Brower shows disdain for poor

State Rep. Tom Brower devised his own fix for the unresolved homeless problem (“Lawmaker takes on shopping carts,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 18).

Rather than addressing what put our fellow islanders on the streets, he eagerly destroyed the carts they count on to keep the dismal remains of their lives together.

But why stop there?  Let’s find new ways to punish them for allowing their lives to be ruined by the failure of an economy they had no part in destroying. Like taking their tents and belongings. Or how about their dignity and hope? They’re homeless; do they really need that stuff?

Those like Brower who have never been homeless will never understand the total despair that accompanies this loss of control over one’s life.

How proud his constituents must be to be represented by a man who holds such disdain for the least fortunate among us and is willing to turn that disdain into such hateful action.

Andrew Thomas
Manoa

Public theater not a solution

Many might wonder if this story is for real (“Despite vigilante criticism, lawmaker hammers on,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 19). One might also bring oneself to empathize with state Rep. Tom Brower’s seemingly desperate, headline-seizing behavior in the face of the long-standing and seemingly intractable problem of homelessness and its attendant ills, which are visited upon the larger community.

However, public theater and performance art in themselves do not constitute meaningful responses to this situation. You got our attention, Rep. Brower. Now where are the housing, medical and mental health services, and long-range planning?

William E. Conti
Waikiki

Terror tactics are dangerous

I suspect I’m not the only reader outraged by state Rep. Tom Brower’s sledgehammer tactics against the homeless.

While the desire for safe, clean neighborhoods is universal, wrecking shopping carts, rifling through others’ personal possessions without permission, and hurling abusive language degrades and dehumanizes.

Brower’s terroristic approach neglects the root of the problem, fails to advance constructive change, and establishes a dangerous precedent for corrupt, vigilante lawlessness.

That a state legislator would stoop to such foul harassment and destruction of property is ironic, morally repugnant, and ultimately, ineffective. We should publicly excoriate Brower for breaching legal procedure, making a mockery of the policy-making process, and violating the civil conduct expected of public servants. 

May we have the conviction to enact true social reform though law, guided by the principles of dignity and respect for all.

Lara Cowell
Palolo

Brower should leave office

Did this ridiculous bully really think he was making a change in the homeless situation with a sledgehammer?

Pardon me if I am confused, but I thought this country was based on using our government to make changes. I think this man should be removed from his office as a state representative since he does not need to use his position as a lawmaker to remedy situations such as our homeless problem.

In fact, he is a huge embarrassment as a human being as well as a lawmaker.

Barbara Williams
Sunset Beach

Lawmaker took needed action

State Rep. Tom Brower’s got more courage than all politicians put together. This man has more than a big sledgehammer.

I salute you, sir!

Has anyone added up the expense of leaving those carts all over this island? I was not aware that the city pays to store the abandoned carts.

The homeless get free food, food stamps and Medicaid, with no rent to pay. These homeless trash our state. Fine them, put them to work taking back the carts they stole, let them pick up trash. Well, it’s a paycheck! I wish I could afford a big sledgehammer.

Good job, Mr. Brower.

Noelle Bombardier
Haleiwa

Officials should tour Kalakaua

Thank you to state Rep. Tom Brower for what he is doing to help clean up Kalakaua Avenue.

He has been so very diligent for years trying to find ways that the city could clean up Kalakaua Avenue, but to no avail.

We have seen so many shopping carts over the years left on the streets and also luggage with no owners in sight.

Samuel Williams, who was on the front page of the Star-Advertiser (“Despite vigilante criticism, lawmaker hammers on,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 19), has been sitting on Kalakaua Avenue for years. Recently he yelled at me with very foul language, telling me he would send me to hell if I got any closer.

So let’s see Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Connie Mitchell and Marya Grambs approach Williams and ask him if he would like to go to a shelter. Walk along Kalakaua Avenue between McDonald’s and Starbucks and see what we see day in and day out. Meet Mr. Williams and have a chat!

Diane Sogn
Waikiki

Restore wetland for cultural use

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources wants to restore habitat for endangered wetland birds as well as maintain flood control capacity of the marsh to protect Kailua.

It also is planning for more cultural uses and passive outdoor recreation around the border of the marsh. This may include hiking trails, educational signage and cultural uses by nonprofit groups.

The marsh is now a state wildlife sanctuary. Construction of roads and parking lots in the marsh will not happen. The plan is not proposing anything like Hanauma Bay with its very high visitor counts.

Kawainui Marsh is an international treasure and a Ramstar wetland of international importance. We should be supportive of these efforts to restore the wetland habitat, and encourage once again, the recreational, educational and cultural uses of this special place.

Rick Scudder
Kalihi

Problems follow Castle & Cooke

As a longtime resident of Mililani, I applaud the efforts of  the Sierra Club and Richard Poirier of the Mililani Neighborhood Board in opposing the Koa Ridge project.

Remember the names of the four City Council members who voted “yes” for this project when you start to see infrastructure of roads become problematic with more cars on the roads.

One solution could be a proposed 90 percent subsidized bus pass for each Koa Ridge household.

Note that Castle & Cooke had just a five-year commitment for the Mililani Trolley service. It ends this year. Now Mililani residents may have one less option to get out onto our congested roads and highways. Auwe!

Chris Jansen
Mililani