Letters to the Editor
Merger of airlines in the state's interest
Just what Hawai'i needs in the case of the merger of the 50-cent-per-mile local airlines: higher prices for residents and visitors, made possible by less competition.
Of course, the merger will go through because it's in the state's interest to encourage monopolies and, in the case of the oil companies, price-fixing. After all, the exorbitant prices generate higher hidden taxes. The businesses take only the heat that the Letters to the Editor column can apply, and the state runs off with more money.
Michael Cashman
Probation was correct for father of dead infant
In Kelly Rosati's Dec. 17 letter, "Probation not enough for father of dead infant," Rosati asks how it is possible for someone to receive 10 years probation for the killing of a 4-month-old child and wonders if there is more to the story than reported by The Advertiser.
Rosati is right: Readers did not get the full story. The Dec. 15 news article on State vs. Coy was inaccurate and omitted several important facts.
The Advertiser erroneously reported that the defendant, Robert Coy, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of his son, when in actuality, Coy pleaded "no contest." A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt. In pleading no contest, Coy, pursuant to the plea agreement with the prosecutor's office, became eligible for probation.
At sentencing, the prosecutor requested that Judge Richard Perkins sentence Coy to 10 years probation with at least one year in prison. In determining an appropriate sentence, the judge considered the circumstances surrounding the baby's fall from a bed, Coy's unsuccessful attempts to revive the infant using CPR and an expert's testimony that the infant may have suffered from von Willebrand disease, a disorder that causes excessive bleeding — all of which probably contributed to the infant's death.
In light of the evidence presented, Judge Perkins found it reasonable to infer that the baby's death may have been an unfortunate accident.
The judge also found that Coy, who has two other children, had no prior criminal history of child abuse and was not a danger to others. For the record, the judge stated he believed Coy's remorse to be genuine and that for the rest of his life, Coy must live with the burden of knowing his attempts to administer CPR contributed to his son's death.
Marsha E. Kitagawa
Public Affairs Office, Hawai'i State Judiciary
Lack of Aloha Bowl spoiled this Christmas
Millions of Americans were saddened on Christmas Day because there was no Aloha Bowl from Hawai'i. I remember watching from the East Coast for years and reveling in Honolulu's "Blue Water" Christmas Aloha Bowls.
It was part of a tradition — like opening presents.
Last year we had two Aloha Bowls. This year there are none. The sponsors took them away. And, lo and behold, I find the Las Vegas Bowl on ABC Christmas morning.
I don't claim to understand the fiscal ins and outs of bowls. However, I applaud UH President Evan Dobelle and Coach June Jones in their efforts to create a new Aloha Bowl that can't be moved out of town on a whim.
Perhaps a new Aloha Bowl can supplement Coach Jones' salary, so that he is not also stolen away to the Mainland — and never heard from again.
Robert J. Conlan
Political Science Department, University of Hawai'i
Moped riders are being more brazen
It is time that something is done about mopeds. All too often, and increasing in frequency, are we seeing reports of serious and fatal accidents involving them.
It seems that people attempt to ride their mopeds as if they are motorcycles, which they are not. They are not as stable, and there is no licensing requirement.
Often, many riders do not adhere to traffic laws, recklessly cutting in and out of traffic, and driving at excessive speeds. In many cases, it sounds as if "full throttle" is the only accelerator setting.
Perhaps it is time to establish a minimum age, operator licensing and testing, and vehicle licensing requirements for moped operators. There are moped riders who drive reasonably and sanely, and I am sure they would not have any difficulty passing such an examination.
Bernard Judson
Kapolei
Government profits from fireworks injuries
Well, now, our local government seems to think that all the smoke, noise and injuries caused by fireworks can be avoided if we pay a $25 fee.
They couldn't simply outlaw the practice? Nope, they profit on it.
Mahalo for another simple-minded solution.
Steve Tayama
