Surf-reserves bill was apt measure

Sen. Fred Hemmings' Senate Bill 2646 to designate certain ocean areas of Oahu as surfing “;reserves”; would not only be an appropriate tribute to the 10 years that one of our most successful surfers spent in the state Senate, but would give recognition to the historical significance and the future value of these world-famous surfing areas.

To address the valid concern of some legislators that the designation of “;reserve”; has no meaning, perhaps the next version of the bill could have wording similar to the recent designation of the Kawainui Marsh as a “;wetland of international importance.”; A designation such as “;surfing area of international importance”; would focus attention on these areas to help assure that they will be protected for future generations.

Our government aids our enemies

Are we stupid? Let me count the ways.

When someone attempts or performs an act of war upon us, what do we do? We arrest them and treat them as a criminal. We treat them nicely, tell them they are not required to talk to us and we buy them legal help.

They should be captured and treated as prisoners of war or combatants, according to the rules of war.

Another: When a terrorist sets off a car bomb in Manhattan that doesn't work, we broadcast information about why, so that future terrorists will be more successful.

Another: When a roadside bomb goes off in a war zone, we tell the world how successful it was or wasn't. I can visualize the enemy sitting in front of a TV and cheering and learning from the announcement of how well their trap worked—or didn't.

Would someone please tell our government to stop aiding our enemies? It's gonna get us killed.

Laws must stop repeat offenders

When are our judges and lawmakers going to come to their senses and wake up? I read with interest about the homeless person in Mililani who allegedly robbed, beat and raped the woman working in a restaurant.

What makes it even worse is that this individual has 38 prior convictions, including four felony drug arrests. Are you going to wait until more people are victimized and killed?

I strongly believe that during our next election we should vote for those who can bring laws back into our society.

Science fair funds were indeed gift

In a recent letter to the editor, “;Science fair funds are no GOP gift”; (Star-Bulletin, May 11), Tom Sheeran took issue with the use of the word “;gift”; in the May 11 article, “;$425,000 gift saves state science fair.”;

Mr. Sheeran is correct to point out government funding comes from American taxpayers, but the Star-Bulletin was correct.

Mr. Sheeran wrote that funding for the fair was made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Of these Part B funds, Hawaii received about $35 million.

However, these funds were discretionary, and the Lingle-Aiona administration agreed to dedicate all of the money improving the quality of education, with particular focus on expanding science, technology, engineering and math skills among our youth.

Providing $425,000 of the discretionary money to save the science fair clearly was a gift to all the students and teachers influenced by it.

Our keiki are some of the brightest in the world, and this gift will help many reach their full potential.