President Barack Obama’s term in office is in its final stretch. Hawaii is so proud of Obama’s accomplishments and contributions to the United States of America and the world.

In a predominantly Democratic state and as a Democrat myself, it is difficult to grasp and accept the reality of our new president-elect, but the condemnation of Donald Trump will get Hawaii nowhere.

Citizens of Hawaii must swallow their pride and give Trump an opportunity to prove he can stand above all the negativity. We must not divide America any further, and must try to come together for the same goals.

Hawaii does not need to embrace Trump’s ideas, but we must accept that Hawaii will not prosper alone.

Michael Springhetti

Waikiki

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Hiraoka is qualified to serve as judge

Keith Hiraoka is a well-respected attorney in this state. It is to his credit that he is on the list of nominees for the Intermediate Court of Appeals, which the Judicial Selection Commission has forwarded to the governor.

The fact that he was Gov. David Ige’s campaign manager should make no difference whatsoever (“Cronyism no way to select judges,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 8). Caring enough to become involved in political campaigns should never be a disqualifying factor for any position.

Cronyism is when people are appointed to positions for which they are not qualified. Certainly, no one would argue that Hiraoka is not qualified for this judgeship.

Linda Estes

Koloa, Kauai

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Judicial nominee has much experience

I disagree with David Frankel’s opinion that Keith Hiraoka should withdraw his name as a judicial nominee while David Ige is governor simply because he is a close friend of Ige and served as his campaign manager (“Cronyism no way to select judges,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 8).

Based on his record of achievement as a student, private-sector attorney and concerned citizen, Hiraoka is more than eminently qualified to sit on the bench. He graduated “with distinction” from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and attended Boalt Hall (University of California), one of the finest law schools in America.

Hiraoka has extensive experience as a trial lawyer, primarily in the field of insurance. He has litigated many cases including legal malpractice, white collar crime, aviation and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. He is listed in the “Best Lawyers in America” magazine, and has published numerous legal articles.

He coached and refereed youth soccer for nine years.

In summary, he is a well-rounded individual who would make an excellent judge.

Ron Amemiya

Kaneohe

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Add restrooms to farmers market

I am writing to express my frustration with the inadequate restroom facilities at the Kapiolani Community College’s farmers market on Saturdays.

I walked over to the public restroom last Saturday and to my surprise, there was a lineup of about 25 men. The lineup for the women’s restroom was even longer. When I made it into the facility after a half-hour wait, I saw that there was only one toilet stall. The single urinal was out of order. No wonder the lineup was so long.

This is just not acceptable. Adequate toilet facilities are a must for such a popular, longstanding event. I feel sorry for the kids and seniors who can’t wait half an hour.

Either the restroom should be renovated to provide more stalls and urinals, or there should be a half dozen or so portable toilets installed. I look forward to this improvement the next time I visit the market.

Douglas Ng

Waikiki

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Support for hacking is anti-American

Jacob Sullum’s column concluded that the Russian hacking “might more accurately be described as voter education, which strengthens democracy by helping its participants make better-informed choices” (“Hacking revealed information of legitimate public interest,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 7).

Supporting, endorsing and calling Russian hacking educational is anti-American. The one-sided education he is supporting was done solely to support the election of Donald Trump. He also criticized John McCain as “pretty hysterical” and asked “why would it be so terrible” if this had an influence on the election.

It is ironic that Sullum is a senior editor at Reason magazine, as his conclusions are definitely not reasonable.

Darlene Pang

Salt Lake

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Illegal fireworks use sets bad example

Thanks to Lee Cataluna for reminding us of the futility that exists in Hawaii’s fireworks laws (“No easy fix for Hawaii’s fireworks quandary,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 6). No one considers those laws as applicable to them. It is meant for the “other guy.”

Flagrant use of illegal aerials is just that — illegal. That is the lesson that is being instilled in our kids — that you can do whatever criminal acts you want to do, anywhere you want, as long as you don’t get caught. If your children grow up not listening to you, and cause you pain and grief, you deserve it.

Users of illegal fireworks are raising the next generation of selfish, self-centered adults who think they can get away with anything. Police and port authorities are not solely responsible for stopping this, as they are limited in their enforcement protocols, no matter how many laws are on the books. So don’t even go there.

Do what is right and stop buying and using aerials.

James Fukumoto

Aiea

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Follow China’s lead in banning fireworks

I respect the Chinese religious belief underlying the use of fireworks on the Lunar New Year (“Fireworks a part of Chinese culture,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 6).

But the vast majority of people using fireworks in Hawaii on Jan. 1 have no such belief. They jus’ like make boom-boom.

Meanwhile, according to the official Xinhua News Agency, nearly 700 cities in China have imposed restrictions on the use of fireworks and firecrackers, with a fifth of them enacting outright bans.

It’s time Honolulu followed China’s lead.

James Young

St. Louis Heights