It is time to stop guessing, assuming and comparing this state to 40-plus other states on gambling (lottery) as a resource (money) for the state general fund that would operate state departments as another alternative. For years gambling (lottery) has been illegal in this state.
As an advocate for legalization on this issue, I challenge all opposition. The fact is, the only way to know that gambling and lottery would or would not generate revenue is to legalize it once and for all to put this issue to rest.
Noel Muraki
Kahuku
—
Energy rebates a worthy program
Mitsubishi Electric is striving to make the world a better place. We currently market and sell extremely efficient inverter driven variable refrigerant flow air conditioning equipment in Hawaii, which significantly reduces the air conditioning electrical consumption.
The Hawaii Energy rebate programs available to our customers help drive awareness and use of this innovative product. Further the professional development programs sponsored by Hawaii Energy have helped us identify and assist them to become better stewards of our precious power resources.
We are disappointed to hear that the programs were being cut back and bothered that the funds were being diverted from a successful program to one that is less effective. It is my hope that smarter minds will see this and restore the funds to Hawaii Energy as it would better serve the community.
Rory Itano
Regional sales manager, Mitsubishi Electric U.S.,
Mapunapuna
—
Rail spending is like backing dead horse
Who are those responsible for making the decision to build the rail? Now once again more money is needed. Oh easy, they claim, raise the taxes. This island better prepare for more homeless families.
Many say future generations will thank us for the rail. I don’t think so. Continue with the rail and we will be placing the burden of never-ending costs on them.
Stop the rail now. It’s like betting on a dead horse. It’s a shameful use of people’s money.
Bertille C. Fung
Hawaii Kai
—
Trump no longer puts America first
Isn’t Donald Trump’s America grand?
Not only does he get to fire the person who is investigating him, he gets to name the replacement. This is not America First. This is Donald Trump First and Forever. America has to fend for itself.
Richard Y. Will
Waikiki
—
Don’t reduce size of ocean sanctuary
Keeping the Papahanaumokuakea National Monument expanded is good for both wildlife and fisherman.
When the aku used to spawn, the school was so large that it stretched from Mahukona to Kawaihae — a distance of 12 miles. With the expansion of the sanctuary, the sea life has a chance to really multiply; until then it seemed like this chance was lost forever.
In a few years, the fishes would multiply where they need to move out off the crowded sanctuary, where the commercial fishermen can then easily fill their quotas.
Do not reduce the sanctuary.
Why irritate Papa and Wakea?
Richard Sewake
Wahiawa
