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Letters to the Editor

Maui Lani Parkway roundabout is needed

The Maui Lani Parkway roundabout is needed. Don’t talk about it. Just build it!

John Fairbank

Wailuku

*****

Three recent front page headlines cause concern

As a contributor here, I have not been reticent in criticizing our local politicos. However, recent front-page headlines cause me concern.

The April 16 “Taxpayers paid nearly $34k for mayor’s travel” was certainly an attention grabber. However, in reading of our mayor’s trips for the county, I was positively impressed that he is giving his all, whether flying to Honolulu to meet legislators, visiting sister cities in Asia or flying to the Mainland for meetings. With today’s air travel situation, I’m pleased we have a mayor energetic enough to make 34 trips last year! Further, I found the comment in the article, “But is it negligent for the mayor to be away on these trips?” better suited for an editorial.

The next day was more disturbing: “Two injured in crash involving former County Council member.” Given the police input that speed and alcohol are not suspected to be factors in the crash, one wonders why the story is Page 1? Knowing the effects of such accidents on all involved (certainly the victims, but also the devastated driver and all the family members), shouldn’t such hype be avoided?

Finally, still from Page 1 that same day was the Maui County Board of Ethics dismissing the complaint against the council chairman. The complainant is quoted, “My efforts might be considered a waste of time and county resources.”

And we wonder why folks are reluctant to get into the political arena!

Lopaka Wagar

Kihei

*****

Congress better take back some control

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has taken a lot of heat, as well as some praise, for meeting with Syrian president Bashir al-Assad and for her questioning of the Trump administration for their rash bombing of the Syrian airbase while there are still many questions and no clear evidence of the source of the gas attack.

Many thoughtful people applaud Tulsi for her openness and courage to question when others are jumping on the bandwagon of support for bombing first and asking questions never. I wish more members of Congress had the fortitude to demand full investigations before military attacks and to demand that all use of military force be authorized first by Congress.

Since President Trump seems unable to take three deep breaths and think before threatening war or bombing, Congress had better take back some control.

Mele Stokesberry

Kula

*****

Maui County budget doubles in 15 years

In 2002, the Maui County budget was close to $360 million, or $1 million a day.

Now, just 15 years later, the latest Maui County budget is close to $720 million per year, or $2 million a day.

Our current mayor was in office for 11 of those 14 years. That’s a lot of plate lunches.

Mark Kanae Smith

Wailuku

*****

A tremendous gesture by Matson Foundation

There was a report that the Matson Foundation charitable giving increased 32 percent to $2.9 million. The Matson Foundation provided a major gift to a fund called A HUI HOU administered by Maui United Way and benefiting displaced Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. workers on Maui.

It was a tremendous gesture by the Matson Foundation to donate this large sum. Together with this amount, we have received a total of approximately $147,000 in donations, and a separate Steering Committee of volunteers has raised an additional $31,000 through merchandise sales. These dollars are providing the HC&S workers with emergency assistance for rent, utility and medical bills, education and other expenses to carry them over during their period of transition.

Maui United Way will continue receiving donations for this purpose during our current annual donor campaign ending June 30 (www.mauiunitedway.org). We are very appreciative of Matson’s generosity as well as A&B’s monetary support to our general donor campaign fund over many years.

Kari Luna Nunokawa

President and CPO

Maui United Way

* Submit letters via the Virtual Newsroom on the website (www.mauinews.com), or by email (opinions@mauinews.com).

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