SAFETY

ELDERLY PEDESTRIANS, DRIVERS A RISKY MIX

What is being done about the continuing maiming and killing of pedestrians on our streets? It seems to me it's been about once a month or more frequent. I suspect it is higher than the Mainland average of a city our size.

Frequently I read either the pedestrian or the driver or both are above 60 years old, and sometimes well over. Elderly pedestrians plus elderly drivers is becoming a dangerous combo on our streets.

For the elderly pedestrians, I'm on their side. We've got to use all the technology and intelligent design available to make our roads safer for the older folk. They deserve it.

However, for the elderly drivers, I'm of the school that feels it's time to take a look at some practical test, or for them to re-take the driving test to renew their license past a certain age, instead of simply a vision test.

B&BS

EXPERIENCE WITH GUESTS HAS BEEN EXCELLENT

Some of the more militant opponents of B&Bs in Windward O'ahu call our B&B guests "nuisances," and worse. Our experience in Lanikai over the past 10 years is just the opposite, and during that period, we have never had one complaint from our neighbors.

The following, from a message left by a guest, is typical: "Thanks for creating such a perfect guest cottage — diving with pros, snorkeling off the North Shore, rich fish feast, hiking lovely jungle trails; what is more to love?" Matt and Carla, Phoenix, Ariz.

These are hardly the sentiments of persons who pose a danger to our community. They should be welcomed additions who contribute to our economic well-being while becoming acquainted with our unique aloha lifestyle, unfortunately not shared by all.

It would be left to the police to settle disturbances caused by inappropriate behavior in our neighborhoods, as they do everywhere else.

CIVIL UNIONS

IT'S SAME-SEX MARRIAGE WITH ANOTHER NAME

The controversial and divisive issue of "same-sex marriage" is again before our community because legislators in the House of Representatives fast-tracked and approved legislation establishing "civil unions" for same sex-couples in Hawaii. They wrongly propose to legalize same-sex marriage under the more benign-sounding banner of civil unions.

State elected legislators are ignoring the clear mandate by 70 percent of Hawai'i voters in 1998 that defines marriage should be between only a man and a woman.

Supporters of civil unions argue that the legislation is not about redefining the marriage statute. However, this bill would create a parallel chapter in our law for civil unions, which constitutes de facto same-sex marriages.

The bill's language is clear on this point under the heading, "Same benefits, protections, and responsibilities as marriage," stating that same-sex partners in a civil union "shall have all the same rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities under law ... as are granted to spouses in a marriage." It provides for every reference in Hawai'i law to "marriage" shall apply equally to "civil unions." The procedures for obtaining a license and for solemnizing same-sex civil unions would be identical to those for traditional marriage. Finally, it would officially recognize civil unions and same-sex marriages from other states and countries.

Again, 70 percent of our voters spoke clearly and definitively on the issue of same-sex marriages. By continuing to move HB 444 through the legislative process, legislators are reintroducing a very divisive bill that conceals its intent from Hawai'i's majority voters.

This action diverts the attention of our community at a time when the very economic survival of families is at stake. We should attend to "first things first' and end the deliberation on HB 444 in favor of the majority voice of the people.

Senior Pastor New Life Church Honolulu

DRUNK DRIVING

WHITFORD'S SENTENCING A DISRESPECTFUL MESSAGE

Once again, as a driver education instructor, I am befuddled by the decision to give a killer an 18-month sentence. Sarah Whitford's blood-alcohol level and her speed at the time of the collision (notice I did not say "accident") should result in a maximum sentence.

The added fact that this was not this woman's first DUI makes this sentence an insult to the community. I implore the Legislature or any Island judge to write me a script that would explain to my students the state's perspective on giving such light sentences for such reckless behavior that devastates families.

Unfortunately, I am left to merely pray that my students don't read the newspaper or watch the news. I cannot think of a more disrespectful message this sends to the citizens of Hawai'i.

IT'S TIME FOR US TO GET TOUGHER ON VIOLATORS

Years ago, we gun owners got together and lobbied the Legislature to enact a law making the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime carry a mandatory jail sentence.

Use a gun in a crime and you will do 10 years. In addition to what you got for the crime. And there is nothing the judge can do about it.

Perhaps it's time for us drivers of cars to lobby the Legislature for a 10-year mandatory jail sentence if you're driving drunk and are involved in a traffic accident?

Drive drunk, cause a wreck, and you will do 10 years. In addition to what you got for the crime. And there is nothing the judge can do about it.