Letters to the Editor

You can’t get legal marijuana

Hawaii has a good law dealing with medical marijuana (half a good law would be more accurate) that restricts its use to patients who suffer from itemized afflictions, including cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, seizures, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. There is a detailed process that patients must follow to receive a one-year certificate allowing them to possess a strictly limited amount. This process begins with a letter from their physician stating that he or she suffers from one of the itemized illnesses and would potentially benefit from the use of medical marijuana.

As far as this law goes, it represents a humane and realistic approach to providing relief to these patients. The trouble is, there are no medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii, and therefore no way to obtain marijuana legally. I urge lawmakers to remedy this sorry state of affairs.

Biden wrong on incentives

Columnist George Will quotes Vice President Joe Biden as saying, "Every single great idea that has marked the 21st century, the 20th century and the 19th century has required government vision and government incentive." ("Hype on GM’s Volt is simply shocking," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 14).

Biden’s remarks reflect a lack of a discernible understanding of the history and evolution of technology in America. A case in point: The Wright brothers worked on inventing their airplane from 1899 to 1903, and during these years, the Wrights received absolutely no incentive, subsidies, visions or help of any kind from the U.S. government. In fact, after they proved they could fly Wilbur wrote their Ohio congressman advising him of their invention and offered to sell their airplane to the US. govern-ment. The congressman sent back a form letter saying the government was not interested.

Okino stood by his principles

In response to the article "Democrats oust Okino over support for GOP" (Star-Advertiser, Nov. 14), did the headline mean to say GOP or GOD?

Gary Okino said in the article, "In all cases, when you have a choice between candidates, vote for the candidate who most exemplifies God’s values." Okino did not say vote for the candidate who most exemplifies the GOP’s values. So a Christian named Gary Okino who puts God before the party is persecuted. How dare he put God above the Democratic Party. Crucify him or, in modern Hawaii political terms, oust him from the party for five years. Someone with the character to stand up for one’s religious beliefs is hard to find, and often criticized, or in this case, punished.

Stop roadwork late at night

I have a simple question. Is it my right as a tax-paying dweller of Honolulu to have a peaceful night of sleep for me and my family? I believe most people in this beautiful city would answer yes! So why do I have road construction that has been going on now for months, all night long, during the week and even weekends, right under my window? Please stop the roadwork on Ala Moana Boulevard near Piikoi Street in the middle of the night. At least have the common courtesy to finish by 10 p.m. so that I can put my son to sleep.

Hawaiians needed in all fields

I agree with John Casey Carpenter’s comments in his article about bringing back vocational training ("It’s time to give Hawaiian culture the respect it deserves," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 14). We should prepare all of our citizens to be able to enter a profession or trade of their choice. Apprenticeship or vocational training is a time-honored and accepted method of facilitating entry into a chosen career. However, it is surprising that Mr. Casey seems to be recommending that we forever relegate Hawaiians to a lower economic strata because "Hawaiian students are doers, not sitters, with a love of and talent for hands-on activities."

I believe that it is essential that we have Hawaiian doctors, lawyers, politicians and business and military leaders. Having adequate representation across all segments of society ensures that you are not left out. College preparatory models are not racially based and professional people are not just "sitters." There is a lot of truth to the old saying that knowledge shall set you free.