Stealing visitors’ belongings on the beach must be — by far — the most frequent crime in Waikiki. But the Honolulu Police Department hasn’t taken the most effective step to prevent it. HPD should post signs to warn of the possible theft of unattended belongings.

The Waikiki Business Improvement Association and the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association don’t want to publicize criminal activity, which would damage our reputation as a safe place to visit.

But a warning in English and Japanese as innocuous as, “Please don’t leave your property unattended!” would be effective. Otherwise, we will continue to allow thousands of our guests to return home to spread horror stories of ruined vacations.

And this can’t be good for our most important industry.

C. Richard Fassler

Manoa

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Climate predictions too far in the future

The “Earthweek” column in the Feb. 25 issue referred to a “likely” 2- to 4-foot rise in sea levels by 2300. This was even if we reach the Paris Climate Agreement goals. The good thing about predicting events 282 years from now is you can’t be proven wrong. On the other hand, I suspect the predictions made by climate scientists in 1736 turned out to be inaccurate.

John LeRoux

Waikiki

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Violence won’t lead to non-violence

President Donald Trump’s recent embrace of the National Rifle Association’s proposal that we arm selective teachers to stop mass shootings like the one we witnessed in Florida on Feb. 14 is alarming. The proposal presupposes that we can stop killing by killing. We cannot achieve non-violence with violence.

All notable religions teach that. Buddha says, “If anyone should give you a blow with his hand or a weapon, you should abandon any desires and utter no evil words.” Jesus encourages us to “turn the other cheek” and not return vengeance with vengeance. And, the Quran teaches that God does not love violent action that causes needless loss in lives and property.

The way to end mass shootings in our nation is to first instill in us a deeper sense of the sanctity and dignity of all human life. This should result in the enactment and enforcement of stricter gun laws, which, in turn, will help end gun violence in our schools and streets. America would rise toward greatness again.

Wally Fukunaga

Makiki

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Help troubled kids now, or pay later

The 2018 Street Youth Study described 624 homeless youth in 2016 ages 12-24. By 2024 these youth, if high school graduates, could be working. The possible outcome for unprepared youth — a lifetime loss of opportunity.

Calculate the multiplied costs to Hawaii as these young people have families, but cannot find productive work to support them — future unstable families, reduced workforce, lost tax revenue, possible lost tourism income due to crime, costs for health care, drug rehab, adjudication, prison expansion.

It may seem expensive and difficult to help them today, but the costs will multiply every few years. Helping youth is urgent because they grow up quickly and they need hope and a future.

Caroline Ward Oda

Aina Haina

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Speak out, intervene on suffering in Syria

I am writing in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. As violence has intensified over the last week, and the international community has hesitated to act (finally passing a non-binding ceasefire resolution), I have been moved by the pleas of innocent civilians, particularly children, for help, and at the very least for those of us who look on, to not remain silent.

I feel strong frustration and disappointment in the willingness of governments (ours included) to destabilize the Middle East while also restricting borders and refugee programs for those most in need of aid and sanctuary. I also struggle with despair when thinking of how I might somehow help on an individual level, beyond charitable contributions and letters to newspapers and elected officials.

Nonetheless, I humbly urge my fellow Hawaii residents to speak up and intervene in any way possible. I fear if we do nothing, then we are all complicit in the harm that befalls our fellow human beings.

Jeremy Garrett

Mililani

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The fact is, AR-15s are very dangerous

In response to Donald Wyand’s letter, “AR-15 debate has emotion, not facts” (Star-Advertiser, Feb. 28), the facts show the AR-15 was the weapon used in mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newton, Conn.; in Aurora, Colo.; Santa Monica and San Bernandino, Calif.; Orlando, Fla.; Sutherland Springs, Texas; Las Vegas, Nev.; and now in Parkland, Fla.

The facts show that in 1994, the AR-15 was classified as an assault-style rifle, and was, along with high-capacity ammunition magazines, banned by Congress from 1994 to 2004. Since 2004, when the Bush administration let the ban run out, there has been a proliferation of boutique rifle companies making AR-15-style rifles.

The AR-15 is easily converted from a semi-automatic rifle to a rapid-fire weapon, able to fire 100 rounds within minutes. It also holds a high-capacity, detachable magazine which enables a sustained volume of fire. Moreover, the conversion hardware is entirely legal and easily purchased.

Bob Robello

Kailua