Get serious about homeless problem

It is not a joke ("Mayor blasted over homeless," Star-Advertiser, June 30) when residents of this once-beautiful island drive around it and find the tents, other various modes of living abodes, grocery carts packed to the brim and trash almost anywhere. I’ve seen it from Waianae to Waikiki and in between. It is not a pretty sight. If I were a visitor to Oahu, I would look with utter disgust at the city and state officials who allowed this descent into Third World conditions.

With elections coming up in November, I request the news media, election debate planners and attendees at candidate town hall meetings ask every single candidate for public office for their thoughts on how they would solve this problem. I’ll be asking, and anyone without a serious solution for this problem will not get my vote.

Volunteer as an elections official

Is your patriotism more than fireworks? I have the job for you!

The job is not available in many countries. Dictators fear this job well done. In Saudi Arabia, women were forbidden to do it. Many American citizens refuse to take the job—the hours are long; there can be bursts of chaos. You get paid, but not a lot. You do this job for love of country.

Hawaii men and women have the right to serve as an elections official, ensuring elections are open and honest, that voting is prideful and pleasant. Be rewarded and uplifted—assist a first-time voter (they smile a lot and glow just a bit). Go home tired, but fulfilled.

Be truly patriotic. Go to www.hawaii.gov/elections; phone 453-8683. Tell the Office of Elections you are ready to make American democracy real as a precinct worker. Raise your hand on Sept. 18 and Nov. 2 and promise to defend the constitutions of the United States of America and the state of Hawaii. You’ll get chicken skin.

Require written test more often

As a return resident driving on our crowded roadways, I recently had to re-take the written test for a Hawaii license, and it occurred to me why our traffic is so messed up. Besides inferior, pothole-filled roadways, many Hawaii license holders have no idea what the rules are because nobody here has had to take a recurrent written test since the first test they took to learn to drive.

As a pilot, I am required to go to recurrent training every six months. Today’s written driver test, although a minor inconvenience, was the best thing for this "experienced driver." Remember, complacency kills. Everyone should be required to review the book at least every couple of years. Nobody wanted to be required to wear a seat belt, and guess what? Hawaii is No. 1 in per capita compliance. Safety first!

Safety harmed by isle gun laws

I must strongly disagree with your editorial ("Hawaii gun laws are sound," Star-Advertiser, June 30).

Although some present laws might survive constitutional challenge, Hawaii is hostile to citizens with firearms.

While scofflaws buy, sell and carry with impunity, exemplary citizens are saddled with cumbersome registration, permitting, waiting periods, limits on equipment, etc.—all intended to deter ownership. Other states require only a background check.

Hawaii has a concealed carry permit law, but it is never issued, even if a person is in danger.

If a legal firearms owner would be safer having a gun handy when hiking, camping, closing a business or working late, he or she dare not.

Efforts to improve these draconian laws and policies have been rebuffed and, as a result, Hawaii’s citizens are at risk.

Release funds for Kupuna Care

I am writing in the hope that Gov. Linda Lingle will sign and release the funds needed to support the Kupuna Care Program (Senate Bill 2469).

A few years ago, I applied for Meals on Wheels assistance for my 95-year-old dad who lived with my 87-year-old mom in a disabled unit at Kukui Gardens. We were on a waiting list for so long. Then I finally received a call from Meals on Wheels. However, my father had already passed away, four days after his 99th birthday. So the program didn’t help. Too late.

Please support Kupuna Care. It is the right thing to do.