Our justice system should consider weekend incarceration for non-violent criminals.

This would allow them to work and take care of their families, but keep them off the streets during their free time on the weekends.

It would be good for the taxpayers and good for the offenders. It would punish criminals but not ruin lives.

An example is Randall Kawasaki. He was recently sentenced to 10 years for a DUI incident that led to the death of his girlfriend. I feel great sympathy for the family of the victim, but the sentencing was too harsh.

If Kawasaki spends 10 years behind bars, he will not be able to finish college or build work experiences, which could make him a productive member of society. When he is released, he will have to start life over at 47 years old with a criminal record.

Instead, he should be sentenced to 10 years of weekend incarceration. Having no free time to spend with family and friends for 10 years and having prison time to think about his actions is punishment enough.

Richard Mumaw

Kailua

Animal and people welfare are linked

Barbara Hussey recently submitted a letter, the intent of which I absolutely agree with (“Animal cruelty bills will be back again,” Star-Advertiser, March 31) — that advocates for animal welfare will persevere and prevail.

Hussey mentioned that House Bill 1592, a bill prohibiting certain restraints and tethers that endanger or deny sustenance to a dog, was not advocated by the Judiciary Committee chairperson, and this bill consequently will not be enacted for this session.

For clarification, it is Gilbert Keith-Agaran, Senate Judiciary chairman, who failed to schedule this bill for a hearing. House Judiciary chairman Karl Rhoads has been a consistent advocate for animal welfare.

House Bill 1592 passed out of Rhoads’ committee and passed a House vote, 50-1. We animal welfare advocates will work toward more legislators realizing, as Rhoads does, the connection between animal and people welfare, and how this connection will make Hawaii a better community.

Jennifer Chiwa

Makiki

Avoid corruption in pot license awards

The date to award Hawaii’s medical marijuana dispensary licenses is just around the corner.

For the benefit of our state, I hope the key decision makers on this matter will be sure to avoid controversy and potential conflicts of interest.

We’ve already read about state Sen. Kalani English, who is applying for a license despite his past drug use. Another elected official, Rep. Derek Kawakami of Kauai, has and continues to vote on marijuana policies, despite the fact that his own father is an applicant. Even one of the most famous applicants, Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson, has a criminal record.

Clearly, the state Department of Health will need to be vigilant and fair in order to ensure we avoid lengthy legal challenges that could jeopardize the program. We simply can’t afford to have yet another state-run program become plagued by hints of corruption.

Andrew Ching

Kaneohe

Comfort station wrong for Waikiki

We spent over $2,500 (more to come) bringing in another “expert” from Seattle to solve our homeless problem.

Seattle has as big a homeless problem as Hawaii, so how does this help us? Isn’t there anyone on this island capable of finding a solution?

Now City Councilman Trevor Ozawa wants to build a “comfort station” in Waikiki. Don’t the tourists see enough homeless on the sidewalks and the parks now? Building a station would only attract more homeless, not help the situation.

We spend thousands and thousands of dollars every year to attract tourism, and we’re contemplating putting the homeless right smack in Waikiki for all to see?

Perhaps our politicians need reminding that an election is coming up soon and should reconsider their priorities.

We’re gonna have air conditioned rail cars but our keiki are still sitting in overheated classrooms with no air conditioning?

Joan Elliott

Waikiki

Isles’ vehicle air bag law needs change

It was reported April 6 that Honda reported a 10th U.S. death from Takata air bags (“Texas teen killed by exploding car air bag,” Star-Advertiser), yet Hawaii safety check law “requires” the air bags to function and vehicle owners may have to spend up to $2,000 to repair a system that could harm or even kill them.

Federal laws require air bags when a vehicle is manufactured but has no requirements for function after the warranty is expired. Hawaii law “exceeds” federal requirements — for what reason?

The original intent of the periodic motor vehicle inspection was to ensure that vehicles on the road were “reasonably” safe and not a danger to other motorists. How does an “air bag requirement” make it safer for the other vehicle on the road?

I’ve been a safety check inspector since 1968. This air bag requirement is causing economic harm as many vehicles have to be junked even though they may run perfectly but the air bags flunk.

Change the law.

Frank Young

Kawaiahao

Future rail fiascos will be in the details

Reading the latest scenarios of rail construction and financial shortfalls, one wonders what fiasco is next.

I am waiting to hear about where we will park, how we will get from the rail stations to our points of destination, the accommodations for handicapped people and their wheelchairs, restroom facilities, taxi stands, etc. Will bicycles and strollers be allowed?

Cyril Barker

Kaneohe