State Rep. Gene Ward’s homeless effort is a step in the right direction, but it’s still flawed (“Lawmaker issues map of Hawaii Kai homeless,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 27). Why are some of the world’s best beaches and beach parks being continually used as handout locations (and prospectively as “camping” locations) when hundreds of acres of inland state agricultural, conservation and preservation land lie fallow and unused? How have we forgotten the axiom that “takers will blossom where handouts are plentiful”?

I’m as compassionate as anybody, but through careless coddling and accommodation, the homeless population has blossomed into a ubiquitous cancer on the south shore. Tents, garbage and feces are way too common, and it’s very tough to feel comfortable letting your kids run free.

It’s a huge negative for local families and visitors alike, and the answer is simple: Have amnesty and handouts in these unused inland areas, and enforce against south shore camping as was done 25 years ago.

Steve J. Williams

Ala Moana

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Drug abusers don’t deserve our help

Regarding the letter by Cassandra Aoki (“Compassion lacking in homeless issues,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 24): Did she know that many, if not most, of our people here on Oahu streets are either drug addicts or just decided not to work? Did she know that taxpayers are providing them with brand-new, clean drug needles in an effort to contain the spread of disease? Yes, many of them lost their jobs because they were caught using drugs, now resulting in homelessness.

It’s been estimated that approximately 17 percent are homeless people who truly need our help. They are either mentally challenged or physically handicapped through no fault of their own. We have extremely high compassion for those homeless people and we want to help them all we can.

However, there is no room for compassion for those who choose to use drugs and not comply with our laws (basically they’re criminals) while littering our scenery and society as a whole here in beautiful Hawaii. Why do we have to provide these druggies free housing and free food while we work our tail off just to support ourselves?

Jackie Thornton

Waipahu

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HMSA’s changes won’t help patients

Thanks to Jean Rosenfeld for her letter about the physician situation here in Hawaii (“HMSA’s plan may drive away doctors,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 15).

Hawaii Medical Service Association has paid lip service to, but never appreciated or respected, the work of providers.

HMSA is a big business with many layers of bureaucracy and highly paid executives, which aims (along with big pharma) to control medical care here in Hawaii.

It has become virtually impossible for many practitioners to comply with or incorporate the extremely costly and time-consuming changes required by HMSA and Medicare (and this has nothing to do with Obamacare) into their practices.

As a result, many practitioners will not be able to continue much longer, and new physicians will be discouraged from staying.

I wish patients were more aware of all this. The changes will not serve them well at all, and will be detrimental, not beneficial, to long-term health care outcomes in our state.

Thornton Dilcher, M.D.

Haleiwa

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Israel isn’t the ally U.S. should expect

As an American who visited Israel for a number of weeks this past summer, I learned and saw many disturbing things. Israel does not have a written constitution or clearly defined borders.

The United States gives Israel billions, and Israeli citizens have universal health care while we have millions who have no access to health care at all.

Israel builds illegal settlements on Palestinian land, and control their water, roads, cars, movement and job access.

The Wall is a sad joke, as it purposely cuts through villages and isolates homes. Israel is not a democracy and I was unable to find out what we get for our billions.

Most disturbing was to see armed Israeli extremists walk around the Dome of the Rock Mosque causing trouble and being provocative. Some ally.

Jim Quimby

Kamehameha Heights

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Young artist shows gratitude, respect

Nathaniel Zentkovich’s touching explanation of the meaning of his artistic Keiki Kalikimaka Christmas ornament, expressing a tribute to the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team and head coach Dave Shoji (Star-Advertiser, Dec. 25), illustrates that he has learned the values of gratitude, respect and compassion instilled in him at a young age.

A child’s character germinates from the seeds of parental upbringing and the familial home environment. It manifests in many ways.

Nathaniel must be a teacher’s gem.

Laureen Uyeno

Hawaii Kai

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Name a golf course after Barack Obama

There seems to be a movement to rename the Honolulu International Airport to “Obama International Airport,” with the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and Reagan International in Washington, D.C., as examples (“Rename airport after President Obama,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 3).

President Barack Obama might have grown up here, but his term as president cannot compare to JFK’s short time in office, or the eight years that the Reagan era provided for our country.

There is a Jimmy Carter Regional Airport in Sumter County, Ga., so how about renaming Bellows Field to the Barry H. Obama Field, or perhaps renaming one of the military golf courses after him?

If they are looking to rename the great state of Hawaii’s main airport, how about Kamehameha I International or Duke Kaha- namoku International? It would be more appropriate.

Sam Wallis

Hilo