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Letters to the Editor

Letter: Priority oncology patients get timely consultation

As a physician, I read with concern the recent letter describing one Maui County resident’s struggle to access oncology care. While I cannot comment on any individual’s experience, I want our community to know that we understand these concerns and how difficult they can be for patients and families. Over the past year, changes in oncology services across Maui County have significantly reduced local access to cancer care. We understand that a cancer diagnosis — or the uncertainty that can continue after treatment — is challenging enough without worrying about how or where to ...

Letter: Clear, timely information for Waipoli Road closure

Waipoli Road provides access to one of Maui’s most treasured public recreation areas. If the road is unsafe, it should remain closed until it can be repaired. Public safety comes first. However, residents also deserve clear and timely information from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Simple questions remain unanswered: Who authorized the closure? What specific damage makes the road unsafe? Has an engineering report been completed? Is repair funding in place? Has a contractor been hired? What work remains? Is there even an estimated reopening date? We are ...

Letter: Neighbor Islands need earlier dementia screening

Growing up on Maui, I saw how difficult it could be for families to access specialized neurological care. For many Neighbor Island residents, getting answers often means traveling to Oʻahu and navigating uncertainty while symptoms continue to progress. Through my work with older adults living with dementia and Alzheimer's advocacy in Hawaiʻi, I've seen how life-changing an early diagnosis can be, not only for patients, but for the families who care for them. Hawaiʻi recently took an important step forward by establishing the HANAI Memory Network, which will expand access to ...

Letter: Weed out candidates who are dishonest

Understandably, voters are confused by candidate promises. It can be hard to weed out those who are dishonest. et we need leaders who support local Maui residents who work hard yet struggle to pay high rent or mortgages, food, gas and utility bills. One indication of who will prioritize big money construction for the rich are those pushed by the Super pac, For a Better Tomorrow. Fortunately, the ads and expensive flyers they sponsor must include their name. FBT supports pro mass (mostly luxury) development candidates over those who prioritize affordable housing, infrastructure and ...

Letter: Grazing better solution for fire mitigation

The parcel next to my Pukalani home recently got its legally required fuel break. The grass was cut and left where it fell. Concerned, I contacted the Fire Prevention Bureau — and received a courteous, considered reply: Cut grass mulch is not an enforceable hazard under our code, raking a six-acre break is unfeasible, and scraping to bare soil would trade a fire problem for erosion and dust. He’s right on all three counts. And that is exactly the problem worth talking about. Our fire code stops at mowing because, for decades, actual fuel removal had no practical method. Cut it and ...

Letter: Speed bumps unnecessary when speed limits enforced

Speed bumps would not be necessary if Maui Police Department was enforcing speed limit laws. Most vehicles don't slow down for speed bumps anyway. Watch what you ask for. If a speed bump is put in front of your house, you will be subject to noise from slowing down, speeding and revving vehicles all day, every day. Once a speed bump is installed, good luck getting it removed. Jason B. KimWailuku