Sentencing here makes no sense

I find it appalling that Falysha Pierre-Lys was given what is tantamount to a life sentence ("Woman, 22, is sentenced to 20 years for identity theft," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 8).

For the $36,000 she is responsible for stealing, and due to the "level of sophistication" of the crime, 20 years is the answer?

Sorry, but I think eight years would have sent the message.

Enron’s Jeffrey Skilling got 14 years over billions of dollars. And level of sophistication? No comparison.

Locally, Chinky Mahoe got probation after being convicted of five felony counts of sexually molesting four boys in his halau.

Damage done? No comparison.

A two-year maximum for sexual assault but an eight-year minimum for identity theft. Is that justice?

Clearly in Hawaii the almighty dollar is worth more than lives.

Marinda Kennedy
Kailua

Future risky for Dole Foods

The approval of David Murdock’s buyout of Dole Foods should be hailed with banners, champagne and drums, but wait and see what he intends to do with Dole.

I remember when he closed Waialua Sugar Co. with 600 jobs gone. I was at the Haleiwa Elementary School cafeteria that fateful afternoon waiting for Murdock to speak to the 600 laid-off workers. When the time came, he was nowhere to be seen to bid aloha to his workers.

Let’s not forget the past.

Jake Ng
Waialua

Get new dogs from shelter

The Humane Society of the United States encourages pet adoption from shelters where hundreds of dogs are available, 25 percent of whom are purebred ("Responsible pet stores encourage proper breeding," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, July 24).

We urge anyone who hasn’t found "the one" at their local shelter and is considering purchasing from a breeder to see the conditions the dogs are raised in first-hand. Consumers might inadvertently support the poor conditions in puppy mills by purchasing a puppy from a pet store, "puppy swap meet," the Internet or the side of the road.

There are 29 cities that prohibit the sale of puppies in pet stores, unless from a shelter. Our efforts have focused on modest regulation, which is necessary to gain access to facilities and pertinent records.

We look forward to working with those businesses that are concerned for the welfare of dogs, not their bottom line.

Inga Gibson
Hawaii director, Humane Society of the United States

Lawmakers paid to cast votes

I appreciate the "How Your Lawmakers Voted" report, and always read it as much for seeing individual up or down votes as seeing missed votes.

On July 28, I saw that U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard cast votes on all seven measures listed, and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa missed three votes. U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz both cast votes on the three measures listed.

I would appreciate seeing a recap showing how many votes our elected and paid federal, state and city lawmakers did not make. Voting to make, amend, repeal or prevent legislation is, after all, what we are paying them for.

Brian Bott
Makiki

Homeless abuse Waikiki library

I frequent the Waikiki library early in the morning before it is open to drop off books at the book drop.

When I arrive, the sidewalks and area right next to the book drop are occupied by sleeping homeless people and their belongings.

I can barely access the book drop and have to step around people to do so. I am always a little afraid of this situation, as I am not sure if I am safe. The alleged killer of Mary San Juan was known to mingle with the homeless people in Waikiki. Will I get assaulted while trying to return a book?

There is a sign that prohibits parking on the property after hours. So the people who pay the taxes to run and keep up the library cannot use the facility after hours, but the people who don’t pay taxes and trash the area and obstruct access can use the facilities after hours?

This is not right. The Waikiki library is not a homeless shelter.

Margaret Kerr
Diamond Head

Homeless pitch tents at beach

What a great idea: Move the homeless off Kalakaua Avenue and the Ala Wai bridge so tourists do not have to see them.

Now they are on Waikiki beach, tents and all, at Fort DeRussy. That is what our city government calls solving a problem.

Jerry Ranges
Waikiki