Don’t impose beliefs on others

When I read Melvin Partido Sr.’s letter, I was reminded of the continuing attempts of some people in our community to force their religious beliefs on the rest of us ("Vote for candidates with Godly values," Star-Advertiser, Letters, April 16).

I support everyone’s right to believe in anything they wish. That would include Santa Claus and even an invisible supreme being who is against abortion rights and same-sex marriage. However, our society must never support any one religion imposing its beliefs and values on everyone else.

Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John F. Kennedy knew very well the importance of separation of church and state. It’s there to protect those who wish to believe in any form of religion and to protect others from having a particular religion imposed upon them by laws enacted by our government.

Gene O’Brien
Wahiawa

HART newsletter virtually useless

This letter has nothing to do with being for or against the rail project but only with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation newsletter.

I received the latest issue; it features three photos of Daniel Grabauskas, the new CEO. Do I really need to see him three times? How self-serving is that?

"Construction Update"? I get more information from reading the Star Advertiser.

"Learn, Ask, Engage"? There are no meetings planned for the Windward side, even though we are paying for it.

How about HART donating the money spent on the newsletter to some useful activity, like a charity supporting the homeless?

Paul Tyksinski
Kailua

Student’s death raised red flag

Recently, an accidental drug overdose took the life of 19-year-old Rachel Clute, a Castle High School graduate, outside a rave event.

Eight percent of Hawaii’s high school students have tried ecstasy at least once and its popularity is growing among younger adolescents.

Ecstasy, or E, is a stimulant that heightens sensations but can also cause paranoia, confusion and hallucinations.

Unregulated use can lead to serious health issues like hyperthermia, liver and heart damage. Mixed with alcohol and other drugs, it becomes deadly.

The best strategies are strong enforcement, treatment on demand and drug education for our keiki. Drug use is a more complex issue than just personal choice.

Alan Shinn
Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii

Legislators let HSTA run amok

Is it any wonder Hawaii ranks so poorly in education?It is obvious the state Legislature is willing to allow the Hawaii State Teachers Association to do as it pleases and regulate itself.

Thearticle, "HSTA pressure kills class-time bill" (Star-Advertiser, April 14), in the same week the HSTA prevented its teachers from being given performance evaluations, clearly shows that our legislators are unwilling to legislate a group that is so obviously underperforming.

It appears the HSTA is unwilling to accept anything that would improve our pathetic education system, while ensuring its members aren’t held accountable, and are allowed to continue to set their own work hours.

As long as legislators are unwilling to look out for our children’s educations, the HSTA will continue to do as it pleases, resulting in teachers who answer to no one and poor education for our kids.

Gary Stark
Ewa Beach