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Letters to the Editor

Giving up water rights should not be debatable

I’d like to address the proposed water agreement between the county and Free Market Ventures. I’ve been involved in water issues as a developer and builder in Oregon for many years. I’ve dealt with irrigation water rights and domestic water delivery on every level. I built our home in Kula over 20 years ago and have been involved in several other building projects on Maui. I am well aware of the wait time for meters and the dwindling water supply the island is facing. So, I’m curious why the public comment period for this was cut off over two months ago? Is this a done deal ...

Laws punish criminals not protect feelings

Here is some simple advice that should go without saying, but apparently that’s now how the world works anymore: Don’t do stupid things. When stopped or confronted by police, don’t do more stupid things. Your choice to do stupid things is a direct cause for what happens to you. Schools should spend more time teaching this simple thing instead of perpetuating scientific falsehoods based on confusion. Enforce the laws and punish criminals instead of creating laws that protect feelings. Kapena Hill Kahului

Not straight story from head of aquatic department

I agree with the writer that The Maui News is not getting the straight story from the head of the aquatic department. It has been over six months since deep water aerobics was offered. The equipment has been locked up downstairs for the whole time so even if we had someone to teach, it would not be available. This is an important class for a lot of seniors and to be so vindictive that you have the equipment locked up is petty. This is not the behavior that we should expect from our county employees. They are supposed to work for us. This really needs to be looked in, maybe by ...

Children, seniors, prisoners treated reveals nations’ soul

In 1984, I met a 75-year-old woman who was living in a Volkswagen van, often parked by Rainbow Park. She was not a complainer or prone to self-pity. She said once that she was content with her two cats, one dog, a rubber plant and a revolver under her pillow. She was reluctant to seek assistance, but with much encouragement, she accepted a more comfortable last act. The nation had come through the doldrums of the 1970s and the turmoil of the 1960s. The poverty rate among seniors stood at 14 percent, the same as today. But with more than 55 million seniors, it is estimated that ...

Gift opportunity may not come around again

When I went to Baldwin High School over 40 years ago, there was a excellent, old school English teacher, Mr. Shelton. His knowledge of English exceeded that of many college English instructors. I was lucky to have him as a teacher, in his last year before he retired. I didn’t realize how broad his knowledge of English was until I went to college. A lawyer friend told me the same thing. He said law is based on the interpretation of language. Speaking pidgin language makes college English difficult for locals in English. You have to realize that when you have the ...

Can’t focus of aid be broadened?

Can we not categorize all visitor industry employees and owners in the burn zone? Our houses took a little longer to burn, but they are ash now, I assure you. Can’t the focus of this aid be broadened? Our politicians are acting too slow and the streets are filling. John O’Connor