Abused kids need attention

I have followed with sadness the Star-Advertiser’s articles on the child welfare services system ("In harm’s way: Hawaii’s abused children at risk," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 16-19).

When a system is under stress it affects everyone, from the top administrator down to the social workers, office staff and the community.But, as reported, good things also are happening.

The Spokane County Superior Court (in Washington state) has a program using volunteers to visit care homes in which the court has placed abused and disabled children. It requires references and a rigorous training program.Detailed reporting after each visitis required.When cases ofabuse are uncovered they are followed up on by professional staff.

As I recall, at that time the volunteer program in Spokane had one paid staff member in charge and one paidsecretary.

Such a program could go far to helpour understaffing problem. At the very least it is worth an inquiry to the Spokane County Superior Court.

Mahalo to all those who are working so hard for our children and families.

David K. Kennedy
Hawaii Kai

Is it lava or fire that destroys?

Your Sunday article ("Insurance a big concern as lava continues to flow," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 16) reminded me of this story.

When my uncle C.E.S. "Frank" Burns Jr. managed Ola‘a Sugar in the Puna district some 60 years ago, the insurance carrier initially denied coverage for sugar destruction because it was caused by lava.

Uncle Frank insisted it was caused by fire — igniting before the lava touched the sugar — and thus an insurable loss.

Picking up agents at Hilo airport, he drove them directly to the lava creeping toward the cane. He had practiced how close he could get. As the car started heating up, the agents relented, saying they were convinced. It was fire that destroyed the sugar cane, not lava.

Michael A. Lilly
Pacific Heights

UH should ditch athletics costs

I’m afraid it’s too late for belt-tightening. It’s time for some radical surgery ("Tightening the belt," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 15).

The budget crisis at the University of Hawaii is ongoingand there appears to be no solution — except for a planned request to the Legislature for $13 million.

Hopefully our lawmakers will see the big picture and demand some sense be shown first, such as shifting athletics out of the budget.

With academic programs being cut, faculty reduced and maintenance deferred, the athletic budget, which is $32 million in the red, includes $3.84 million for transportation, including transporting mainland teams here forgames. Why?

I propose thatthe UH Foundationsubsidize the entire program (unless it can be self-supporting like some mainland schools).

Tom Tizard
Kailua

Uber’s novelty not an excuse

Uber’s Brian Hughes gets it wrong in so many respects ("Ridesharing is our opportunity to cut traffic and create jobs," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 13).

How is the novelty of his business a reason for it to not be subject to the same rules and regulations as everyone else?

Hawaii has a robust regulatory system in place. As it stands, Uber and the like skirt decades of regulation designed to ensure the public can trust who is doing the driving.

For example, commercial transportation companies are required to carry commercial liability insurance, something that Uber has so far failed to acquire. Its insurance does not apply to someone being paid to transport passengers.

And what about taxes? Is the general excise tax being collected?

Last but not least, Uber uses smartphones to charge customer fares. Not only are phones inaccurate, they are not a legal measurement tool and vulnerable to fraud and tampering.

Uber’s surge pricing gouges Hawaii consumers during routine peak periods.

Frederick Borja
Kakaako

Blank votes are not ‘no’ votes

An automatic "No" for blank amendment votes?

That cannot have been the voter’s intention if done purposely. If accidental, and the voter supported the measure, it would not represent the voter’s views.

Either way this is unethical and illogical.

As for raising the age of judges from 70 to 80, where is the option to lower the age from 70 to 60? Judges, politicians and other leaders need to be more in touch with modern society so we can further progress without 80-year-olds clinging to their outdated views.

These people need to retire at 60.

Bryan Trumbower
Manoa