I do not like that a Chicago restaurant chain trademarked the name “Aloha Poke” (“Chicago poke shop pushes to kapu ‘aloha’,” Star-Advertiser, July 31).

But I do understand that it makes sound business sense to do so.

I can assure you that if a new airline were to start up tomorrow using the name “Aloha” or “Hawaiian,” it would be facing a cease-and-desist demand before making its first take-off.

We may not like what this company did, but that’s business.

James L. Jones

Hawaii Kai

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Super PAC mailings leave voter disgusted

I am disgusted and incensed by the mailings I am receiving from the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters’ Super PAC, “Be Change Now,” a true wolf in sheep’s clothing.

It’s no surprise it is connected to the same people who ran a campaign of slander against a previous mayoral candidate, to whom they eventually had to apologize for their gross mischaracterizations.

They are in the business of buying elections by saying any trash they can think of. In self-defense, I refuse to vote for a candidate they support. And despite their efforts, I will take great pleasure in voting again for Carol Fukunaga for City Council.

Elisa Johnston

Makiki

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How do we translate Kamehameha III?

“Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono” were the Hawaiian words spoken by King Kamehameha III on what is known as Sovereignty Restoration Day.

Since then, the words have been open to various rough English translations and used extensively by both the state of Hawaii and Hawaiian activists. It appears that the king did not provide an English version of his speech.

However, in Thomas Square, the Hawaiian words are in large letters while the English words are in small letters, reading: “The government of the kingdom continues because we are righteous. King Kamehameha III,” inferring that the king also spoke the English words.

Who authorized this English version to be on this wall? Is this an example of political correction?

Kamehameha Schools Ho’okahua on its website suggests, given the circumstances: “The sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in justice.” Which is righteous, the land or the people? Which interpretation are tourists and locals to learn?

Ed Ige

Kaneohe

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State should pay its bills promptly

What kind of leadership is this when the state does not pay its bills?

The Hawaii National Guard now has been added to a growing list of social service groups, care homes, non-profits and for-profit organizations, doctors and other state contractors who say that the state is slow to pay for their services (“Disaster duty pay delay irks Hawaii Guard members,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 4).

A lag (after the fact) pay system may be good for the state, but it penalizes members of the community who do business with the state.

With the cost of living in Hawaii increasing daily, why should the families of the Hawaii National Guard have to do without until the Guard’s mission is completed?

MarshaRose Joyner

Hawaii Kai

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Walking can help forestall dementia

I am a retired librarian and I read lots of material. One article (“Nature’s way,” Star-Advertiser, Live Well, June 12), made a most positive impact because it spelled out what to expect in each decade. I am now assured that I am normal!

For example: Because my dad lived to be 100, I have a strong possibility of living to an old, old age. The gist of why I have was this quote: “By age 90, people have roughly a 1-in-3 chance of exhibiting signs of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s … the best strategy to fight mental decline isn’t mental activity, but at least 150 minutes per week of … brisk walking.”

Old folks need to know this.

Sylvia Mitchell

Mililani

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Save Alaska refuge from oil drilling

It is indeed disturbing that the Trump administration continues to fast-track oil development in one of the world’s great remaining pristine environments — the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

Our planet needs environmentally untouched sanctuaries like the ANWR for us humans to remember who we really are: The children of this unique and beautiful world that continues to sustain us on all levels despite our unconscious destruction of our Mother Earth.

The world’s future children need to experience firsthand that we are all one, intricately and irrevocably tied to the Earth and each other. If we destroy the ANWR, we are destroying ourselves.

Let us all join together to support the Gwich’in, the original inhabitants and caretakers of the ANWR, in preserving and respecting this sacred natural sanctuary.

Thomas DiGrazia

Kailua

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Army volunteers clean up beach

While visiting Waimanalo Beach Park, I saw eight members of the U.S. Army raking leaves and picking up trash.

Wow, I was really impressed that they would devote part of their weekend and in the hot sun to help keep Honolulu beautiful. The park had few visitors so they were not looking for publicity, just to give back to the community. Please join me in appreciating the many things that members of the military do for us.

Michael Garcia

Manoa