Investigate those behind anti-rail effort

Eric Ryan and the Stop Rail Now group's campaign to impeach the mayor (Star-Bulletin, Jan. 3) goes way beyond “;sour grapes.”; More like vinegar from sore losers. To me, this group has no credibility and is just kicking up dust.

They spread half-truths all through the summer in an effort to mislead the public before the ballot vote. This forced the city to mount a very expensive, taxpayer-financed public information program to correct their misinformation.

The group said the people should decide on rail, but now they don't like the decision. Their new impeachment drive will again cost the taxpayers money to clear the record in court. I think it is this group that needs to be investigated.

Rail foes can't face the fact that they lost

The Stop Rail Now group has really soared to new lows. Their latest tactic to impeach Mayor Mufi Hannemann is just another effort to kill rail.

This is the same group that said “;let the people decide.”; But following the elections, when voters chose rail, instead of abiding by the will of the people they cried foul and continue their anti-rail campaign. They claim to be the voice of the people, but they obviously do not speak for the majority of Honolulu residents, who chose rail and re-elected the mayor on Nov. 4.

Mayor and police chief fail in their duties

The blatant lawless display of illegal aerial fireworks preceding and on New Year's Eve was the most prolific and prolonged of recent memory. Many people were prevented from sleeping that night, some could not breathe and most pets were traumatized. The absence of arrests indicates that aerial displays are condoned by the Honolulu Police Department and the city administration.

The City Charter is clear about the city's purpose and duties of the mayor and police chief: “;All city powers shall be used to serve and advance the general welfare, health, happiness, safety and aspirations of its inhabitants.”;

The mayor is to “;Enforce the provisions of this charter, the ordinances of the city and all applicable laws.”;

The chief of police is “;responsible for the preservation of the public peace; the protection of the rights of persons and property; the prevention of crime; the detection and arrest of offenders against the law and the enforcement and prevention of violations of all laws.”;

It is clear that neither the mayor nor the police chief fulfilled his obligations under the charter. It is time for them to live up to the charter or relinquish their positions to someone capable of doing so.

China nixed 'tradition,' so that's no excuse

Year after year, we debate banning fireworks. Too many accidents, too many lawbreakers and no law enforcement, not to mention people who suffer from noise and fumes, and pets who suddenly became neurotic. Some people will say it's tradition. What tradition? Firecrackers were invented by the Chinese and it's their thousand-year tradition. And you know what - personal fireworks are banned in China for safety reasons.

Who are we in Hawaii claim this tradition and that we cannot change them? Only 100 years ago, cutting off people's heads to prove manhood was a tradition in some cultures. But that tradition was changed for the good of many. So must we with regard to fireworks.

Leave it to the professionals to light up the sky and for us consumers to enjoy with our family and friends in a safe environment. Urge your legislators to ban the fireworks.