CELL PHONE USE OUGHT NOT BE MADE A CRIME

Don't criminalize cell phone use.

I don't understand why using a cell phone should be outlawed. If it's because talking distracts drivers, then why are hands-free units allowed, not to mention talking to passengers in the car? If it's because only one hand is on the steering wheel, then smoking a cigarette, drinking a cup of coffee, and changing CDs should also be outlawed.

A lot of business people use their cell phone to talk with customers, schedule appointments, place orders, and discuss meeting plans. There are already laws on the books for reckless driving. Don't criminalize those who use their phones legitimately and safely.

CIVIL UNIONS

MAHALO NUI TO THE 6 BRAVE SENATORS

The Senate couldn't muster the strength to put HB 444 HD1, the civil unions bill, to a full discussion and vote. However, six brave senators did not give in to the threats and nasty communications they have received over this important bill, which guarantees equal rights to all of Hawai'i's citizens. These rights are enshrined in our constitution along with another clause that allows for a bill to be pulled from committee and discussed with the full body at a floor session.

Bills that affirm the rights of our people should be discussed by the full body. Three individuals should not have the power to deny equality to anyone.

What if there were still laws that forbid couples of different races or ethnicities to marry? A significant number of Hawai'i families would not be recognized — or worse, treated as pariahs, as same-sex couples are treated now.

Mahalo nui to Senator Hooser, who made the motion to pull the bill out of committee for a full-floor discussion, to Sen. Ihara for seconding the motion and to Sens. Baker, Chun-Oakland, Fukunaga and Kidani for supporting a full discussion on the floor. I am proud that you have taken your oath of office to protect and defend the constitution seriously. Your constituents can rest assured that your votes are not about self-interest, but are aligned with the principles and values enshrined in our constitution.

HAWAII SUPERFERRY

FIASCO GIVES SIERRA CLUB A BAD NAME

Yes, there is plenty of blame to go around for the Superferry fiasco. However, during negotiations, both sides frequently ask for everything, knowing that they will have to settle for much less — ask anyone who has bought a car or a house. Should we fault the Superferry for asking for an EIS exemption? Or should the blame fall primarily to the state when it, wrongly, granted that exception?

An EIS is under way. Granted, this should have been done first, but this is the crux of the problem and it is being resolved. In the meantime, having taken several trips on the Superferry, it seems to me that they are actively working to prevent problems, such as transfer of invasive species, whale disturbance issues, etc. The Superferry's attention to detail, efficiency, sensitivity to environmental issues, and service were first-rate. The now unemployed staff was also great. Good luck to all of them — they didn't deserve this outcome, particularly during difficult economic times.

Robert Harris (director of the Sierra Club Hawai'i) says he fears a backlash that would dismantle the state's environmental review law. Maybe he should have thought about that before forcing the Superferry to shut down. Environmental laws should be strong and enforceable, but they should also be reasonable, practical, and used appropriately. With an EIS in progress, this seems to be a strictly punitive action and it gives environmental groups a bad name. I plan to not renew my Sierra Club membership.

MUCH SYMPATHY AND LOVE FROM KAUA'I

We are so saddened by the Supreme Court decision that is, apparently, going to result in our island state having no ferry system. It must be especially difficult for all of you, that have worked so hard and been so patient, to lose your jobs this way. We are so sorry.

When the Superferry open house was held on Kaua'i, my husband and I met and spoke with many of you and could feel your excitement and your pride. We were supposed to sail with you to O'ahu on that sad day that there was so much turmoil. We have been very much looking forward to utilizing the ferry system once you were able to come to Kaua'i again. We're still hoping for a miracle that will make that happen.

We just want you to know that there were a great number of us here on Kaua'i that supported your efforts and did not at all agree with the radical thinking of the individuals that have been so cruel. The Superferry should have been seen as the blessing that it really was.

It's truly a sad day for Hawai'i, especially for all of you. We want to wish you and your families all the best.

STATE BUDGET

HOW CAN GOVERNOR TAKE FUNDS FOR KEIKI?

How dare Gov. Lingle spend federal funds designed for education to balance the state's budget after the DOE has already made concessions on spending and cutting jobs?!

The money from the federal stabilization package was designed to spend on our keiki to improve their educational footing, not pay for the bad decisions that our state lawmakers have made, including giving themselves raises.

Gov. Lingle is stealing from Peter to pay Paul. This is the equivalent of giving a panhandler some money to get something to eat and later on, seeing him buy a beer. It is dishonest to take advantage of that funding.

President Obama just said that we won't have any future if we don't focus on our children's education so that they can compete globally.

By misappropriating these funds intended for our children, the governor is failing to make an investment in their future.