Uneven pot laws spawn illegalities

I have to laugh when I see folks pointing fingers at the Hawaii Cannabis Expo for alleged illegal activity. Since when did those involved with Hawaii’s cannabis “industry” become so law abiding ?

Let’s not forget that just about everybody who is coming in contact with this substance is doing so under the assumption that they are violating federal law. The feds have a term for such activity; they call it a Continuing Criminal Enterprise.

The saddest thing about this whole situation is that it doesn’t have to be this way. The medical use of cannabis in Hawaii is currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, which means that our Medical Use of Cannabis Program does not violate federal law.

Until our lawmakers do something to fix the misconception that our program is violating federal law, disregard for the rule of law will only continue to spread.

Clifton Otto, M.D.

Hawaii Kai

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Bus-stop ban adds to homeless woes

I am writing about the new rules regarding sleeping on bus-stop benches (“Lying down at bus stops now illegal during certain hours,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 21).

Maybe as annual snowbird visitors we do not have the right to complain. However, it is increasingly sad and painful to return each year and see homeless people — women, seniors, disabled, young and old. It appears the situation is worsening, and when the city adds yet another law and fine, it is pitiful. Perhaps it would be easier if people are removed from bus stops and taken to jail where they can be fed and sheltered.

The sharp contrast between the affluent and the homeless is humiliating.

There already appears to be a ban to keep homeless people out of heavily populated tourist spots. We find that Chinatown shows the despair and hopelessness: sick, elderly people lying on the ground. No toilets, and signs stating “No Public Restrooms.”

No toilets, no bus shelters. What’s next — no air?

Jen Wright

Blaine, Wash.

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Ag firms must be open on pesticides

I support Dr. James Raelson’s commentary calling for transparency from companies spraying massive amounts of restricted pesticides on Hawaii islands (“Proving safety of pesticides should be on ag firms,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Feb. 20). As a nurse with decades of experience, I find such recklessness appalling. The companies’ reluctance to be more transparent and to notify the public about what and when they are spraying puts us all at risk.

I was taught to think twice about using chemicals of any kind. I believe usage of highly toxic pesticides must be regulated. Smart nutrition is linked to good health. This includes not eating food laced with pesticides, and being mindful of not poisoning the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Companies doing business here must come clean about their activities. Legislators should act now to protect Hawaii.

Judith Liu

Hawaii Kai

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Arming teachers sick; good for NRA

Sick, sick, sick. Some 20 percent of teaching professionals proposed by Donald Trump to be designated to carry concealed weapons. And a bonus for doing so. I bet there will be a proposal for a tax exemption for the cost of purchasing the weapons and ammunition, too.

A real winning proposition for the National Rifle Association and gun makers. A real losing proposition for everyone else.

Sharon Schamber

Kailua

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AR-15 debate has emotion, not facts

I support gun control laws and consider Hawaii’s firearms permitting process a model for other states. A comprehensive review of an applicant’s criminal records as well as past behavioral issues are mandatory to obtain a permit, and many are denied.

Laws concerning gun ownership need to be based on facts, not emotions. AR-15 rifles have been available to the public in Hawaii for nearly half a century — yet as far as I know, not one person has ever been shot by an AR-15 here.

In contrast, hardly a week goes by without a stabbing or blunt-force murder reported. Far more people are killed annually by hammers than rifles; knives also are a popular weapon. AR-15s are very low on the FBI’s list of weapons used in homicides.

So let’s keep the common- sense gun laws we have, and not jump on the brain-dead bandwagon of those who would ban these rifles without any basis in fact.

Donald Wyand

Makiki

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Don’t punish son for dad’s arrest

It seems to me that a 6-year-old is being punished for the sins (alleged) of his father (“Son of man arrested in child porn case allowed to finish semester at Punahou,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 22).

And by a “Christian” school yet. What lesson is being taught here?

Teresita Knight

Waipahu