The Honolulu Police Department’s stunning lack of curiosity about the 1,500 untested rape kits reveals its lackadaisical approach to investigating crime (“HPD yet to test 1,500 rape kits,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 11).

We need to replace the current siege-mentality chief with someone who recognizes what the mission should be.

Jeffrey Shockey

Makiki

Exposé of DLNR leases is excellent journalism

This exposing of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources/Department of Hawaiian Home Lands “scam-sham” debacle is, in my humble opinion, top-notch journalism and exactly what a newspaper should be doing for its paying public (“Leases linger at cheap rates,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 14).

I’m proud of this paper — which I buy almost daily — for such exposure that shames those who do the public wrong. No paper’s perfect, but an eye-opening exposé like this gets you much public respect, at least in my eyes. Great job!

David Foster

Waialae

Poor road management is root of Lanikai woes

Without adequate notice, hearing or traffic study, the government denies reasonable public access to Lanikai Beach and the pillbox trail by prohibiting parking. Only in Hawaii could the government conclude the parked cars cause traffic jams.

There’s no Lanikai traffic problem; there’s a Kailua Beach traffic problem. Three parking lots empty onto Kawailoa Road between Lanikai and the rest of Kailua.

The major cause of the problem is the left-turn lane from Kailua Road to Kalaheo. It funnels cars into the traffic stream, causing stoppages all the way to Lanikai.

Solution: Close the left turn off Kailua road on prime beach days. Detour traffic from Kailua Road to Kainalu to Kalaheo. The left turn onto Kailua Road at Kalapawai creates openings for pedestrians.

Lots of people in the jam just want to park. The real motivation behind the parking prohibition is to increase property values by turning Lanikai into a private community.

Ilima Morrison

Kailua

‘Victims’ rights’ idea counters Bill of Rights

Carol McNamee’s letter endorsing the proposed constitutional amendment regarding so-called victims’ rights is nothing less than a call for the repeal of the presumption of innocence, the cornerstone of the state bill of rights in criminal cases (“Put victims’ rights in state Constitution,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 18).

I have represented too many victims of phony sexual assault charges not to see what she wants the voters of this state to do.

First, one is presumed to be innocent until a judgment of guilt is entered; second, statutes now protect victims rights without impinging on fundamental constitutional rights.

Unless we want to repeal the cornerstone of the Bill of Rights in criminal cases, oppose this proposed amendment.

Earle A. Partington

Makakilo

UH team should adopt ‘Curtain of Distraction’

Unless it’s patented by the originating Arizona State University, I see no reason why the effective “Curtain of Distraction” should not become similarly implemented at University of Hawaii basketball games.

Of course, the Manoa Maniacs, who would be the best to run this — I mean, they’re already sitting there; and geev ’um a modest budget, too — would have to be sensitive to local references. But Manoa is the perfect place to host the curtain. They should have the action down pat if the Sun Devils ever decide to play here, too.

Go Warriors!

Paul Ventura

Mililani