A source of dedicated funding for the Honolulu Zoo lies just outside the entry gate — the zoo’s parking lot.

Built on Kapiolani Park trust land to serve visitors to the zoo, the revenue from this lot goes straight into the city’s general fund. It should come as no surprise that most of the patrons of the lot are visitors to Waikiki trying to escape high commercial parking lot rates.

A well-attended lot, such as exists in Kaimuki, with a discount validation for visiting the zoo, should keep the lot open for zoo visitors while charging Waikiki visitors commercial rates to support the zoo.

City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi’s suggestion of building a three-story parking structure goes too far. Park land should not be used for parking structures. The current zoo lot could be a significant revenue source for the zoo after hours.

Jack Gillmar

Palolo Valley

Democratic poll was totally unorganized

In response to the early closing of the Democratic presidential preference polls this past Saturday, Stephanie Ohigashi, chairmwoman of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, was quoted as saying: “The line’s gone, it’s closed. If people trickle in, that’s really something that we cannot do anything about. It’s over.”

Many I know were turned away when they arrived after 3 p.m., just two hours after the polls opened.

Before the weekend, I and others had searched publications and the Internet and nowhere did we see anything about a closing time. The logical implication to us all was that the polls would be open for a few hours.

My wife, frail mother-in-law and I were turned away at Ilima Intermediate School just 2-3/4 hours after the polls opened.

To say the process was totally unorganized would not be an unfair statement.

Late Saturday, when Ohigashi was asked about the problem, a television report said she was “unapologetic.” I believe it.

Many might wonder if she should be unapologetically dismissed in her role of orchestrating this mess.

Jim Kennedy

Ewa Beach

Republican caucus was run very well

I offer my congratulations and gratitude to Andrew Walden and all his volunteers for conducting an organized and successful Republican Party presidential statewide caucus on March 8.

Unlike the chaos and disarray we witnessed by the majority Democrat Party, the gatherings held statewide by Walden’s group was outstanding.

I was most surprised that this politically powerful, dominant party — with majorities at every level of our state government — would be so ineffective as to deny so many of its voters their right to express themselves at the presidential caucuses.

I hope this lack of attention and care does not permeate throughout the government they control.

Pat Saiki

Former member of Congress and former Hawaii Republican Party chairwoman

There is still time to enact Marsy’s Law

Thank you to Michael Tsai for his coverage on the latest hearing of the Marsy’s Law for Hawaii bill (“Victims’ rights measure advances through House,” March 24).

Marsy’s Law was introduced last year to amend Hawaii’s Constitution to guarantee that the rights of crime victims are protected at the highest level.

While current law does provide for victims’ rights (to be notified of and present at certain court proceedings, to be allowed to present information and the right to restitution), these rights are secondary to the rights of the accused and are afforded inconsistently throughout the state.

Placing these rights in the state Constitution would elevate victims’ rights to that of the offenders’.

We are hopeful that the House Finance Committee will schedule a hearing so it can hear directly from victims.

Dara Carlin

Kailua

Animal cruelty bills will be back again

It is with much angst and sorrow that I note that House Bills 1592 and 2460 were not advocated by the Judiciary Committee chairman and died before further review was allowed for a law to protect our animals from cruel chaining, tethering and of locking them in cages and kennels.

I speak for myself and for thousands of other animal advocates, throughout Hawaii, that we will never stop pushing for the eradication of the cruel and inhumane treatment of dogs (and cats). Never.

It is time to move into the 21st century. Hundreds upon hundreds of agencies in Oregon, Illinois, Texas and New York lead the nation in advocating for animals. Hawaii falls pathetically and poorly way behind. It is time for our legislators to take off the blinders and get moving.

Barbara Hussey

Kailua-Kona

Don’t make it easy for Waikiki homeless

Being a resident of Waikiki, I was appalled at the recent addition to the walkway behind the Hawaii Convention Center: a “Porta Loo” with a hand wash.

We’ve been dealing with homeless in Waikiki, having to wash sidewalks and emergency exits of our condo because of sleeping vagrants who feel it’s OK to use these areas as toilets before moving on.

This area that I mentioned is beautifully lined with a canopy of trees; unfortunately, one can’t walk without being harassed. I don’t feel safe. This area is frequented by tourists who walk to the mall and shops, as well as to convention center venues.

When is enough, enough? Don’t encourage these encampments.

Elisabeth Ranges

Waikiki