State should not bet on gambling

As the next Legislature is about to open, there may be legislation introduced that proposes the legalization of gambling. Let there be no mistake: Legalizing gambling would be grave.

Hawaii must stay the course with its conviction of sustaining and enriching communities. It must be strongly opposed to all forms of gambling. Gambling exploits those who can least afford it and undermines community values. Millions of Americans are problem or pathological gamblers, with many between 12 and 18 years of age.

Social and economic costs include unemployment benefits, welfare benefits, physical and mental health problems, theft, embezzlement, bankruptcy, suicide, child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, divorce, incarceration, work absences and homelessness.

Hawaii must hold steadfast against legalized gambling; the costs far outweigh the benefits.

Elevated rail is better than on-grade system

As a licensed architect, a member of the Honolulu American Institute of Architects, a former board member of the Honolulu American Institute of Architects, and a lifelong resident of Honolulu, I am writing to strongly support the much-needed and long-overdue elevated rail project.

It is important to make clear that the recent publicity by the AIA proposing an on-grade system versus elevated should not be construed as the majority opinion of all its members. I, for one, support what the city is currently proposing in its plans for rail transit, and have been an advocate of transit since the subject became an issue back in the early 1990s.

In 2008, the majority of citizens voted for the elevated rail system, and the city moved forward with its plans and continued to secure federal funding. The city had numerous meetings with organizations (including the Honolulu AIA) and neighborhood boards to present their vision of transit.

It has been proven that an elevated system is far more efficient and safe than an on-grade system.

An elevated system effectively removes all conflicts with present and future road systems and other land-based activities.

Architects have the talent and skill to work collaboratively with the city to make sure that important projects like the rail transit are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

With the city recently receiving Federal Transit Administration approval to proceed with preliminary engineering design and management, Oahu citizens should finally look forward to a viable alternative means of transportation before it is too late.

Gay marriage bill must not be brought to vote

From about 1990 to 1998, Hawaii fretted over the issue of homosexual “;marriage”; and whether it should be legalized.

The general public was mystified by the willingness of Hawaii courts to re-engineer the most crucial and traditional component of our society, the institution of marriage between a man and a woman.

It took years to convince legislators that this was not merely a violation of the moral traditions of society. Worse, it was a violation of the separation of powers because courts (rather than legislators) began making laws by fiat.

Eventually the people of Hawaii demanded to be heard in a November 1998 referendum. In that vote, an overwhelming 70 percent of Hawaii's voters ratified the “;marriage amendment”; reserving marriage to opposite-sex couples.

Since then 31 states have voted similarly. In fact, when put before its people, no state has approved homosexual marriage.

HB444 is a litmus test. A quiet attempt by some Democrats to rush HB444 through the early 2010 Legislature has been noted. If they think they can allow HB444 to sneak by and then survive an inevitable backlash in the September and November elections, they are in for a surprise.

The Senate and House leadership must not allow HB444 to come to a vote.

Everyone has a right to enjoy a safe holiday

Chinese legend has it that a ferocious mythical monster, Nian, which means “;year,”; once terrorized the common people.

He emerged every New Year's Eve to prey on humans.

People battling the monster began to realize he was afraid of noise, light and the color red, and that bamboo placed in the fire would pop and crackle as the air inside caused the stems to expand and shatter with an explosive sound.

Unfortunately, fireworks have now become the beast terrorizing the people, and our fire, police and emergency medical workers must now go out to battle them during the holiday season. Shocking news appeared about two children critically burned by fireworks on Maui. A Honolulu physician warns of serious consequences from fireworks burns and, unbelievably, no system of reporting such injuries exists. Research warns of hearing loss in young children exposed to very loud noises, even for a short period. Pets require medication and special housing during the holidays.

The misuse of fireworks has become a public safety hazard that cannot be ignored any longer. This year, the explosive booms, illegal aerials and smoky groundworks reached a new plateau—more complaints were received by the Honolulu Police Department than ever before. More letters were received by legislators in favor of a total ban than ever before. A total ban would still require tougher sanctions on those who persist in disobeying the law, and community education would be needed to help people realize the dangers in unbridled use of pyrotechnics.

It is now the fireworks beast who must be tamed, and peace must return. Everyone in the community has a right to enjoy a safe holiday.