The article on street youth and violence makes it appear that hordes of homeless youth are committing violent crimes on the streets of Honolulu (“Homeless teens raise concerns,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 25).

In actual fact, our homeless youth are the victims of violence, abuse and neglect. More than 40 percent of our homeless youth were forced to leave home by their families according to a 2016 survey of street youth in Honolulu. Two-fifths have spent time in foster care as a result of abuse and neglect. Thirty-eight percent reported being beaten or physically assaulted while living on the streets.

Nearly half of Hawaii’s juvenile arrests are for status offenses such as running away from home or truancy from school. Only 5 percent of juvenile arrests involve weapons or intimidation.

Instead of demonizing our homeless youth, we should be asking ourselves why we are forcing our children to live on the streets.

Judith F. Clark

Executive director, Hawaii Youth Services Network

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Youth facility can handle homeless

The recent letter about sending the chronic homeless to Kalaupapa, Molokai, made me think of another place (“Kalaupapa is ideal homeless ‘safe zone’,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 17).

The youth correctional facility in Kailua is never at capacity. Send these chronic homeless there.

There are state employees trained to handle people with addiction and mental illness. The homeless could be housed, treated and trained for jobs. When they leave, they’ll be ready to get jobs and the state employees will have their jobs.

Maria Bardenas

Ewa Beach

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Racial bigotry alive and well, even today

Charles Ota wrote, “Our nation was founded on promises of fair and equal treatment as inscribed in our Constitution” (“Speak one’s mind, but show respect,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Oct. 7).

I was in the Air Force in the 1970s; racial bigotry was alive and well. Today, racial bigotry is still alive and well — just look at Charlottesville, Va.

For the violence and death of Heather Heyer, President Donald Trump said it was many sides, many sides, then it was both sides and finally the “other side.” Is the “other side” those of us against the Ku Klux Klan, white supremacists and neo-Nazis?

Trump and “his side” are just creating another one of his many distractions from the Russia investigation.

He acts so patriotic when he says all players must stand with their hand over their heart, yet he dodged the draft to avoid military service.

Ball players are protesting for fair and equal treatment for all.

Mark Hada

Aiea

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Radiation sickness can’t be kept away

In all the discussion of possible nuclear war with North Korea, is there any mention of radiation sickness? Consider what happened at Hiroshima and Chernobyl. Walls, windows and duct tape do not keep radiation out.

Consider Nevil Shute’s novel “On the Beach,” also made into a movie of the same name. In nuclear war there is no “America First.” There is only America, the sad and dying fellow loser.

Judith A. Lum

Moiliili

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U.S. lacks positive vision overseas

As the U.S. military presence continues to expand overseas, either in the 800-plus bases or special operations, e.g. in Niger, it is justified by the “war on terror.”

But that is a negative vision, just being against something, like communism during the Cold War. That atmosphere of being under siege seems to fuel an the anti- immigrant/minority and militaristic mentality.

Yet what is the positive vision today for U.S. military involvement overseas and mythic wall-building? What is the U.S. fighting for now — freedom and democracy?

Those Cold War slogans were, and are, undermined by arming dictators overseas. Or nasty tweets, shop-till-you-drop consumerism, and helping rich folks while punishing the needy.

What is America trying to defend now that could unite people instead of dividing them?

Instead, the negativity is more entrenched, without a hopeful explanation for it, other than ultra-nationalism and getting the other guy before he gets you.

David Chappell

Kaneohe

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Plan should make Trump pay fair share

It seems to me the question no one has asked about President Donald Trump’s tax plan is, “Will it ensure Donald Trump will finally pay due taxes to support the government of the United States?”

If it does not require people like Trump, and corporations like General Electric, not only to pay federal taxes, but to pay their fair share of taxes to support the government of the United States, then of what use is it except as fake news propaganda?

Even the dumbest member of Congress should be bright enough to understand America’s poor and homeless will never be able to repay the national debt.

Rico Leffanta

Kakaako

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We’re blessed to have ‘Hawaiian time’

Regarding Lee Cataluna’s column, “It’s never the right time to utter ‘Hawaiian Time’ cliche” (Star-Advertiser, Oct. 20):

Accept it as a compliment! I grew up in Florida with tropical sunny weather. Like Hawaii, it’s not necessary to run from house to car because it’s warm, not icy cold. So we can stop to smell the flowers, or linger awhile to enjoy the balmy air.

While they’re pulling on boots, buttoning up or tightening up headgear, let’s enjoy our sunshine and scented air.

So, “southern time” or “Hawaiian time” is a special blessing. Certainly, it’s important to be on time, so start early and let them “chill it.” Hawaiian time is our time for special enjoyment. It sounds good.

Betty Berry

Makiki