Prosecute those who tortured

Because the United States ratified the U.N. Convention Against Torture back in October 1994, American officials are obligated to not only refrain from its practice but also prosecute all its citizens who are responsible for the despicable crime.

So because former Vice President Dick Cheney unabashedly repeated that he would order torture again "in a heartbeat," President Barack Obama and the Justice Department must immediately charge all those Bush regime officials involved — including the lawyers who were tasked to (mis)interpret the torture memos.

That is, if the United States is actually governed by the rule of law.

The fact that there is no chance that either of the corporate-paid political parties will ever do that is a reflection of how far down the path of evil this nation has traversed since 9/11.

Danny H.C. Li
Keaau, Hawaii

HPD responded fast to 911 call

It is my most profound honor and privilege to thank the 911 operator and the Honolulu Police Department for their actions after a recent call that I made.

As I left home for work around 4 a.m., I noticed two vehicles parked strangely on my street corner. I saw occupants in one of the vehicles.

I continued driving to work, but I was overwhelmed with anxiety and extreme concern for the safety of my family. I dialed 911 and the professional-yet-courteous operator transferred me to an HPD officer, who was equally professional and courteous.

Moments later, my son contacted me to say that HPD had arrived and contained the situation.

Words cannot describe the sheer feeling of relief I felt knowing that my family was safe.

I am so very greatful that in spite of times of uncertainty and potential danger, we have professional and dedicated men and women we can depend on.

David Tuffin
Foster Village

Please add more bicycle tracks

I am a 32-year-old throat cancer survivor.

Iuse only my right arm, am tube-fed, on oxygen 24/7, and I lost my voice.

I took the Hawaii Bicycling League’s senior recumbent trike class. I bike three to four times a week.

Recently, I rode the King Street track twice. I love this track.

Did I mention that I love, love this track?

I feel totally safe, love that I can mostly focus on enjoying the ride rather than the traffic, and love that the track is just for us bikers.

I will be using the King Street track regularly. I encourage the mayor to create other bike tracks throughout Honolulu.

Big kudos to the city, the Hawaii Bicycling League and all those who made it happen.

What a blessing to live in paradise and have a cycling track.

Did I mention that I love it?

Jesse Jones
Waikiki

Night bicyclists need to be lit up

If the city insists on ramming the ill-advised King Street Cycle Track down our throats, it had better start enforcing the laws that require lights and reflectors on bikes that ride at night.

There are too many violators. Someone’s going to get seriously injured, and since bicyclists are now using the roads and don’t carry insurance, who is paying for the damage?

These are questions that need addressing immediately.

Ross Gragas
Punchbowl

Roads in Waikiki in need of repair

Every day we hear Waikiki described as the economic engine of our visitor industry. Yet, every roadway in and out of Waikiki would not pass inspection if it were in and out of Podunk.

Kalakaua Avenue is as rough a ride as over cobblestones. Kapahulu and Ala Moana? Fugeddaboudit! They’ve got potholes and cracks along their entire length.

We appreciate the overdue repaving along Beretania but come on: Let’s show some class to our visitors and smooth their ride into paradise.

Ed Schneider
Waikiki