KAPI'OLANI PARK

SQUATTERS ALL OVER — WHERE'S CITY COUNCIL?

Do we have yet another broken trust on the island?

Kapi'olani Park is under siege and it seems no one is in charge of reaching out to save this wondrous place. The park is overseen by a trust that states the purpose of the park clearly for public enjoyment, entertainment, exhibits and competition athletics. The trustees are our elected City Council members. The purpose of the park has been lost and not one council member seems to have noticed. Is this breaking trust duty?

The park has been overthrown by squatters claiming sites and taking hostage the picnic tables, benches and restrooms. They break park equipment to suit their lifestyle. They sleep, cook, eat, abuse alcohol and drugs, sell drugs, defecate, and urinate in full view.

They threaten police, park workers, island residents, tourists and each other. Their numbers grow as does fearless, dangerous and destructive behavior.

Diverse age groups attending park purpose activities, zoo, aquarium, music in the Shell, picnics on the grass, soccer practice, rugby match, strolling on the path, band stand hula and relaxing are at high risk for comfort, health and safety.

City Council members, please step up and be accountable.

ARMY SUICIDES

WAR IS THE REASON AND MORE WAR NOT ANSWER

At least 128 soldiers committed suicide in 2008 but the Army secretary cannot tell us why. The numbers keep going up because of war and long overseas tours. There seems to be a disconnect between this man's beliefs and what is becoming more and more obvious as we welcome home shattered soldiers.

I read an article last year stating the fact that U.S. veterans of all wars commit suicide at the average rate of 16 people per day, which comes out to 5,840 in one year. My personal experience/ knowledge is that these are Vietnam and National Guard veterans. I spent 1968 in Vietnam, suffer a 100 percent mental disorder due to PTSD and have thought about suicide. This is reality.

Call it battle fatigue, shell shock, PTSD or suicide, war is the reason and more war is not the answer.

OBAMA CABINET

IT MUST BE TIME TO CHANGE THE TAX CODE

Wouldn't it be novel if President Obama responded to the criticism of his Cabinet picks with: "It's time to change our tax code." When the people who wrote these laws can't prepare their own taxes correctly, even with the most expensive help on the planet, it's time to "Change" the tax code. Flat tax.

Its time has come. "Change?" I don't think so. It's more of the same, only this time it's wearing a different color tie. Unfortunately, it appears that President Obama has only reinforced the notion that there are two sets of rules in this country — one for the wealthy and one for the rest. So what else is new? How many senators do you think actually read the stimulus bill? Stay tuned.

WAIMANALO BREAK-INS

PREVENTION STARTS AT HOME, WITH NEIGHBORS

There have been some dangerous break-ins around the Waimanalo Beach lot area of late that are especially dangerous as the burglars are entering homes at night while residents are home. The violation of our homes is traumatic — the possible confrontation of these invaders is very dangerous.

There are ways to defend yourself — one thing they do not like are motion-sensor detection lights. Another prevention is making sure every window and door is locked before retiring in the evening. Broomstick handles in sliding doors and windows make it harder and noisier to try and gain entry.

Most importantly, it is vital to keep in close communication with our neighbors. This includes having their phone numbers to alert them when you see anything out of the ordinary — strange cars sitting by your house at night, flashlights around your neighbor's house, etc.

If you would like to know more, everyone is welcome to attend the Waimanalo Beach Lots Association meeting March 17 at St. Matthew's Church at 7 p.m. We will have a Crime Reduction officer there to help us learn what kinds of actions we can take to defend ourselves.

PAY LIMITS

GOP SHOWED TRUE COLORS ON AUTOWORKERS

John A. Broussard's letter (Feb. 10) expressed support for those Republican senators who are outraged by the Obama administration limiting bank CEOs' pay to a half million dollars a year. Where was Mr. Broussard a month or so ago when these same Republican senators were trying their darndest to impose pay limits for autoworkers? Obviously the issue is not pay limits. The issue is whose pay the Republicans want to limit.

Limit pay for autoworkers — essential; for billionaire CEOs — outrageous. Don't look now, Republicans, but your true colors are showing.

B&BS

PLEASE KEEP REACHING OUT WITH HOMES, 'OHANA

As a former resident of Hawai'i, I thank God for people like Karen Luke who provide a place to reconnect in Hawai'i. The 'ohana sense of belonging has never left me. When I visit I want to stay near friends and family. My friend has a vacation rental on O'ahu. I help her bring guests to her home.

The visitors coming are family of those who live in Hawai'i. Some who are coming to Hawai'i celebrate 25 to 50 years of marriage. Some are coming to get married for the first time. Some are recovering from cancer or another illness. Some have lost loved ones recently and are healing their spirits. A lot are young families who cannot fit in a hotel room and need a home away from home.

I believe having these homes of hospitality scattered throughout our neighborhoods bring up the property value. Just seeing visitors should remind the residents of Hawai'i how blessed they are to live where they do. Please, Hawai'i, keep reaching out to your visitors. With much aloha and smiles!