The recent serious spike in infection rates in Hawaii is both disheartening and evidence of the misguided focus of our politicians.

It is popular in some circles to blame tourists for any of Hawaii’s ills. But that is especially wrong when it comes to COVID-19.

Economically, it is unsustainable, no matter the happy/unrealistic talk about Hawaii cutting its reliance on tourism. More importantly, it diverts attention from the need to follow what actually works to halt the virus: Wearing masks, hand washing, social distancing, limiting crowd size, closing the bars and gyms, stop the house parties and restrict dining to outdoors with adequate separation.

It’s not rocket science. It’s medical science.

If we want to get Hawaii back on track, then we need to do the hard things to stop the virus. And the politicians need to stop patronizing Hawaii residents and put some teeth in it. Because what’s being done now isn’t working.

Larry Rosencrantz

Lahaina