out in January? Are misfired aerial bombs considered "therapeutic" for our damaged ears, eyes, fingers and burned property? Do dogs enjoy barking to the deafening vibrations, then running in circles and hiding where the moon don't shine? Should these fireworks be sold legally so that more tax revenue to the state will result? Could the unemployment rate be reduced further by locally manufacturing these popular health-threatening and life-altering missiles for export to the rest of the world?

Maybe, more local lyrics and tunes can be inspired while the rat-a-tat-ka-boom of the explosions reverberate and echo off the mountains and high-rises ... hmmm ... weeks after the New Year, my ears are still ringing from the near-miss explosions.

I wonder if the legislators, mayor and governor are looking forward to the Fourth of July and the next New Year's islandwide show with zero arrests, so they can enjoy Oahu's replenished stockpile being massively launched into illegal oblivion!

When laws such as these are not taken seriously each year by our political leaders, then we lose faith in other laws and in those we elect and entrust to act on our own behalf.

CPS policy inherently harmful to children

There have been several letters faulting Child Protective Services for repeatedly returning the child to the mother or to the family -- in the case of Cyrus Belt and previous cases -- against what would appear to be common sense, culminating in death or injury to the child.

CPS does this because the rules under which it is mandated to operate require that this be done, the idea being to keep the family intact. Unless this rule is modified to turn the emphasis to protection of the child instead, more such cases will ensue.

Superferry could help fulfill a last wish

It is with heavy heart that I am in all probability writing my last letter to the editor. Last week I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, stage 4, no cure.

Long story short, I have been for years a major proponent of legalizing street dune buggies, ie. the Meyers Manx. Meeting with John Lovsted of the federal Department of Transportation, we came upon a set of rules that would comply with what was necessary. Thanks, John.

I have been given three to six months to live and my biggest dream has been to ship my Manx to Kauai on the Superferry to visit family and friends one last time. HOWEVER we are still being held as hostages by an antisocial faction. All I want to do before die is to visit Kauai in my Manx, say hello to fellow Manx Club members and aloha to family and friends. Governor Lingle, Mr. Garibaldi and the U.S. Coast Guard, please make it possible for the ferry to sail to Kauai safely so I may be able to see my wish come true. Nancy Crispin, thank you for being a caring person and friend. Aloha a hui ho.