Sentencing reform creates liability issue

In a recent editorial there was discussion regarding Senate Bill 106 SD1 HD1, which would require the state Judiciary to change all multiple sentences to be served simultaneously ("Legislature steps over judicial line," Our View, Star-Advertiser, April 14).

This means that a person with two or more sentences would remain incarcerated only for the amount of time of the longest sentence.

This bill is seriously flawed. For example, if a prisoner is currently serving two consecutive 10-year sentences and has completed 14 years (of a 20-year sentence), the prisoner will now be released. Will the state then be liable for the four years that this person was incarcerated beyond the term? How will the state manage hundreds or thousands of potential lawsuits?

The retroactive aspect of this bill exposes the state to potential liability.

Finally, this bill micromanages judges by converting sentences of criminals serving consecutive terms for more heinous crimes.

Judges should be allowed to do their jobs without interference from the Legislature.

Rep. George R. Fontaine
House District 11 (Kihei, Wailea, Makena)

Marc Alexander is right man for the job

Your article on Marc Alexander was an excellent piece of journalism ("Marc Alexander," Name in the News, Star-Advertiser, April 15).

Marc Alexander is the right man for the right job. It is in the best traditions of public service that one relinquishes a personal or private venture for public service. Marc has the intelligence, the integrity and the passion to serve Hawaii nei with distinction. He will change perceptions on "the homeless" to "those without homes."

If Hawaii had not been spared the devastation that struck Japan, many of us could have been "those without homes." Definitely something to think about.

There is no quick fix, but the governor has the right man.

Father Clarence Zamora
Kailua

Restore funds for suicide prevention

Don’t let suicide claim any more youth. In Hawaii, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among persons 15 to 24 years old. In the entire country, suicide is the third-leading cause of death of persons 10 to 24. Schools aren’t able to provide students with peer education classes due to budget cuts.

Youth suicide needs to be taken seriously. Support House Bill 691, which restores funding for youth suicide prevention in schools.

Jessel Dela Cruz
Ewa Beach

Consumer save by shopping out of state

Out-of-state purchases are hurting retail business?

In 2007, a can of SPAM at Wal-Mart cost 62 cents. Today, it’s more than $1.50 and more than $2 at a grocery store. Island milk used to be $2.75 a half gallon. Now, it’s more than $4.75. A part ordered from a car dealer costs the full retail price, plus shipping costs much higher than the postage rate, plus a tax that includes a surcharge for rail transit. As such, my $9 oil filter now costs $17. At many small businesses, retail prices surpass mainland prices to begin with.

If businesses are hurting, it is because they have hurt themselves. If someone can buy a new car in Las Vegas, drive it to Long Beach, ship it and still save $3,000, more power to them.

Paul Rogers
Honolulu

Increase limit for small claims court

For the umpteenth year, our lawmakers are considering a bill to increase the maximum amount allowed in Hawaii Small Claims Court, from $3,500 to $5,000.

If passed, House Bill 1333 will allow more consumers and small business owners to settle a dispute quickly and inexpensively in Small Claims Court, with the help of a neutral mediator and without having to hire an attorney.

And for the umpteenth year, such bill now runs the risk of being killed, despite the following facts:

» The current $3,500 limit, which was set in 1992, has never been adjusted for inflation.

» Introduced by 32 state representatives, HB 1333 is supported both by the Hawaii Judiciary and Hawaii State Bar Association.

» HB 1333 will bring Hawaii more in line with the rest of the country. Currently, 37 out of 50 states have Small Claims Court limits higher than $3,500. For example, the limit in California is $7,500, in Alaska $10,000, in Georgia $15,000, and in Tennessee $25,000.

Giuseppe Leone
Kaneohe

Drivers need to show more aloha to others

The feelings of loss, sorrow, despair and frustration felt by the Rose and Ogata-Rose ohana is something none of us can begin to understand and comprehend ("Pedestrian dies during routine to ‘get healthy’," Star-Advertiser, April 13).

We as an island community must recognize and confront the root of this disaster. Hawaii’s drivers have succumbed to impatience, road rage and outright lunacy on the streets and freeways of our state. There is no longer any drive with aloha. Cars dangerously tailgate one another, even in rush-hour traffic. Folks stink-eye one another as they race by. Don’t even think to travel the speed limits any longer. You’ll be run off the road, honked at and harassed. Wake up, folks. Slow down. Save lives.

P. Gregory Frey
Honolulu