State could make case for GMO labels

The state attorney general has questioned the state’s power to label genetically modified organism (GMO) foods, arguing that it interferes with the federal government. But whether a conflict exists is not a settled issue of law.

First, the attorney general suggests federal labeling would expressly pre-empt state labeling because of inconsistency. But federal labeling doesn’t touch GMOs. Where the feds have failed to act and the state has, there is no inconsistency.

Second, the attorney general argues the feds have domain over labeling. No court has ever supported this assertion. Conversely, the court has held federal labeling is not a shield to state laws where there is no conflict.

Third, the attorney general claims the federal power to regulate interstate commerce is disturbed because out-of-state suppliers would be required to label while in-state suppliers would not. Yet, the state can differentiate provided a legitimate interest. Given our geography, we must restrict imports of non-native material that may be invasive.

Scott Prange
Waikiki

Recycling center draws homeless

I’m certainly no expert on a permanent solution for the homeless problem in Waikiki, and I don’t want to oversimplify this issue. But why not just relocate the recycling redemption center to an area that is not a high-visibility, gateway entrance to Waikiki?

Our visitor industry should be considered our goose that continues to lay golden eggs, which support the majority of our citizens as well as our state tax revenues. Do we really need to be floating an idea to spend $77 million on a "safe zone" for the homeless? Would this "safe zone" allow the homeless to bring their pets, drugs, alcohol and 5-gallon buckets of their feces? If not, what makes our leaders think this "safe zone" will be any different from the existing, underutilized facilities we already fund?

Channing Bridges
Mililani-Mauka

Homeless need permanent location

I agree with Toby Allen’s letter that the homeless must be made to move into an area purchased by the city ("Force homeless into specific lots," Star–Advertiser, March 23). That way, showers and public bathroom facilities could be installed for their use.

Make it the law to not litter the walkways. If necessary, issue fines. If not able to pay the fines, make them move to designated areas or go to jail.

The homeless claim that they have the right to set their "home" wherever they want, but they violate my right as a taxpayer if they deteriorate the city.

The homeless are in need of a place and should not have to be moved again and again.

Mildred Dicksion
Waikiki

City should act now to stop Kawamoto

Many thanks to Richard Turbin for his commentary regarding solutions to remove blight in Kahala created by Genshiro Kawamoto .

Despite outcries from the community and tourists’ bewilderment at the absurdity of the situation, Honolulu officials have chosen a passive stance as an arrogant and tasteless foreigner continues to systematically ruin Kahala, one of the most beautiful beachfront neighborhoods on the island.

It is an egregious lack of leadership negatively affecting not only nearby property owners, but all who live on and visit Oahu.

City officials need to halt Kawamoto’s property destruction immediately and use the legal means necessary to restore the properties he has destroyed.

Cindy Mackey
Kahala

Kudos to legislators for Jones Act stance

I would like to thank lead sponsor Gene Ward, plus Jon Mizuno and three other state representatives for introducing a resolution that would ask Congress for a limited exemption from the Jones Act that would permit an American shipping company like Matson to purchase and operate two or three LNG tankers that could ship liquid natural gas to Oahu to replace the heavy black residual fuel oil now used to fuel Hawaiian Electric Co.’s power plants.

As a result of modern drilling technology, the U.S. has become the Saudi Arabia of natural gas. Modern, properly sized LNG tankers should be able to deliver LNG to Oahu for about half the cost of residual fuel oil.

Congress did authorize a limited exemption for the foreign-built interisland cruise ship, Pride of America. If a similar exemption could be obtained for these special LNG tankers, the cost of electricity would be substantially reduced and HECO’s power plants would be able to utilize a much cleaner fuel.

A limited exemption would allow the shipping company to purchase new LNG tankers from a foreign manufacturer, just like Hawaiian Airlines did when it purchased new Airbus 330s from a European manufacturer.

Alan S. Lloyd
Kailua

Gun permit lines are taking too long

The Honolulu Police Department’s firearms registration lines are absurd. Since the law requires registration, it should also provide a practical means to do so. The tens of thousands of hours honest gun owners spend waiting in line would be better spent working and earning money to generate more tax revenue.

Adding insult to injury, parking at HPD is very limited. A system should be devised to issue permits and register firearms at any police station that has the proper forms, a tape measure, a typewriter and an Internet connection.

Getting a handgun takes three waits in line (apply for the permit, pick up the permit, return to register the gun). A long-gun permit, which is good for a year, takes two waits in line, with an additional wait for each long gun registered during the year.

Criminals have it easy — they don’t register their guns.

Brian Isaacson
Kailua