Hawaii doesn’t need more guns

I thank Police Chief Louis Kealoha for not allowing another concealed-carry gun on the island (“Suit targets police chief for denying gun permit,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 31). Chris Baker from Mississippi wants a gun to protect his wife while on the job as a process server. I suggest he take a self-defense course or maybe find a new line of work if he fears for his life. There are enough guns on the island and the last thing we tourists need to see or hear about are civilians who are afraid to do their job without a gun in their hand.

Let public vote again on rail

God forgive those who voted for rail, as they did not know what they were doing. Was it truly the right decision or was it a mistake?

The commentary piece, “How the city misled the public” (Star-Advertiser, Aug. 11), was a shocker and a real eye opener. The administration keeps telling us that the public wants rail. If this is so, let’s put it back on the ballot, and find out who is right and who is wrong. I think I know who will win this time.

Surely Mayor Peter Carlisle doesn’t want to be remembered as the guy who bankrupted the city.

Lawsuits just delay inevitable

Oahu is a renowned resort island. You cannot keep people from coming here, and frequently staying here. Why not accept that as a reality?

To accommodate these increasing numbers you need infrastructure to handle them. Traffic is a nightmare. Yet it remains mired in conflict year after year. Common sense tells you that sooner or later it has to be dealt with. There should be four-lane roads completely around the island, despite the fact that many residents won’t like that, and numerous individuals will have to be relocated. That happens all around the world. Keeping the country country may have to be relegated to interior sections of the island, instead of the coast. One way or other, change will come, and many dollars will have been spent needlessly to fight the inevitable.

Rail transit is another fight beyond understanding. It has already been approved by the voters. Why are people still allowed to drive up the cost by fighting it?

Violent assault changed outlook

As an artist and a past resident of the North Shore, I’ve spent countless hours drawing the wonders of Oahu. I’ve traveled all over the world in search of new subjects — from India and most of Europe to Harlem, Brooklyn and the Bronx in New York.

Yet, for the first time in my life, I was violently mugged in broad daylight by two drug-crazed addicts at Hawaiian Plantation Village in Waipahu. Although they took only my money, what they really stole was the peaceful serenity I’ve always felt in Hawaii. With new eyes, I’m noticing more and more of these desperate and dangerous people at the edges of society.

What is happening to the safe, aloha paradise I remember?

Respect for Shoji is all deserved

Over three decades and a half, Dave Shoji’s Wahine volleyball team always provided Hawaii fans pride, entertainment, joy and satisfaction.

Dave may have gained a few wrinkles, but every year the results of his work are always on top and satisfactory.

Shoji’s name in the sports Hall of Fame is a sure thing to happen and I cannot see anyone who deserves better.