I am sure that the city Department of Parks and Recreation archive has the plans that I did about 45 years ago for the Kapalama Canal.

That plan was for the beautification of the whole canal and to provide a mini playground, on the Diamond Head side of the canal above King Street, for use by kids from nearby housing.

That was then.

Today it seems that nothing has changed, except that it has gone downhill from lack of care or consideration of squatters.

My plan did not envision all the ornate uses now proposed by the city (“City wants Kapalama Canal park input,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 26). I believe the current plans are ill-conceived. Early on it was determined that the canal is one of most contaminated and smelliest waterways on Oahu.

So the greatest problem is solving the quality of the water in this primarily industrial area — not creating a destination for rail users or to enhance the real estate value of the area.

Ted Green

Kaaawa

Police issues are part of legislative purview

Pam Smith is wrong to imply the state Legislature has no authority over the Honolulu Police Department (“Espero shouldn’t be focused on police,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 27).

In 2014, we had a hearing at the state Capitol to hear about HPD’s domestic violence response. This year we passed a measure demanding accountability of unprocessed rape kits maintained by HPD.

We also passed a Law Enforcement Independent Review Board law that requires the Attorney General’s Office to independently investigate incidents of police deaths and use of force.

My previous year’s legislation also strengthened the public disclosure law regarding police misconduct. Moreover, the Legislature also has considered the issues of police body cameras and a statewide standards and training board to ensure all law enforcement officers have similar comprehensions.

It is clear that law enforcement issues do fall under our purview.

Sen. Will Espero

Vice president, Hawaii State Senate

Debate viewership shows public concern

In more than 31 years of married life, I’ve watched many presidential debates.

The first one between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was my wife’s first time, and she watched it all, surprisingly. Considering the debate’s record number of viewers, it shows Americans are concerned about who will be president.

I’m not really that happy about a President Clinton, but Trump scares me. Like my wife always says, “I’m afraid he’ll start WWIII.”

Trump’s biggest problem is his mouth. His disastrous debate was a perfect example (“Trump blames mic and moderator,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 28).

Presidential, no. Crybaby, yes.

Art Frank

Makaha

Clinton seems to be held to lower standard

Hillary Clinton is a polished politician who has all the memorized, prepared answers.

She demonizes her opponents but has no new ideas except more big government, regulations and taxes.

She deleted 33,000 e-mails, and when her staff is asked about them, they plead the Fifth Amendment.

She and her assistant had over 130 secret e-mails on her personal server even though she signed a document with the State Department pledging that she would only use official communications.

As secretary of state, it was pay-for-play, as she met with private citizens who donated to the Clinton Foundation.

If you were a private citizen working for the government or a Bronze Star recipient, as I am, with this track record, it would be impossible to receive any security clearance. But somehow, it is acceptable to some writing letters to the editor that she be in command of our nation’s secrets.

Now I am afraid.

Gary R. Johnson

Kaneohe

Marine sanctuary within U.S. jurisdiction

Danny Li’s letter accusing the U.S. of hypocrisy over the Papaha- naumokuakea Marine National Monument sounds like Chinese propaganda (“Enlarging sanctuary raises questions,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 12).

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague found that the rocks and islets claimed by China in the South China Sea have no Exclusive Economic Zones as set forth in the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Sovereignty over these rocks and islets was not in issue.

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are indisputably U.S. territory with a 20-mile Exclusive Economic Zone around them. The U.S. does not need permission from anyone to create a national monument in its own waters. The Law of the Sea Convention has no application to these waters other than recognize the U.S. right to regulate them.

Earle A. Partington

Makakilo

FROM THE FORUM

Readers of the Star-Advertiser’s online edition can respond to stories posted there. The following are some of those. Instead of names, pseudonyms are generally used online. They have been removed.

“City adjusts its policies on closures of Kalakaua” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 25:

>> The smart thing to do would be to close Kalakaua Avenue permanently and turn it into a massive walking district.

>> I agree. It’s one of the few major areas of shopping and tourism that’s marred by the constant flow of traffic. How nice would it be with tree-lined, outdoor cafes and little parklets for pets, kids, outdoor music, etc? Unfortunately, there’s too much of a need for hotel access and delivery vehicles at all times.

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“City wants Kapalama Canal park input” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 25:

>> The rendering forgot to put in the tents for the homeless who block public places and whom the government does nothing about. Let’s fix our infrastructure before building more as we do not take care of what we have.

>> This is, by far, one of the stupidest ideas I have ever heard, and I own a business near that canal. Mayor Kirk Caldwell has already destroyed businesses along his rail line; he will be taxing my great-grandkids to pay for it while our roads fall apart; crackheads occupy stretches of our city; the sewers are overflowing and departments across the city are crumbling.

———

“Hawaii students making strides on AP, college-prep test scores” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 27:

>> Great news for our pubic schools. As usual, not too many comments when the news is great. As soon as one piece of negativity comes out, everyone jumps on the bandwagon and bashes our teachers, students and public school system.

>> I’m glad to hear this good news. The new generation is gearing up. It also shows that public school teachers are really doing their job.

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“Naval reservist investigated for national anthem protest” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 27:

>> So, the First Amendment, one of many for which soldiers have died to protect, and is guaranteed in the Constitution, doesn’t apply to military personnel?

>> No, it doesn’t, not while they are in uniform. Soldiers have to follow military codes. Out of uniform she could do whatever she wants. She was in uniform at the time.

>> Wrong time, wrong venue. She’ll be lucky if she gets a general discharge.

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“Road woes roll on”Star-Advertiser, Sept. 28:

>> Even the newer roads (Kapolei Parkway, etc.) already are hurting because of the heavy use and construction trucks.

>> I can’t believe Mayor Kirk Caldwell honestly thinks he’s made improvement in the city roads when the potholes have potholes.

>> The governor promised during his campaign to re-engineer state government. He should start with the state Department of Transportation. No new taxes and fees to this underperforming department until a get-well plan is developed and implemented. First step: Create an accountability system.

———

“Lifesaving local hero to be given big award for actions” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 28:

>> Keoni Bowthorpe is a true hero. Most people would’ve bee-lined it to shore, notified the lifeguards and watched the drama from shore.

>> Keoni risked his own life to save another and deserves this honor, plus the respect and admiration of all of us in Hawaii. He undoubtedly has earned the endearment of the Cook family, and learned to treasure his own life even more.

———

“UH extends Ganot’s contract 2 years” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 29:

>> Here we go again. No ill-will to Coach Eran Ganot, but after just one year he gets rewarded? It’s stated he inherited talented players, but before contract extension shouldn’t we wait and see for at least another year?

>> It’s a double-edged sword, since these coaches become a hot commodity when they have success early, and usually the big schools swoop down like vultures to sign them away if these guys don’t have a long-term contract. It also affects recruiting, too, since recruits want stability in the program instead of having new coaches every other season.

>> It’s great to get this over early instead of having it drag on for years.