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Letters to the Editor

Letter: Will power grid ever be upgraded to reliability?

On Monday, Feb. 2, I took the bus from Makawao to a medical clinic in Kahului. As the procedure was about to start, everything went black. I had to feel my way out. I caught the bus to return to Makawao. Because the traffic lights weren't working and traffic was heavy, it took twice as long as normal to get home. Shortly thereafter, the power came back on. But early this morning, as I was doing business online, the power went off again. There was no wind or rain. I turned on my transistor radio and listened to a report ironically about Cuba and its problems with on and off again ...

Letter: Height was no hindrance for Hawaii’s superstar

I was watching the Grammys last night and saw Bruno Mars perform. He is from Hawaii, and went to Roosevelt, a a public high school on Oahu. As a child, he performed as little Elvis in Waikiki. He is short in height like many locals, but he didn't let that hold him down. Today, he is a superstar in entertainment, and has millions of dollars. He almost destroyed his career by using drugs, but realized the devastating effects using them. I think I speak for many to say we are proud of you Bruno. Anything is possible in America. And as Nancy Reagan said, “just say no” to illegal ...

Letter: Applauds student protest of unlawful ICE tactics

I applaud the group of approximately 200 students that peacefully protested in front of King Kekaulike High School last Friday to voice their opposition to the unlawful and aggressive tactics of ICE. Never in the history of ever are the good guys masked men with guns using force to enter homes without warrants, force people out of their cars, separate families, and arrest or kill peaceful protesters. I’m proud of these young people who aren’t afraid to exercise their 1st Amendment rights. As their parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties prepare their taxes this year, I hope ...

Letter: Many countries condemn drug smugglers to death

I used to live in California 40 years ago and there were a lot of illegal immigrants working in the agricultural and other jobs that a lot of people did not want. The government knew about it, but let it go. Poor Mexican could get a good wage and provide for their families across the border. But the drug cartels got involved and started to import hard drugs in America. Drugs started to deteriorate America with crime and violence. Other countries found out that drugs are a lucrative business and now they also started to get involved in importing drugs in America and all over the ...

Letter: FEMA housing going to Lahaina fire survivors?

So, Federal Emergency Management Agency is extending the assistance for allegedly helping with housing fire victims? Why does nobody report on the millions in damages done by FEMA occupants to multiple private residences? How about the allegation that most of the “temporary emergency housing” locations have minimal Lahaina survivors? How about the alleged crime and drug use at some of these locations and the “relaxed” regulations that allegedly have resulted in multiple deaths and assaults at some of these locations? Why are all these issues hidden from the public? Why ...

Letter: First responders, teachers target of bill for home loans

The Helper Act is a very important bi-partisan bill that would create an FHA-backed home loan program for first responders and educators in today’s housing crisis to allow our police, fire, EMTs and teachers to purchase a first-time home with no money down. The first-time homebuyer home loan program under the FHA eliminates a down payment requirement and eliminates the monthly mortgage insurance premium requirement. This would be a huge win for our most critical service-oriented members of our community. Mayor Richard Bissen has endorsed this bill and as has U.S. House Rep. Jill ...