As a member of the old guard of the Hawaii Democratic Party, I would like to congratulate Tim Vandeveer on his election as chairman of the party (“Isle Democrats rally for unity, pick new leader,” Star-Advertiser, May 30).

It is also refreshing to see all of the new people coming into the party who can take up the work that the old guard has been doing for years.

However, I take exception to the following statement by Vandeveer: “We’re perceived … as one of the most corrupt states in the country, our Legislature and our executive branch …”

It is shocking that someone from Texas would make such a statement. In my opinion, it is not true. I believe that Hawaii has one of the better legislatures, as evidenced by the progressive legislation it has passed over the years that has benefited the people of Hawaii.

I also do not believe that our executive branch is perceived in that way either.

Linda Estes

Koloa, Kauai

Lantern event was so powerful

Every year, more people attend and participate in the Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony (“Hope floats,” Star-Advertiser, May 31).

This ceremony is such an amazing and beautiful event. It’s so overwhelmingly positive and emotional. To have so many people from so many cultures and backgrounds all gathering in unified harmony and peace to remember those who they have lost is so powerful.

The performances are always beautiful and there really are no words to describe standing by the ocean and looking out at all the lanterns, as you reflect on those who have passed.

The ceremony is something I wish everyone could experience in person.

As one who has lost fellow service members in war, and most recently my father to cancer, I want to thank all who helped to make the ceremony a truly wonderful event. It means a lot to all who observe and to all who participate.

James Logue

Chinatown

Sect took over Memorial Day

I watched the latest moving and emotion-filled Memorial Day lantern floating ceremony in Ala Moana Park.

Obviously, this means much to our citizens and visitors, given the crowds.

However, I can’t help wondering how a tiny splinter sect of Buddhism — Shinnyo-en, founded in 1936 — managed to take over a major American holiday in Hawaii.

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day to commemorate the Union dead in the Civil War, is a secular, though solemn, U.S. holiday. At the same time in Japan, lantern lighting ceremonies usually accompany obon season in August to help the ancestors return to the spirit world.

Perhaps Shinnyo-en has an ingenious business plan in joining the two by conflating very different cultural meanings with a magnificent religious rite and ceremony.

David Ericson

Nuuanu

Sometimes plans need changing

While I certainly respect Fujio Matsuda’s opinion on adhering to the Oahu General Plan (“Building rail from Kapolei to Manoa meets intention of Oahu General Plan,” Star-Advertiser, May 29), he fails to realize the obvious: Plans are not written in stone.

As a former president of University of Hawaii, Matsuda continues to believe that the flagship campus in Manoa cannot be replaced. The entire island of Oahu has to use it as the main source of a public college education, so we have to build rail to get students to the campus.

If we took even a small fraction of what is being spent on rail — even the amount going from Ala Moana to Manoa — a world-class, four-year campus could be built at UH-West Oahu. It would not only provide education to west-side students but also alleviate the traffic congestion caused by UH-Manoa.

Plans are always just that, future expectations. When they don’t work, you change the plan.

Garry P. Smith

Ewa Beach

Risk is too high to bring in Zika

I appreciate how noble our scientists are in wanting to find a Zika vaccine (“UH wants to bring Zika to Hawaii,” Star-Advertiser, May 31). They may well be the very ones to do it.

However, rather than import the virus to our islands for scientists to work with, why don’t we play it safe and send the scientists to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta or to Zika-infected areas?

As careful as the scientists may be, there is too much risk involved; our children, our expectant mothers, our tourist industry.

I can’t believe it is even being allowed.

Regina Shimomura

Mililani