A recent article in the Star-Advertiser addressed the rise of domestic abuse cases and the huge backlog of hearings waiting to be heard (“Audit says domestic violence cases jumped 615% from 2013 to 2016,” Star-Advertiser, June 19).

The rise will continue and the backlog will grow unless something is done immediately. My proposal: bring back the night court. We won’t need new buildings, we won’t need much personnel or more judges. Pay judges who are willing to work at night a per diem rate. Hire qualified personnel who are willing to work in the evenings.

However, securing the cooperation of the Prosecuting Attorney, Keith Kaneshiro, certainly will be difficult, as he has demonstrated a one-sided attitude — his way or none at all.

A lot of attorneys can adjust their schedules to accommodate evening court and their clients. Clients are able to work until the afternoon when their cases are heard instead of taking off from work, causing them to lose wages.

Gayle Nakama

Alewa Heights

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Park doesn’t need volleyball courts

I have walked Ala Moana Park, five days a week, for at least seven years, and have seen people playing volleyball in the existing courts maybe twice. When people do play volleyball, they bring their own equipment and play on the grass. When it rains, the old courts are underwater for days.

I guess since Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to commercialize the park was overwhelmingly rejected by people who use the park, he decided to make an executive decision (“Playground in vision for Ala Moana Park,” Star-Advertiser, May 9).

The walkway at the lagoon end of Magic Island is in total disrepair. More people walk this route daily than will play volleyball in 10 years. Where are his priorities? Apparently they are not with the patrons of the park.

Michael Ferguson

Kakaako

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America prospers through faith in God

It is indeed time to tone down the vitriol in political rhetoric, as James Rosen points out (“Tone down vitriol in political rhetoric,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 16).

This is a symptom of our greater problem in continually moving away from our foundations as a nation, as George Washington reminded us in his farewell address from the presidency: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

Rosen said it is time to be one America, but then leaves out God in quoting the Pledge of Allegiance. The correct wording is:

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

May we as a people truly seek God’s blessing on America by living His way.

Frank Lutz

McCully-Moiliili

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Keep Malaekahana off Koolau Loa plan

Members of the Kaaawa community are seeking support for City Council Bill 1 (2017).

Kamehameha Highway from Kahaluu to Haleiwa already is rapidly eroding into the ocean, while sea level is rising. We are warned to have at least a month’s emergency food and water supply at home.

There are about 3.5 million completely unprepared tourists on this road annually. Residents currently dealing with this road’s heavy traffic are threatened by more development. More people, more problems.

A third city out here must be stopped. Bill 1 eliminates a Malaekahana development plan from the Koolau Loa Sustainable Communities Plan. More than 4,350 developable urban-zoned lots exist for infill that would more than double the population in this moku now. We need to keep agriculture on all agricultural land for food safety. We need resiliency to survive here.

Andrea Anixt

Kaaawa

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Plant trees to keep Hawaii, world cooler

Your story, “World will face lethal heat, study predicts” (Star-Advertiser, June 19), especially in the tropics, is a timely warning to Honolulu to prepare now for the inevitable future.

Trees for Honolulu’s Future, a newly organized nonprofit organization, is focused on educating all of us on the importance of shade trees as temperatures rise in the tropics.

It exists to encourage and facilitate the planning, planting and maintenance of shade trees along our streets, in our parks, at our schools, and in our public places on Oahu.

If we don’t plant and maintain thousands and thousands of new trees, beginning now, 10 years from today we are all going to be huddled in our air-conditioned homes, offices and cars.

Trees absorb CO2 and heat. They provide shade that lowers temperatures. And that is just beginning to list the many benefits that trees yield.

We have the data. We know the future will be much hotter in the tropics than it is today.

It is up to us to act.

Tom Dinell

President, Trees for Honolulu’s Future

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Offensive ad has no place in paper

I was dismayed and offended to see the advertisement “Couples Are Raving Over New Sex Cream” in our newspaper (Star-Advertiser, June 22).

This type of material seems better suited to Hustler magazine or some other porn outlet, not a local daily newspaper that is readily available to readers of all ages.

Particularly worrisome is the statement that men using the advertised product will be “able to exercise sexual power over women.”

This sends a very negative message to Hawaii’s young boys and men. Please have some decency and do not run ads like this again.

Cynthia Beers

Waipahu