Lee Cataluna made light of illegal dumping and the Honolulu Police Department (“Wait, who is going to catch illegal dumpers?,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 16).

It’s nothing to laugh at.

Like all of our laws, respect for the aina is the responsibility of Oahu residents. Whether it’s your cul-de-sac, community, city or country, all of us play a role in regulating civil norms, which includes reporting criminality.

HPD confirms its officers will respond to complaints of illegal dumping, counter to what Cataluna claims. Furthermore, her statement that HPD no longer responds to burglaries is way off the mark.

At the Aug. 12 press conference in Waikiki, the city encouraged residents to provide information and photos of illegal dumping. The public listened and as a result the city has issued 19 violation letters.

Instead of extolling negativity and referring to imaginary figures, Cataluna should be part of the solution. That’s what members of a civil society do.

Andrew Pereira

Communications director City and County of Honolulu

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