Racism charge is outrageous

This is in reference to the commentary by Abigail Kawananakoa and state Sen. Clayton Hee ("Slom’s views on culture here seemed aimed at Hawaiians," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, March 27).

I am outraged that in trying to ignore the lack of protection for "the keiki" in sexual assault cases, they are casting charges of racism against state Sen. Sam Slom.

Slom is my senator. I served as a session worker in his office for five years and have never heard or seen any racism from this honorable man.

Why was it necessary to label him as a racist?Is it because Hee is among those who don’t want harsher punishment for those who harm children — and think this label will make people ignore what Slom is saying?

Protect the victims! Do the right thing in Hawaii: Pass "Jessica’s Law."

Marian Grey
Hawaii Kai

Guardians also need more time

I applaud Laurie Arial Tochiki’s comments regarding the need to extend support for foster children who by law become "independent" adults when, in fact, they often are not ("Extend care for foster children up to age 21," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, March 27).

Similarly, I believe that young adults who fall under court-sanctioned guardianship agreements also need extended legal support.

For example,Family Court named my wife and me legal guardians of our oldest granddaughter. Imagine our shock when she was bumped from our health insurance plan two months before she graduated from high school because she had turned 18.

This doesn’t happen to biological and adopted children until after high school, for good reason.

We weathered that scary time.But I wonder how many kupuna, who hanai their moopuna for myriad reasons, end up in financial straits because of custodial laws when their kamalani might need their support the most.

Dave Manu Bird
Kaimuki

Marriage helps society prosper

Both sides on the marriage debate are confused about the true purpose of marriage.

If marriage is about love, why is it "until death do us part," since so many humans quickly fall out of love? If it is about a sacred religious rite, why can atheists marry at city hall?

No, marriage is about government conferring benefits in exchange for obligations on the man and woman to further the common welfare. They are expected (but not required) to create replacement humans, known as children, and through the family unit raise them to be productive members of society. Most do and society prospers.

This is the only justification for our heterosexual-based marriage (and divorce) laws, and it is compelling.

Meanwhile, homosexuals are free to love each other and the myriad religions are free to add their blessings to civil marriage.

Mark Torreano
Waikiki

Good taste can’t be legislated

I have several questions regarding Cindy Mackey’s claim that Genshiro’s Kawamoto is "arrogant and tasteless" and the government should "restore the properties he has destroyed" ("City should act now to stop Kawamoto," Star-Advertiser, Letters, March 28).

Why should Kahala be exclusively free of run-down properties? Do we really want our government in the position to judge taste? As often seen in Kahala, isn’t building a mansion-like home on a small piece of land garish and tasteless?Isn’t it arrogant to believe that a few run-down properties in Kahala affect the entire island and bewilder tourists?

I do not believe Kawa-moto is a good neighbor, but we can’t legislate people into having taste or lacking arrogance.

Kris Schwengel
Hawaii Kai

Outdoor options being removed

Government agencies are taking away many enjoyable outdoor activities. If they get a complaint, their solution is to close the area from public use.

Now the Haiku Stairs are again threatened. I hope there will be an accepta-blesolution for the many interested hikers and the neighborhood.

The archery range at Kapiolani Park is still vacant, the famous La‘au Trail, also known as the Lower Diamond Head Trail, which has been enjoyed by thousands since the 1950’s has been taken away from the public. And let’s not forget the useless Waikiki War Natatorium, which could become abeach volleyball area or simply a beach extension for public use.

Decision makers should work for our benefit instead of taking away our outdoor activities.

Ron Sorrell
Waikiki