Since when is lobbying part of police job duties?

Hmmm, police officers engaging in politicking for laws that they are charged with enforcing — interesting.

On Kauai, the police department and prosecutor’s office yesterday joined with the Kauai County Anti-Drug Program in a public rally against efforts to liberalize the state’s marijuana laws. On Monday, uniformed police on Maui distributed leaflets at Walmart arguing against medical marijuana and efforts to decriminalize or legalize the drug. Maui Police Chief Gary Yabuta explained that he thinks such legislation sends "the wrong message to the youth."

Such statements can be debated, but should the rank-and-file paid by the public to enforce laws objectively be the ones involved in the debate — and in their official capacity, on the clock?

Testifying before legislative committees as to the effect such laws might have on police operations seems reasonable, especially by the higher-ups, but is lobbyist/advocate part of the oath to protect and serve?

Civil unions score victory on Facebook, too

The day after the Hawaii Legislature passed the civil unions bill, Facebook added two new options to its list of relationship status possibilities: "In a civil union" and "In a domestic partnership."

The Facebook masters have deemed "that same-sex marriages, civil unions and other non-traditional relationships have reached a level that deserve recognition."

Put that in your Coincidence-or-Not File.