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Letters to the Editor

Letter: We need to hear directly from our lawmakers

As the first anniversary approaches, we have many things to be thankful for. However, many things seem to have been pushed to the back of the list or have disappeared altogether. We need to bring back a weekly column on Lahaina’s progress. This needs to be reported by not only the press, but we need to hear directly from our lawmakers. Items that greatly concern me are the following: The bypass: If Mr. Sniffen will not address the bypass, we need to replace Mr. Sniffen. The West Maui Hospital: Secondary emergency exit plans for Lahainaluna and emergency shelter locations ...

Letter: Witness early shadows of the exile of the soul

Sometimes leaders lead; sometimes the consciousness of the people is more advanced. There are times, however, when the people share with the leaders the same state of mind. They seek harmony through conflict. Then neither leader nor led finds equilibrium, peace, gainful suffering, high purpose or virtue. When leaders fight leaders and people their neighbors, pursuit of knowledge and reconciliation are lost endeavors. The world fills with refusal and denial of ideas beyond the consciousness and imagination of the many. Thinkers then too often think only of themselves, while ...

Letter: Incentives need to recruit medical professionals

Hawaii faces a critical shortage of medical professionals, demanding immediate attention and leadership action. The John A. Burns School of Medicine has identified a need for 800 full-time physicians in the state, which is expected to rise as our population ages and our aging physicians retire. The high cost of living, including housing and taxes, coupled with the burden of student loan debt, makes it challenging for young medical professionals to consider relocating to Hawaii. On the mainland, local and state governments frequently provide significant tax incentives when a ...

Letter: Thinking of Lahaina with each high wind

The recent high winds have directed my thoughts to all of you in Lahaina, who have suffered and endured the devastating fire of August 8. I think of you all with each wind, and hope the triggers it must set off for you are not too painful. Know we are here with you still in our thoughts and prayers. With kindness and aloha, Nancy Schweiker Kihei

Letter: Wildfire survivors deserve to be made whole

For Maui Wildfire survivors, settlement of the lawsuit provides a degree of certainty and closure. With the lawsuit behind them, survivors can begin the long process of rebuilding and recovering without the specter of a long legal battle against them. Many wildfire survivors reached an agreement with the utility companies, government entities, and private landowners. They are ready to move on. To begin the long slow process of rebuilding their homes, their community and their lives. All in the shadow of mind-numbing losses. There is no amount of money that will make the survivors ...

Letter: Fragile democracy at risk this election with GOP win

The former president tried to obstruct the peaceful transfer of power states at a campaign rally four years ago. Now, he tells a church rally, “Vote for me…we’ll have it fixed so good, you’ll never have to vote again.” This is a blatant red flag. I’d be willing to bet that if Trump manages to get elected in November, like his pal Putin, he will never leave office. And he will do so with the complicity of his partisan U.S. Supreme Court and his rabid political party base. Stop normalizing Trump’s smashing of institutions. Our fragile democracy is at risk this ...