Anti-gay views reflect poorly

The world will always have the likes of James Hochberg, i.e., those who propagate outdated theories of why some members of society are not deserving of human dignity, rights and respect, or equal treatment under the law ("Legislature would be unwise to take up redefinition of marriage at this time," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Jan. 27).

Such theories are most often couched in some religious belief or another, or nostalgia for a "traditional" past that never really existed in the wholesome way they purport. See the history of slavery, Jim Crow and miscegenation laws for prime examples.

My point in writing is not to waste time engaging in such tiresome debates with Hochberg, but simply to ask why the Star-Advertiser continues to provide such a prominent platform to this author and his increasingly marginal views. It is not just a poor reflection on the paper, but on the city and people it serves as well.

Joe Wilson
Sunset Beach

Okino was good choice for board

It is disheartening to note that former City Councilman Gary Okino’s name has been withdrawn from consideration to the Ethics Board of Appeals.

I know Gary well because I was one of his legislative aides during his first term in the City Council. He is honest, hard-working and liberal-minded. We need a man of his caliber on the ethics board.

Constante A. Domingo
Salt Lake

Okino punished for his views?

By disallowing Gary Okino to serve on the city Ethics Board of Appeals, I have to ask: Is it because people who think as he does really can’t be trusted to make ethical judgments or is it a punishment for holding such views?

Kathy Novak
Moanalua Valley

Crosswalks need improvements

A Star-Advertiser editorial supported the "complete streets" approach to street and highway planning, and how it would result in roadways designed to accommodate walkers and cyclists ("Kudos to state for supporting bicycling plans," Star-Advertiser, Our View, Jan. 26). That approach clearly was not used in the design of many intersections on Oahu.

One example is the intersection of Kalakaua and Kapiolani. That intersection is missing a crosswalk to cross Kalakaua on the makai side of the intersection. As a result, a pedestrian walking from Ala Wai Park to the Convention Center would have to cross Kapiolani twice in addition to crossing Kalakaua. This "incomplete crosswalks" approach to intersection design is implemented at many intersections on Oahu.

In Japan, many signalized intersections have a pedestrian-only phase, when pedestrians can cross in any direction, including diagonally. Not only would this obviate the need for pedestrians to wait through two or three traffic signal cycles to clear an intersection, but it would eliminate the conflict between pedestrians and vehicles, common in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, in which right-turning vehicles never have priority.

Nobu Nakamoto
Honolulu

Dissing of LPNs was uncalled for

As a former Kaiser Permanente licensed practical nurse, I am trying hard not to be offended by the suggestion that Kaiser patients’ medical care may become sub-optimal in the hands of "lower-skilled" LPN and medical assistant caregivers ("Layoffs loom over registered nurses," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 28).

Really?

Kaiser’s decision to redesign its model of care — for whatever reason, financially or otherwise — is reflective of outpatient clinic staffing trends nationwide.

Safe, quality patient care can continue to be provided, by thoughtfully realigning the skills and professional resources within its clinic health care teams. It makes sense. Its time has arrived.

The fear-mongering in the article is unbelievable. Auwe!

Haydee Sanchez
Colorado Springs, Colo.

Engineers eager to help governor

As stewards of our state’s public works, we were very pleased by Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s discussion of infrastructure in his annual State of the State address.

Like the governor, we, too, are ready to build the foundation for Hawaii’s economic future.

The governor’s call for economic growth and competitiveness is critical. Our state cannot connect to the growing global marketplace without needed infrastructure. If we want to grow and become more prosperous, our state must make a commitment to building the needed infrastructure to allow businesses and consumers to excel in the 21st century economy. We must also continue maintenance and upgrades of the vast investment in public facilities for utilities, transportation, buildings and other public works. As an island state, the needs of all communities deserve our attention to their unique infrastructure facilities.

Investments by our predecessors have allowed Hawaii to grow and prosper and we will need to continue those investments, if we are to meet the governor’s vision.

Ian Arakaki
President, Hawaii Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers

Sugary-drink tax aimed at tourists

It appears that the sugary-drink tax is just another scheme to rip off the tourists while catching Hawaii residents as well.

Hawaii has the second-lowest obesity rate in the country and our population is not sufficient to make the tax profitable for the state.

But fleecing 7 million visitors a year would nicely set up another little dynasty with a director, staff, offices and cars.

Of course, little if any money will be left over to fight obesity.

If there is true concern about obesity in Hawaii, why not hit the huge chocolate-covered macadamia industry? Three pieces, (about 42 grams), total 20 grams of sugar and 240 calories! And what about other sugary and high-calorie candies, pastries and ice cream?

We do not need a nanny state to punish us for the foods we eat, and we certainly don’t want to kill the tourist industry with taxes, fees and unredeemed deposits.

Roger D. Van Cleve
Waikiki

Media supports our gun problem

A recent movie review photo prominently featured guns ("Fractured fairy tale," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 25).

Another gun photo was captioned, "The duo is armed with all sorts of gear — pistols, rifles, a semi-automatic crossbow, a taser — to ward off evildoers." Hansel and Gretel with guns?

It is obvious that the screenwriters lack imagination in their poorly crafted retelling of a classic fairy tale and chose to rely on the use of 20th century-style guns rather than items more appropriate to fairy tales: fire, magic rings, potions, spells, talismans, and maybe a sword or two.

Buying a ticket to movies like this tells Hollywood that guns and violence are acceptable forms of entertainment.

Like it or not, you are part of the gun problem.

Kevin Roddy
St. Louis Heights