Do the math: 12 life terms equal 14 years

Do prison sentences mean anything?

When serial rapist John Freudenberg was sentenced in 1984, he received 12 life terms and several 10-year and 20-year terms, on a total of 37 rape, burglary and related charges. Victims felt assured that their tormenter would die behind bars. That very same year, though, the Hawaii Paroling Authority said Freudenberg could be eligible for parole after 20 years, and in 1990 it reduced the minimum to 14 years.

The Manoa Rapist is now suing Department of Public Safety officials, claiming they have ignored the parole board’s recommendations and kept him in prison. Our beef is with the paroling authority. A 14-year minimum for a man sentenced to multiple life terms makes a mockery of justice.

Do only Democrats live in Kalihi?

Of course, it was bad news for state Rep. Romy Cachola, but he can still afford to smile.

Cachola, the Democrat who represents the 30th District in the Kalihi-to-Sand Island area, is working to settle charges from the Campaign Spending Commission that he misused his election funds. He allegedly spent about $70,000 on a SUV, meals and public relations.

But wherever the settlement lands, Cachola won’t struggle through the current election cycle: He’s running unopposed. You’d think such a populous district could’ve coughed up one challenger, at least.