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Letters to the Editor

Please, just turn off your engine

I am so frustrated at all the people who pull into parking places and sit for long periods of time with the engine running. Not only are you emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, you are spitting in the face of every soldier who has fought the oil nations for us to have some gas and oil.

It is one thing if a generator is all you have at home to have power, but public parking, especially in the few shady places, is where those with dogs park.

I am also aware that with the current trend of unaffordable housing, many of Maui’s good people are living in a vehicle. I have seen families of four in a sedan on more than one occasion. Although many of the humans who do this do not read newspapers, many of you do.

Please, just turn off your engine. If you can’t handle the heat, leave this subtropical paradise, stay home or go inside the store where the air conditioning is on.

Even less of the ones who blast ghetto music will read this, but again, Maui is not a ghetto, please stop forcing me to run away from sounds that actually make me ill. Thank you.

Liberty J. Bauer

Haiku

*****

Women’s March on Maui open to all

People have been asking if men are allowed to attend the Women’s March on Maui. Yes! This free event is inclusive of everyone of any gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and philosophy. We welcome our esteemed elders, persons with disabilities and the deaf. For those who cannot or prefer not to march, a singalong is planned.

Saturday, Jan. 21, at UH-Maui College. It begins precisely at 8 a.m. with a national minute of silence for women’s equality led by Gloria Steinem from Washington, D.C.

Please bring your own water, snacks, beach blanket or chair. Canned goods for donation to the food bank are appreciated.

Most important, the organizers hope that the 1,000 anticipated participants will use the march to launch into community action for a charity, organization or cause of their choice. Simply marching is not enough to make positive change. Be empowered. Be proactive. Together, we can make a difference!

Virginia T. Cantorna

Women’s March on Maui Organizer

Kahului

*****

County administration failed to recognize law

I am dismayed by your Jan. 15 front-page article headlined “IRS loophole allows affordable units to go market rate.” It is the term “IRS loophole” that concerns me.

“Loophole” is defined as “an ambiguity or inadequacy in the law.” What is being inaccurately referred to as a “loophole” is indeed a very specific part of the IRS code, spelling out how, under certain circumstances, owners of an affordable rental project may rent units at market prices.

It is clear, defined and certainly anything but a loophole. The county administration failed to recognize and/or anticipate an important situation, and unfortunately the outcome is all too familiar for our residents. The administration continues to hire unqualified, inexperienced persons to directorship positions and the residents suffer.

Hopefully, the voters’ recently passed amendment requiring County Council approval of the mayor’s appointments and enabling specific qualifications will spur the council not only to require experience and specific education, but experience that includes significant success. The voters’ have demanded a change for the better.

Bruce Erfer

Lahaina

*****

Many examples of people worse than prostitutes

Who is “worse than a prostitute”? Vladimir Putin. By far.

Putin says those who said Russia had dirt on Trump were worse than prostitutes. He must think that there is nothing worse than a prostitute. How many prostitutes are murderers? How many start wars? I could go on.

Many prostitutes are victims. Some see economic necessity. Very few harm others. Some do not share the moral views of others. Some feel great guilt. Prostitutes and their customers break the laws together in many places.

There are many examples of people worse than prostitutes. Putin might use himself as a reference next time. I would much rather be a whore than a person like Putin. But, I am male, so Putin would likely admire me for being in the business.

Jim Killett

Lahaina

* The Maui News welcomes letters on subjects of general interest. Letters must not exceed 250 words, and all letters are subject to editing. Handwritten letters are not accepted. Writers are limited to two published letters per month. No poetry. Letters may be submitted via the Virtual Newsroom on The Maui News website  (www.mauinews.com), or via email (opinions@mauinews.com). Letters must include the writer’s name, community and a telephone number where the writer can be reached.

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