Letter: 250 years of democracy vanish before your eyes?

January 24, 2026

It’s time to ask, what has this president done to make your life better? What has he done to improve the lives of anyone other than his complicit billionaire friends? Provoking both a war with our allies abroad and a civil war right here on US soil, while at the same time demanding a Nobel Peace prize, is a level of insanity never seen before. This is not a time to sit in silence watching 250 years of democracy vanish before your eyes. You have a voice. You can use it by peacefully protesting, boycotting, donating, volunteering or just having tough discussions with friends or ...

Letter: We each of us contribute to world chaos, instability

January 24, 2026

There is a kind of madness to be seen at night by anyone driving the Hana Highway from the entrance to Baldwin Beach to Paia. There are so many reflecting traffic signs that one thinks that one has entered Vegas. Similarly, the madmen at the “Department of Roads” have now covered the roads of Haiku with speed tables. But why is one surprised? As above, so below. As within the consciousness, so the condition, surroundings and body of the man. Since the world, as manifested proximally and globally; and nature, as manifested, have tended toward madness, why should one question the ...

Letter: Heroic care, compassion, expertise at MMMC

January 20, 2026

My heart is filled with so much gratitude for my healthcare team at Maui Memorial Medical Center. I would like to sincerely and specifically thank my cardiologist, Dr. Ryan Smith, DO, FACC, MBA, who, on Jan. 7, performed my dual-chamber pacemaker implant with the utmost care. Thank you to the beautiful nurses in the Procedure Room, Angio Department, Surgi Center, and all the other staff who tirelessly worked as part of my healthcare team. Your combination of care, compassion, and expertise makes each of you my true heroes. I am continuing to feel better every day. Mahalo for ...

Letter: America not perfect, but there is no better

January 20, 2026

There are things that I agree and disagree with President Donald Trump. One thing about Trump, he lets everyone know he is in charge and he has made some very good decisions. He is telling people don’t be afraid. Many people want to destroy the USA, a great country like no other. America has to fight strong to preserve our democracy, that we live for. America is not a perfect country, but there is no better place to be than the good Ole USA. God Bless America. Terao NakasoneKihei

Letter: Wireless infrastructure must not be fast-tracked

January 16, 2026

Cell towers, 5G and wireless infrastructure must not be fast-tracked, as this will increase public exposure to RF radiation, an environmental exposure that decades of scientific research has associated with numerous health and environmental hazards. U.S. limits on allowable exposures to RF radiation, unchanged since 1996, are not science-based and do not protect the public. Although there are clear financial benefits to wireless carriers in terms of increased profitability, the Federal Communication Commission’s proposed changes will come at a serious cost to public health and the ...

Letter: Democracy dies when citizens fall silent

January 13, 2026

I’m now in my seventh decade and have lived to see my fair share of wars, recessions, prejudice, divisive politics, dangerous environmental practices and more.  Yet nothing compares to this second Trump administration. If you still support this president, take your blinders off. I urge all concerned citizens to stand up and speak out. Democracy dies when citizens fall silent. Lana OuraWailuku