Fukumoto was right to speak her mind

I truly admire Beth Fukumoto (“Isle Republican leader ousted,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 2).

She speaks for a generation that is on the whole seekers of truth, less judgmental, more tolerant and more compassionate than generations before. My grandchildren are of this generation. They march, write to their congressmen and congresswomen. They are passionate about what they believe in and I am very proud of them.

There are some comments in the story that give me pause. Were they made in reference only to what she said and did, or also because she is young and a woman?

Merle Iseke

Waipahu

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Look for better ways to raise revenue

Hawaii has the nation’s fourth-highest gasoline tax. Mayor Kirk Caldwell says we all need to pay for rail and wants to raise the gas tax again.

Raising the gas tax is a bad solution. It will hurt Hawaii residents, who already struggle with the sky-high prices for food, shelter and electricity. I will not be using the rail system at all. I’ve paid a good share into the rail fund by means of the general excise tax surcharge.

State legislators often want to take the easy way and saddle kamaaina with the burden. There are probably many more creative ways to come up with money.

For example: Stop current projects like repaving roads; identify all B&Bs operating in Hawaii and collect registration fees and income taxes; or add a special rail fee to every ticket for flights leaving or arriving to all islands.

Katherine Miller

Waialua

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Dairy farm would pollute Kauai area

All billionaires are not alike. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan purchased their land because of their love of Kauai. Their purpose is to quietly enjoy their property and the island; they have been gracious and they welcome being a part of the community.

This is in stark contrast to multibillionaires Pierre and Pam Omidyar and Steve Case, who not only do not live on Kauai, but are continuing their quest to build and operate a 2,000-cow experimental industrial dairy, whose manure could dump into the Pacific Ocean; whose stench could devastate the visitor industry; whose sludge dump, less than 750 feet from one of three wells, could pollute the drinking water of all of Poipu and most of Koloa.

All this in the face of irrefutable scientific evidence and the very vocal opposition by the community.

How about some investigative journalism?

Judith Rachap

Koloa, Kauai

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Chinatown crime hurts elderly folks

There is an area of Chinatown where crime is constant and seems to get little attention.

Many middle and elderly folk congregate on River Street between Beretania and North Kukui streets to play cards and socialize. They are often harassed, assaulted or robbed by teens who come over on bikes to prey on the helpless victims.

There are cameras set up, but apparently not facing the proper direction. The suspects are long gone by the time police respond.

This has long been an issue and the residents have tried to fight back, but with no success. Chinatown has its hands full with homelessness and other issues, but it’s such an amazing place with tons of potential.

We should be vigilant. If you sense anything suspicious, contact the police immediately so they can at least drive past and monitor the situation.

Happy Chinese New Year!

James Logue

Chinatown

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HSTA tax would raise rents a lot

If the Hawaii State Teachers Association gets its request for funds by raising the property taxes on rental properties, I will have to increase the rent by at least $400 a month. And my tenant is a teacher.

Mary Moore

Kailua

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Everyone has right to death with dignity

Polls clearly show that legislation allowing the right to die with dignity is years overdue in Hawaii.

My body, my choice. Your body, your choice. This is a civil right, and as such, does fit Hawaii.

No right is more personal than the right to a death with dignity.

Carol A. Dickson

Makiki

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U.S. must support Israel defenses

America’s military strength will be determined by our military aid to Israel. As America refuses Israel’s request for military defense and military aid, America’s military power will weaken accordingly.

Theresa Tamayo

Wailuku