More sharks are the problem

Regarding the article, “Warning signs up after sharks seen off Waikiki” (Star-Advertiser, Oct. 26): Scuba diving in Hawaii since 1957, I have rarely seen tiger sharks. In the last year I have encountered two.

The article quoted a shark scientist who said that the growing number of ocean users is the most likely reason for the recent increase in shark bites. This explanation seems inadequate. The increase in ocean users has been marginal, while the increase in shark attacks has been dramatic. Growth in the tiger shark population might better fit the data.

Shark culling is considered culturally and environmentally incorrect today. However, considering the stakes (imagine a press photo of a shark victim with Diamond Head in the background), it might be prudent to commission an independent statistician to assess the efficacy of previous shark culling episodes.

If culling and a reduction in shark attacks are strongly correlated, public debate or even reconvening the Shark Task Force might be considered.

John Earle
Kapolei

Employees lack accountability

Time after time we hear and read about the costly mistakes at the University of Hawaii: the Wonder Blunder or early terminations of coaches or administrative contracts.

In each instance, UH settles, with the cost paid by taxpayers.

When will we hold someone accountable? When are we going to read the names of people who really do not know what they are doing? This ongoing fiasco is ridiculous. People should be fired for their incompetence.

I just read an article regarding the Hawaii Health Connector (“Failed health exchange closing,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 25).

How can we award millions of dollars for a system that was bound to fail? Report the names of the people who were involved in this and the kickbacks they received for spending taxpayers’ money.

Government employees should be held accountable, pay restitution and be fired.

Max N. Calica
Mililani

Stop scrutinizing Honolulu police

Enough already! The constant scrutiny of the Honolulu Police Department by higher officials must stop now.

Because of criticism from President Barack Obama, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, and even our local state Sen. Will Espero, criminals have become emboldened because they feel they have the support of elected officials.

The example is the recent arrest of four people who readily challenged HPD officers because apparently they think that whatever the outcome, the public will back them and scrutinize the police (“Police officer choked during traffic stop, affidavit shows,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 22).

We must hold these elected officials more accountable and make them remember what their jobs are — making the communities we live in a better place.

Kevin Kobayashi
Mililani

Help ex-convicts re-enter society

The federal government is releasing 297 Hawaii low-risk drug offenders in an effort to reduce the over- crowded prison population.

Being the Aloha State, Hawaii must reconsider our old ways that have led us to think that “locking them up and throwing away the key” is the solution to security within our communities.

President Barack Obama and legislators are beginning to see the results of this outdated judicial system of mandatory sentencing and long prison terms for offenders who are not dangerous to the community.

We need to lock up those who threaten the community, but also provide programs within the prison system so they will not reoffend upon their release.

It is not easy walking out of prison, not knowing how the world will accept you as an ex-convict. Finger-pointing, whispers, jobs and places to stay are hard to come by. The list goes on and on.

We all make mistakes and these people are from our community, our ohana. We, as a community, can make a difference in their lives.

E. Ileina Funakoshi
Pearl City

UH basketball inspires fans

Mahalo to the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team, Coach Eran Ganot and his staff, and the UH athletic director for getting the basketball team headed in the right direction.

My son and I enjoyed the scrimmage on Saturday, and particularly how hard and fair the team played, how well they listened and responded to coaches who were teaching and not yelling, and, after the game, with what enthusiasm and maturity the players interacted with the fans.

The dunks and passes were fun, but the afternoon also showed the best side of student athletics, a side that I hope we can continue to encourage here at Manoa.

The skills and character on the court reflected the skills and character necessary to negotiate life and our classrooms. Bravo!

Peter H. Hoffenberg
Hawaii Kai

Install memorials at risky locations

A number of visitors have died at Spitting Caves and the Halona Blowhole. Fences and warning signs seem to not deter their desire for risk.

Highly visible and permanent memorial plaques should be installed at these locations. They would list the names of those who have died there, their ages and the year of death. The plaques would honor those who died suddenly while exploring the wilderness that is the shoreline.

The covert purpose of the highly visible memorials would be to show visitors the actual numbers of deaths, per year, at these locations — and that the shore is not a theme park. Publicize the installation of the plaques.

A permanent information notice at Halona Blowhole should tell of the power of its sucking vacuum as the water inside it retreats. It sucked in and drowned a teen visitor who would not listen to warnings.

Not all visitors understand the laws of physics. Simple pictographic diagrams can educate them.

We put up signs that warn of sharks. We should put up memorial plaques that warn of drowning.

Beverly Kai
Kakaako

Teachers can’t fix everything

To the left of Tuesday’s Big Q poll question, which was about teacher evaluations, was a story about Scottie Te’o, one of six children of a single mother (“Dropout overcame failures to achieve goals, confidence,” Star-Advertiser, Incidental Lives, Oct. 27).

The article discussed the hard times his family went through, moving frequently, not enough money and surrounded by families going through the same struggles.

Te’o couldn’t concentrate. This scenario is played out repeatedly here. Why, then, would anyone think it makes sense to put the onus of a child’s learning so heavily on a teacher? It makes no sense and it never did.

Deborah Aldrich
Haleiwa