Members of previous generations would have been embarrassed, humiliated and ashamed to publicly admit that they purposely violated the law for personal gain.

My, how times have changed. I watched public testimony last week for City Council bills 85 and 89, and witnessed dozens of individuals shamelessly state that they knowingly violate Honolulu’s zoning laws by renting out their residential properties for periods of less than 30 days. All of these testifiers were unapologetic for their illegal activity, and many appeared to be proud of it. Honor, personal integrity and character appear to be relics of the past.

Almost as troubling is the City Council’s apparent willingness to give the same consideration to the interests of these scofflaws as they do to their law-abiding constituency. Shouldn’t the voice of good citizens be heard above the din of lawbreakers?

Bill Leary

Kaneohe

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