No bias in public accommodations

Richard Borreca tosses out one of the biggest red herrings on the subject of same-sex marriage by asking, "If marriage between same-sex partners is allowed and becomes a right, can churches refuse to solemnize the marriage?" (Star-Advertiser, On Politics, Aug. 20).

First of all, there are no rights, including constitutional ones, that are absolute and without exception. Second, certain religious denominations already have the right to restrict the use of their facilities for wedding ceremonies for male-female couples according to their tenets and rules. Just go ask to be married in a Catholic church. They will exclude you unless you meet their religious requirements.

The problem arises with denominations and their affiliate organizations that are more than happy to rent out their facilities to all comers — sometimes for profit, no less — at which point the facilities become "public accommodations" rightfully subject to state law and its non-discrimination provisions. The amendment to the civil unions law merely clarified this matter and is focused on the operational nature of the facilities, not the beliefs of any denomination.

James J. Nelson
Kakaako

4 months isn’t long to wait for change

Different strokes for different folks, and if two people of the same gender want to get married, well then, so be it. But not with the cost of a special session of the Legislature.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie should take his time in drafting a gay-marriage bill, inasmuch as the next session of the Legislature opens in January, just four months away.

Fred Gartley
Kaneohe

Hear other issues at special session

I think the state Legislature should have a special session for several reasons.

First, the legislators should make rules for same-sex couples and their tax requirements.What is so holy about traditional marriage, when 50 percent of the marriages end in divorce?

Second, the legislators should legalize marijuana; drug czars have a long history of lying about marijuana, since 1937.

Third, we need building moratoriums on Oahu and Maui.

Phil Robertson
Kailua

Platforms leave no room for debate

It’s scary to know that there are people who think like Tom Sheeran ("Gabbard should be expelled from party," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 13).

His argument is that the Democratic Party should be able to force legislators to abide by the party platform or face getting kicked out.

If we take Sheeran’s point of view to its logical conclusion, one might ask why legislators even need show up? They could just get their marching orders from the Democratic Party headquarters and check the appropriate boxes as instructed. No room for debate or dissent, just conformity and obedience.

The problem, of course, is that this is totalitarianism and not democracy. I commend state Sen. Mike Gabbard for having the courage to stand by his principles in the face of those who would stamp out the voice of thousands of us Democrats who disagree with Sheeran.

Renee Smith
Waipahu

Charge churches less to use schools

Mitch Kahle and Holly Huber have brought a very interesting issue to light. This is a good time to review the rental fees that our local churches have to pay the state Department of Education.

Since it is common knowledge that church use of school property is a great benefit to the children and the community, we should ask the DOE to lower the fees and actually extend the use of its facilities by religious organizations. The churches also leave the schools cleaner and in better condition than when they arrived.

My friend used to clean the bathrooms extra nice and put flowers all around for the children on Monday. I was so impressed.

Steve Holck
Kailua

Lack of big money in politics is good

We should view the Congressional District 1 candidates’ lack of campaign cash, approximately equal to "poverty," as a blessing ("CD1 race ‘crying out’ for candidate with cash," Star-Advertiser, On Politics, Aug. 16).

Each candidate starts with a core of supporters who can mobilize others.Staging community meetings — and especially joint appearances — does not cost much.Think calabash collection from those of us who attend.Digital media are open to all at low cost.Traditional media, the Star-Advertiser included, can spend more time on politics and less on murder and mayhem.Perhaps the candidates can agree not to take big donations or political action committee donations.

I’m looking forward to the campaign and learning about all the candidates.Those with good ideas will attract "boots on the ground" and other resources, including adequate cash.

Daniel C. Smith
Palolo Valley

HUD official right to seek repayment

I commend Mark Chandler, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Honolulu director of community planning and development, for holding the City and County of Honolulu responsible for its noncompliance with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other violations.I am gratified that he required the city to return the misused $8 million.

As a former HUD Community Planning and Development representative on the West Coast, I too often witnessed the misuse of CDBG funds being deliberately "overlooked." These funds are to benefit the low-income and disabled.However, some cities, such as Honolulu, used their grants for individuals and areas outside these categories.

Maile Nicholas
Hawaii Kai