Crime crackdown in Waikiki overdue

"Crime crackdown sweeps through Waikiki" (Star-Advertiser, May 12). Really? It’s about time.

What’s been happening in Waikiki is the broken-window theory writ large.

Creighton Goldsmith
Nuuanu

Crabbe letter about quest for justice

In an unprecedented display of leadership, courage and love for the land and people, Kama-na‘opono Crabbe has brought the Office of Hawaiian Affairs closer toward addressing fundamental questions concerning Hawaii’s complex political status ("OHA pulls letter on status of kingdom," Star-Advertiser, May 10).

While several trustees at OHA rescinded his letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Kauai trustee Dan Ahuna reversed his previous position and now supports the original letter submitted by Crabbe. The implications of Ahuna’s shift will continue to unfold.

What is clear is that Hawaii cannot rescind our quest for justice. Through no fault of anyone alive today, we have inherited the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom and the foundation on which rests Hawaii’s present political complications.

More than 1,000 people came forward in 24 hours to sign a petition in support of Crabbe’s attempt at bringing additional clarity on these issues.

Kamana Beamer
Professor, UH School of Hawaiian Knowledge and School of Law
Kamuela

Crabbe just trying to clarify legal issue

As a kanaka maoli, I support Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Ka Pouhana Kamana‘opono Crabbe’s courageous and prudent request for the U.S. Department of State to make an official comment regarding the work of Williamson Chang and Keanu Sai.

If there is a question concerning the legal foundation of Kana‘iolowalu, or Act 195, then these questions need to be resolved sooner than later. I believe that Crabbe’s actions reflect his deep concern for resolving these long-standing questions and the well-being of current and future kanaka maoli.

The OHA Board of Trustees should likewise support Crabbe’s inquiry in order to ensure a solid legal foundation for any future action OHA may take in the implementation of Act 195.

Kau‘i Baumhofer
Allston, Mass.

Pope could aid poor by selling off assets

Having been baptized Catholic, I’m stunned by the pope’s hypocrisy in his recent statement against capitalism or free enterprise.

First, one of the richest private institutions in the world is the Catholic Church. The church’s worldwide expensive land holdings and material wealth are staggering. If the pope really wants to redistribute the wealth, he can have the Catholic Church practice what he is preaching — selling much of the church’s staggering assets and feeding the poor.

Second, the pope should realize that many socialist countries, where governments control the economies, are secular states. Religion and economic freedom are shunned in favor of government control.

Third, there are numerous examples of totalitarian nations that are dedicated to redistributing the wealth, including poverty-stricken Cuba and North Korea, where everyone but the ruling elite live in spiritual and material poverty.

Fred Hemmings
Kaneohe

All sides to debate should be heard

Dan Berman’s letter is disturbing ("Sowell columns often repulsive," Star-Advertiser, April 30).

Not about Thomas Sowell — he can take care of himself. What is disturbing is that Berman portrays himself as a moderate and then says that "Thomas Sowell’s regurgitating of Fox News drivel is repulsive. … I hope the Star-Advertiser re-evaluates Sowell’s worth as a legitimate conservative voice and eliminates his column from the editorial page."

I am sure Berman sharply disagrees with many of Sowell’s thoughts, and possibly with good reason. He should express his thoughts and not ask to banish the critic.

Are we becoming a country where thoughts and opinions must fall within a certain pattern or they may be banished? This is not the American way as I see it. The idea that we should not hear from all sides is very disturbing.

Bob Henninger
Foster Village

Festival coverage much appreciated

I just wanted to extend a deep mahalo to the Star-Advertiser and KFVE for their amazing coverage of this year’s 2014 Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo.

To KFVE for streaming and posting the wonderful video performances, and to the Star-Advertiser for the beautiful photos and articles.

Thank you for bringing a little bit of home to many of us who find ourselves far away from home.

Someday, I hope to go to Merrie Monarch and watch it all live, but for now, this is definitely the next best thing.

Paul Dela Cruz
Kwajalein, Marshall Islands

Don’t subsidize private schooling

I’m confused. Your article about a constitutional amendment to provide free preschool at age 4 says that our Constitution prohibits using tax money for private schools ("Hanabusa, Schatz differ on changing Constitution," Star-Advertiser, May 12).

I feel very strongly that everyone should have the option of attending an alternative to the public school system, but the expense for these alternative schools should not in any way be taxpayer-supported.

Roberto Meyer
Koloa, Kauai