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Letters to the Editor

What government  should be doing

I live in a Minatoya condo complex.  We are zoned as apartment two and property tax rate for short-term rentals as hotel and resort.  These condos were made for short term. They are only 600 square feet, with one bath, a kitchen that only one person can work in at a time and one parking place for each condo.  You have to live small to be here for 33 years like my wife and I. Luckily, we live on the second floor so we have a loft area above the bathroom so that gives us a storage area of about 40 square feet.  That is our Costco room. Buy in bulk, need to go up into the ...

If elected to council, respond to concerns

I have contacted my South Maui Council Member, Tom Cook, several times, regarding the shared concerns of many Maui families on housing, infrastructure and island affordability. Yet, I have not received a response. Replying to a letter from a Maui family from their elected representative is not just a formality; it’s a sign of respect and care for the community. It’s a way to acknowledge our concerns and ensure our voices are heard. Politicians may make promises and attempt to distract us with superficial, feel-good photo ops, but we, the voters, are not easily swayed.  We ...

Lots of corporate greed on display?

A comparison of fast-food McDonald’s prices between Japan and America give cause to pause. These prices are all off of prices shown on their drive-thru menu boards and an exchange rate of 150 yen to $1. All prices are shown in U.S. dollars (including taxes). A Big Mac in Japan costs $5, $12.49 in U.S. A Double Cheeseburger is $4.67, $13.53 here. Fish Filet is $4.47, $12.17 here.  A small French fries order in Japan is $1.27, large costs $2.53. Here, $3.63 and $4.26. Ten McNuggets cost $3.33, $12.59 here. A small coffee or soda costs $.80-1.67. Lots of corporate greed on ...

I don’t believe that this is what we fought for

A former neighbor of many years was in 1944-1945, at age 24, the captain in command of an 11-member B-29 crew during the Pacific campaign, including missions over Japan. He survived, returned home, and became a pedodontist dedicated to the health needs of children until retiring at 82. In 2021, I called to offer congratulations on his 100th birthday. Aways energetic, enthusiastic, and positive, he laughed and said becoming 100 was less an accomplishment than a benefit of his parents’ genes and some good fortune. Then he said stoically, “What I’m thinking most about today is ...

Dying is awakening In peaceful, new world

When loved ones untimely pass tragically or from cancer, a reflection is recollected on lives they have led, the choices they made, how they defined the meaning of happiness, what was right or wrong, the consequences that coincide, the legacy that should passed on or not. Do we dwell on the wrong or cope with sadness while making it right? Imploring new life adaptation should be eminent. We want to send the departed to their final resting place with closure entailed with all the love and forgiveness we all need and not an ounce of hatred. Miracles happen. Heaven sent a waving ...

Gratitude to whoever dumped animal parts

I am writing to express my gratitude to whoever dumped a sack of dead animal parts on the road in front of our house. We really appreciate your thoughtfulness, as well as the odor. I think Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young would have hit the nail on the head if they sang “Rejoice, rejoice, we have no choice but to carrion.” Mitch Bradley Makawao