I couldn’t believe what I read in the newspaper: that DHHL (Department of Hawaiian Home Lands) stated that it is not in the housing business (“Lawmakers press DHHL director,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 22).
I applied for a Hawaiian homestead lease in 2006 and I’m still on a wait list. My father who was 100 percent Hawaiian waited 40 years before he got his lease and was unable to use it so he transferred it to his grandson. He and other applicants filed a lawsuit under Hawaii Revised Statues Chapter 674, claiming that DHHL is liable for breach of trust in failing to place beneficiaries on the land in a prompt and efficient manner. He passed away before settlement of the lawsuit.
DHHL has the land and $30 million yearly, which provides funding for Native Hawaiian families eligible to reside on Hawaiian Home Lands. Why isn’t it hiring a developer to build homes for the eligible beneficiaries? This year DHHL used only $11 million of the $30 million.
Cecelia Mahi Sasaki
Waipahu
—
‘Comic’ topic of oven cremation was poor
Published in Saturday’s Detours section was a Wumo “comic” strip by Wulff & Morganthaler that hardly qualifies as comic. In fact, it is an extremely disturbing and inappropriate attempt at humor.
To even suggest there is humor involved in portraying a body being cremated in an oven indicates the authors’ clear lack of sensitivity. Disposing of a body in an oven is a stark reminder of the millions who died in Nazi ovens, and the Star-Advertiser should not have published in item in such poor taste as a comic strip.
If this is a First Amendment issue, placement on the editorial page would have been more appropriate.
David Zuckerman
Kaneohe
—
Turn DACA focus on Mrs. Trump’s status
President Donald Trump is correct in focusing on immigration to our country. Personally, I feel he is being cruel to “Dreamers” by putting pressure on the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program.
Having chased down President Barack Obama’s birth certificate in order to establish the former president’s legitimacy, I am wondering if Trump won’t now focus on Melania Trump’s legal citizenship. There are many questions concerning her early years working as a model in New York City, and we wouldn’t want her to be here as an illegal immigrant, much like the Dreamers.
David Campbell
Kailua
—
Put homeless zone by officials for action
The ideal “zone” to relocate the homeless on Oahu is a large zone bounded by South Beretania, Alapai, South King and Richards streets. Home to state and city buildings, it has:
>> Lots of grassy, open space for tents/temporary structures.
>> Access to water, electricity, getting food.
>> Access to sanitary facilities or placing of portable toilets.
>> Proximity to the police station, saving resources responding to complaints.
>> Proximity to Queen’s and Straub hospitals’ ERs and facilities, saving ambulance resources.
>> Subareas that could be made for homeless with families, pets and others.
Also, state and city workers could easily access the homeless for services, and lawmakers and administrators can see the problem up close, every day, in order to better find solutions.
The unsightly chaos created among our stately buildings is not much different than what we see in Waikiki and beach parks. Think about it, and smile if you must, but don’t deny this idea has merit.
Ron Sanderson
Hawaii Kai
—
Anthems used to be sung with respect
In my day, I was brought up to believe that kneeling was a sign of respect, like for royalty or before God.
Also in those days, we didn’t use the national anthem to start sports events — but instead, had “America the Beautiful” sung by and played by competent artists like Kate Smith or professional musicians who understood basics like correctly reading music notes, tempo and keys.
The events were opened by anthems, songs of praise, rendered properly with true respect and in a traditional manner.
Freedom of speech is entirely another matter, and should not be denigrated either, especially not by a president who seems to demand praise himself.
William Kibby
Makiki
—
Cats overblamed for toxoplasmosis ills
Cats often are blamed for spreading toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can affect public health as well as the lives of some mammals and birds. A recent letter to the editor (“Feral cats can pose health risk to people,” Oct. 20, Star-Advertiser) contained some incorrect information.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the ingestion of undercooked meat is the leading cause of toxoplasmosis in humans. Handling cat feces or soil, and not washing your hands afterwards, is the only way humans can contract the disease from felines.
To prevent exposure to toxoplasmosis and a host of other ailments, cook meat and poultry products thoroughly, wash cutting boards and countertops carefully, wash hands after gardening or cleaning a litter box, and teach your family the importance of good sanitation practices, including washing of hands before eating.
Dr. Kelly Dowdall-Garberson, M.S., M.P.H.
Chief veterinarian, Hawaiian Humane Society
—
Struggling homeless need support system
Among the homeless are the unempowered, those suffering from mental illness, substance abuse, the poor, sick and needy. To get them places to live is a byproduct of first getting them on their feet through rehab, therapy, medical care, a place to volunteer and a place to work.
These “homeless” have to be connected into a comprehensive support system. The piecemeal approach can work but is hardly the answer.
Leonardo Jamias
Wahiawa
