Not all charter schools deserve broad brush

It always bothers me when people paint others with a broad brush. So it bothered me when I read the letter that said because one charter school principal acted inappropriately, "her behavior puts charter schools under a dark cloud" ("Principal’s behavior casts cloud on charters," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 8). It’s true that her behavior puts her under a dark cloud, but not all charter schools.

I have volunteered at Waialae Elementary School, a charter school, for eight years. During that time I have seen a caring, well-educated, efficient group of teachers and administrators at work. No "dark clouds" there. I cannot speak for other charter schools, but if I were a betting man, I’d bet there weren’t any "dark clouds" in those schools either.

Please put the broad brush away.

Use fireworks safely to prevent future bans

For many years, people in Hawaii have been celebrating New Year’s, Chinese New Year’s and the Fourth of July with fireworks.

Now that Senate Bill 2365 has become law, firecrackers have been restricted to those with a permit. I am not against this bill. However, it is unfortunate that it had to be passed.

While you can still purchase firecrackers, how you use them is in your hands. This New Year’s, let’s show that you don’t have to be a professional to handle firecrackers. Responsible use will encourage lawmakers not to come up with a complete ban. The safer we are with firecrackers, the longer they’ll be around for amateur use.

Animal abuse still a problem in Hawaii

The Hawaiian Humane Society responds to more than 17,000 calls for help each year. More than half of those calls are because animals are neglected or abandoned, involved in dog fighting or hoarded. Animal abuse is a serious problem in Hawaii, and much needs to be done to stop it.

To prevent animal abuse, we should work to become more informed on the effects of animal abuse and look into more ways of preventing it. Since we can’t do this alone, there should be stricter laws and tougher punishments. Since we can’t stop animal abuse completely, we should have more facilities where the affected animals can go to recover.

If we all work together as a community, we can bring change and take action against animal abuse.

Kaena Point area needs to be respected

I am a supporter of the Kaena Point fence project. However, I have some reservations on the potential adverse impacts. According to Hawaiian tradition, Kaena Point is a sacred place where souls enter the afterlife. Some native Hawaiian interests groups are concerned that this fence will be an obstruction to spiritual practices. The state should consider placing informational signs on the fence gates reinforcing the cultural significance of the area.

Also, I am concerned about the process for construction, since there could be runoff associated with the movement of soils. The state should clarify, in layman’s terms, how it will mitigate that impact. Visitors to the park as well as the public will be more inclined to respect management efforts, if they are well-informed of what is at stake.

Fence at Kaena Point does not block access

I recently visited Kaena Point and witnessed the swift and progressive fence construction that is currently in progress.

I was also able to experience firsthand the sheer beauty and magnificence that come with seeing Laysan albatross and wedge-tailed shearwaters. I have never seen so many native Hawaiian plants growing with such vigor!

It is nice to hear about and see the progress the reserve has already made since its designation in 1983. The fence minimizes aesthetic harm to the point. It is for the most part translucent, and in no way does it inhibit access, whether it be to visitors, residents or Hawaiian cultural practitioners.

FROM THE FORUM

Readers of the Star-Advertiser’s online edition can respond to stories posted there. The following are some of those. Instead of names, pseudonyms are generally used online. They have been removed.

"’Great judge,’ ‘great man,’" Star-Advertiser, Dec. 8: Judge Samuel King was great, no question. He was Hawaiian but he also was fair and accurate about history. We need more like him. He also stood up to the bullies at Kamehameha Schools (then known as Bishop Estate) and brought them to their knees. Too many in this state were too terrified of the bullies to speak out. King brought the punks down. Any of us can, if we share his courage and have his moral center. RIP, Judge King.

God blessed us with such a just man as an example for all of us to stand up for principles and give each other an environment of trust to live in, regardless of ethnic background, economic status or power due to position. May his legacy live on in the hearts and minds of each of us in how we conduct our business and social lives.

"Boise State president blasts BCS mistake,’" Star-Advertiser, Dec. 8: Boise can easily fix its BCS (Bowl Championship Series) problems — it can play a tougher schedule and get rid of that gimmicky blue turf; it’s really hard to watch games broadcast from that field. Then it will be taken seriously. Until then, cry away.

The BCS is a joke when it comes to being fair. You do not need to look very far and deep to see what conferences get the nod to be in BCS games and which ones don’t. Once there is a fair way to determine the national championship, then you can put down Boise, or anyone else for that matter.

"A teaching tool," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 9: This "knotted gun" display is inappropriate and does not accurately reflect the tacit nonpartisan culture of Honolulu Community College. For no matter what label we affix to its meaning (i.e., "anti-violence"), this display will always be interpreted for what it really resembles: an anti-gun statement contrary to the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, indicative of a politically liberal stance. The fact that this display was deemed inappropriate to be placed near the child care center indicates that perhaps it is just not an appropriate display, period.

I think it is sick for putting the "knotted gun" on campus. It is an insult to the protectors of our community, the police. Shame on them for allowing this offensive piece of trash on campus. It is also an insult to all the legally registered owners of firearms in this state.

Hummers, jet fighters, an armada of nuclear-armed ships, vast Navy/Army/Marine bases, huge helicopters, Strykers, tens of thousands of military personnel, billions of dollars worth of nuclear-powered submarines, missile-launch sites, etc., etc. Meanwhile, over here … one "40-inch-wide, 27-inch-tall bronze replica of the so-called ‘knotted gun’ statue," and a furor erupts as "some people said it would be perceived by the military as against them." One little sculpture in a lunchroom. Observe the power of art and the tremendous power of a most simple concept: nonviolence.

"Artist beautified with murals," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 9: I had the great privilege knowing this wonderful human being (Ron Artis). His kind heart and generosity will never be forgotten. You will be missed.

His murals are treasures. Peace and strength to the Artis family.