Deedy should have called local police

Regarding the Christopher Deedy trial, I think a licensed law enforcement officer would know an elementary tenet of gun safety.

When my husband and I moved into an isolated subdivision 10 years ago in Waialua, our only neighbor was 80 acres away. We took shotgun and handgun classes from two different licensed shooting instructors.

In the course of learning about guns, shooting and gun safety, the first and foremost ethic that was taught: If observing illegal behavior, instead of jumping in to an unsavory situation, walk away and dial 911.

We were taught to never put ourselves in harm’s way in a situation that did not concern us, and only use our weapons in our home if our lives were being threatened.

It’s not our duty as private citizens to put ourselves at risk when a simple 911 call would suffice. Deedy would have been wiser to follow this simple instruction, and there would have been no shooting that evening at McDonald’s that left one citizen dead.

Tina Jensen
Waialua

Syrian ‘rebels’ don’t deserve U.S. help

The Obama administration has spent millions of dollars of our tax money to support the rebellion in Syria.

This is giving money to our worst enemies, as many of the "rebels" are jihadist terrorists.

I cannot comprehend why there is no uproar in Congress and the media over this.

Volker Hildebrandt
Kaneohe

Congress should fall under Obamacare

It is with a great deal of disappointment that your publication is not in an uproar over the conduct of our elected representatives.

They excludes themselves and their staffs from the provisions of Obamacare, which we all will pay for. The law is the law, no matter if we disagree, and they of all people should be held accountable to its provisions.

We read that U.S. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa were on a boondoggle, visiting the Middle East at our expense. Neither one of them has the expertise, seniority, knowledge or background to change the turmoil occurring in that troubled part of the world.

I personally believe that they view themselves as the "nobility" of our society and do not wish to have to answer for their actions, or non-action, as the case may be.

Edward A. Gencarelli
Kailua

Dormant schools put to good use

Regarding the article, "Churches cheat schools, suit says" (Star-Advertiser, Aug. 16):, this strikes me as being completely absurd. Hawaii residents pay for these schools through taxes. They should be able to use these facilities that would otherwise lie dormant.

Perhaps more important, these organizations provide a great service to the community and help stem the overabundance of theft, violence and drugs. I find them to be one of Hawaii’s major contributors to the aloha spirit.

Milton Allione
Kailua

Kudos to senator for stance on marriage

Despite switching to the liberal Democratic Party, a political party that is pro-same-sex marriage, state Sen. Mike Gabbard has been a supporter of traditional marriage of one man and one woman.Those who support Godly family values are happy that Gabbard has not switched sides on the marriage controversy.

However, he has been called "intolerant" by those in his party, as well as by the homosexual community, for his stance on same-sex marriage.Those who push for "tolerance" have the view that you have complete free speech rights, provided you agree with their views and toe the line.

What happened to traditional tolerance? Tolerance of respecting and protecting the legitimate rights of others, even those with whom you disagree and those who are different from you.

In a passive sense, traditional tolerance means everyone has the right to his own opinion.

Melvin Partido Sr.
Pearl City

Subsidy to isle firm was costly charade

It looks like Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. is in hot water with federal regulators for excessive spending in providing telephone and broadband service to Hawaiian Home Lands customers.

The government has reduced its subsidies substantially, which will severely impact its operations. It’s about time. How it’s been getting away with it for 18 years is puzzling.

The government should stop this charade, post-haste.

Mel Rodenhurst
Kailua

Each one of us can make a difference

Hawaii needs to greatly step up its efforts to address the crucial issue of climate change.

I’ve been an educator for more than 25 years, and I plan to continue working with our youth to take whatever small action each individual can to educate his or her peers and ohana that all of us must do something now.

Hawaii is particularly at risk of devastation due to rising sea levels, global extinction of species, water shortages and increased animal and human disease.

What can each of us do to make a difference? Let’s start by insisting on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.Let’s create greater incentives for switching to electric and hybrid vehicles.Let’s invest in LED lighting in public areas.Let’s be proud to say that Hawaii leads our nation in effecting change.

Rick Leighton
Kaneohe