Don’t allow projects that violate rules

It seems that every day the Star-Advertiser reports on a new proposed development.

Every one of these developments disregards city or state laws in some way or another, yet each one is approved.

Every development that would violate established city and state laws should be taken to court. Judges with backgrounds in our laws should decide what developments are legal. It would be expensive and time-consuming, but the people of Hawaii would know that everyone must follow the law, with no exceptions for developers.

Michele Nihipali
Hauula

Voting a privilege too many ignore

So what if our voter registration is up again this year?

I am so ashamed of Hawaii voters who fail to vote, reflecting voter apathy after so many people have sacrificed for us to have the privilege of selecting our governing officials.

With Hawaii having the lowest voter turnout, it is not a record we should be proud of.

Maybe this year, with so much at stake, the turnout can be something we may be proud of.

Come on, Hawaii citizens, let’s get out and show what we can do.

Roy M. Chee
Moanalua Gardens

USS Nimitz crew does nation proud

I recently had the wonderful experience ( along with 13 others) to fly out to the carrier USS Nimitz during RIMPAC air operations.

Our group observed day and night flight operations, spent the night on board, had meals with crew and squadron members and experienced a catapult launch the following morning.

I was particularly impressed with the respect, self-confidence, training and attention to detail exhibited by our Navy enlisted members. We were told the average age of the 5,000-plus crew is 24. All with whom we spoke had great motivation and pride in what they did and for the missions involved. The crew and squadron members work without complaint under very hazardous and restricted conditions.

I came away feeling not only a renewed and intense pride in our Navy and country, but also a real concern that the second round of defense budget cuts (approximately $500 billion) will severely hamper the Navy’s missions, diminish the security of our country and reduce the benefits so richly earned by these officers, chiefs and sailors.

Mark B. Desmarais
Honolulu

Steel road plates too rough at edges

As I drivedaily, I ask myself why the streets can’t be smoother over ongoingconstruction areas.

The citymust do abetter job monitoring contractors who use temporarysteel plates.The current practice of just leaving a blob of asphalt without leaving a smooth transition on the edges is unacceptable. The construction specificationsshould be tightened and the city must do a better job of requiring the contractor to conform to the stricter requirements.

It may cost the project a few more dollars but it’ll be worth it.

Glen S. Arakaki
Kalihi

Kudos to beach park groundskeeper

After hearing a mayoral debate trashing the deplorable bathroom conditions at City & County parks and pointing fingers at the various candidates, I am moved to acknowledge the work being done by Dennis Ohata, city groundskeeper at the Diamond Head end of Ala Moana Beach Park.

This park has to be one of the most used parks on the island. Thousands are there daily, from early morning swimmers to late afternoon picnickers, an endless stream of people and kids, including Red Cross keiki swim lessons, summer fun groups and stand-up paddlers. But the place is impeccable, thanks to Dennis.

He is there every morning scrubbing the bathrooms, walkways, shower areas, sweeping the sand off the wheelchair access path to the ocean and clearing the shower drainage ditch that gets clogged with sand washed off from the thousands of bodies and boards. He takes pride in his work, and we thousands who use the beach reap the benefits of his work ethic and values.

Joanne Suzuki
Manoa

Whole school didn’t commit the crimes

I find it a travesty that all these actions are being taken against Penn State. This is not about the school. It is about how some people in authority in the school acted. Why is the school being punished for the actions of a few?

Rob Rietow
Nuuanu

NCAA punishment was an overreach

I do not now and have never had any connection to Penn State University or the NCAA but feel compelled to comment on this situation.

All mistakes made and crimes committed in the recent Penn State scandal were done by individuals, not the "football program" or the student body. Legal authorities are rightly pursuing charges against those involved.

For the NCAA to sanction the university itself may be argued either way, but to collectively punish every individual student and athlete over an almost 20-year period (1998-2016) is unconscionable, especially when you consider that none of them even knew about Jerry Sandusky’s activities.

The NCAA should recognize this travesty and reevaluate its high-handed actions.

Paul Scheftel
Kailua