HPD needs more and better oversight
Justice has finally been served with the sentencing of the Kealohas (“Former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha sentenced to 7 years in prison; Katherine Kealoha gets 13 years,” Star- Advertiser, Top News, Nov. 30).
I personally feel the prison terms should have been longer due to the violations of public trust by two law enforcement leaders who succumbed to the temptations of greed and power. The state and county governments must now enact policies and laws to ensure this type of activity and behavior never happens again.
More and better oversight by the Honolulu Police Commission, City Council and mayor is needed. The recent abuse of overtime by HPD regarding federal funds and COVID-19 enforcement also highlights the need for improved management.
The majority of our police officers are law-abiding professionals, but this sad and unfortunate episode of corruption within the police department and Prosecutor’s Office shows that many were asleep at the wheel and not monitoring these law enforcement agencies properly. The city needs to do better, and it needs to begin now.
Will Espero
Former chairman, State Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee
Government needs nonpartisan leaders
Gary Hooser missed the boat in his commentary (“2022 starts now: no more DINOs in state Legislature,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Dec. 3).
While I do like his list of possible changes, we don’t need DINOs, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, etc., to champion these causes. We simply need good people, unshackled by partisan politics and quid pro quo to lead us.
I’m not alone in this belief. The race between political newcomers Rick Blangiardi and Keith Amemiya for Honolulu mayor is indicative of our community’s desire for change.
Greg Arakaki
Aiea
Safe Travels tech out of reach for some
Regarding “Elderly traveler left without options” (Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 29): This was a large issue with me.
I looked at the four steps to obtain the pre-travel coronavirus test to avoid spending my two weeks in quarantine. However, I had no idea how to upload or download anything onto my iPhone. One had to do it exactly as was printed, but there were no directions on how to accomplish this task. There were no alternative means of getting through this procedure. I am not tech-savvy. So, I am sitting in quarantine in my house.
I understand that there are places on Maui that administer the COVID-19 test, but that is not acceptable to those who decide whether or not to quarantine a passenger. Can they work with us to provide an alternative? I am sure there are others, besides senior citizens, who are not tech-savvy. I am not encouraging others to come to Maui for now.
Edna Annand
Makawao, Maui
CARES Act funds must be spent now
We live in interesting times. In response to COVID-19, Congress passed the CARES Act to “provide fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses.”
Of the $1.2 billion in federal relief for Hawaii, your paper reported that the state and counties had only spent about 30% of federal funds allocated (“Hawaii running out of time to spend CARES Act money,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 14).
Not to worry, since U.S. Rep. Ed Case expressed confidence that unspent federal funds will not have to be returned at the end of the year (“Unspent funds won’t need to be returned, Case assures,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 24).
Seriously? Where is the outrage that with record levels of unemployment, Hawaii politicians have not spent that money in the way it was intended by Congress? Hawaii workers, families and small businesses need that assistance now.
Mark Saxon
Kahului
Quarantine travelers before they fly?
With all of the issues surrounding pre-travel COVID-19 tests, one suggestion has not been mentioned. Shouldn’t those who get their tests be required to quarantine from the time of their test until their travel date?
Sue Alden
Kailua
EXPRESS YOURSELF
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Comfort and joy
2020 has been a whopper of a year: the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hurt, politics and elections. But surely there is much to appreciate, much that brings joy.
In the spirit of the season, we are now accepting letters (150 words max) and essays (500-600 words) with uplifting messages to share during this holiday season.
Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd. #7-210, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.
