Ancient law can be misapplied

I enjoyed Derek Kauanoe’s erudite discussion of the history and evolution of the Law of the Splintered Paddle ("Law of Splintered Paddle should apply to Hawaii’s homeless," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Feb. 6).

The lawessentially restricts the application of force by those in authority against those who are vulnerable.That is noble.

In the wake of 9-11 there was a national discussion about constitutional rights versus governmental measures to stop acts of terrorism. The rights of individuals should not result in destruction of society as a whole.

Tyranny is subjugation of the many by the few. Hawaii is currently being tyrannized by the homeless.

We are daily assaulted visually and physically by them. The general public can no longer use many park spaces because of homeless encampments.

Moreover, the homeless are threatening tourism, the main engine of our economy.

Do not let the Law of the Splintered Paddle prevent our authorities from doing what is necessary in the best interest of the general public.

Rhoads Stevens
Hawaii Kai

Kakaako vision is inappropriate

It’s about time to realize that brakes have to be put on the Hawaii Community Development Authority or Honolulu will end up looking like that monstrosity of a model that Nick Vanderboom of the Howard Hughes Corp. intends on displaying ("Too much, too fast?" Star-Advertiser, Jan. 25).

Is that what we want Honolulu to look like in 20 years?

Oahu does not have a self-sustaining infrastructure; this island can only sustain a certain amount of development.

We are only now beginning to develop our own renewable energy.

Agricultural land is disappearing, so less land is available to grow our own food.

Our basic necessities of life still have to be imported from the mainland.

With growth out of control, we will need more of everything and more will have to be imported from the mainland. The cost of shipping will increase, and guess to whom those costs will trickle down?

Deborah Pearson
Salt Lake

Joni Mitchell foretold future

As a part-time resident, I am appalled each year when I return to Honolulu to see the uncontrolled growth of high-rise condos.

I am reminded of the song lyrics of Joni Mitchell,

"They paved paradise

And put up a parking lot."

Building outrageously expensive condos that few people can afford and high-end stores where few people can shop is ludicrous.

Where do the employees live? On the street?

Is that the view from the high-rise condos? Or the lovely view of other high-rises? When will it end? What’s the point? Bragging rights?

Don’t the people of Oahu have a say in excessive development?

Barbara Looney
Makiki

Minimum wage hurts job market

When it comes to raising the minimum wage, the governor is taking advantage of the public’s ignorance of Economics 101.

On the surface, raising the minimum wage may seem like a compassionate action. After all, people in Hawaii can’t live on $7.25 an hour, so maybe they can live on $8.75?

Raising the minimum wage hurts workers, raises unemployment and increases inflation.

The low-wage jobs are like the first rung on the ladder.

Those entry-level low wage jobs are very important because they make it easier for people to work they way up to that next rung.

Based on the governor’s logic, why not just raise the minimum wage to $20?

The result? You would see all the fastfood restaurants shut down. You would see increases in crime, homelessness and inflation.

Lowering or — better yet — eliminating the minimum wage would have the polar opposite effect.

Michael Newgent
Kapa‘a

Put Snowden on trial in absentia

What Edward Snowden did was an act of treason.

He betrayed his country. He is not a hero.

He should be put on trial in absentia, found guilty of espionage and his citizenship taken from him.

Let him find another country to betray.

Otto Cleveland
Pearl City