Safety of limu at Makua in doubt

The Star-Advertiser’s editorial highlighting the Army’s failure to comply with the Makua Valley environmental impact statement is spot on ( "Army case shows again why it’s unwise to ignore EIS rules," Star-Advertiser, Oct. 31). How else do you reconcille that the Army’s marine study could not identify the limu it tested to a species level? The Army couldn’t say in court whether or not the limu it tested was edible. This is unacceptable, given the fact that community members gave the Army names of limu that the public eats on a regular basis at Makua. I know that the Chamber of Commerce is focused on military dollars, but it should not come at the expense of our residents’ health.

Motorcycles too noisy, too

Please allow me to add my two cents regarding loud motorcycles. For starters, we could have these vehicles coupled with the existing ordinance on the hours of use for leaf blowers. Both leaf blowers and the loud exhaust systems on the motorcycles can be restricted to allow for some peace and quiet at night. 

Molokai shelter needs support

Mahalo for the wonderful column about National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week by Pamela Burns ("Help animal shelters care for the most vulnerable among us," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 9). I am always encouraged to hear about animal awareness and the slogan to "adopt, don’t shop."

Although the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island often get mentioned, I’d like to also highlight the island of Molokai, which operates a very grassroots Humane Society out of a borrowed shipping container without a full-time island resident veterinarian. On a recent trip to Molokai I was stunned to see the modest dwelling sitting on borrowed land that operates this very critical site for animals. Please remember the people of Molokai and especially the animals that live there that often go without because of lack of funding or full-time care. 

Crises demand united nation

I served on active duty in the military for 30 years. It was heartwarming to read the column by Tulsi Gabbard ("For our veterans, a day to remember — and a chance to show our support," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 11). She extolled "the sacrifices of generations, who have made our country free and great." On the same date another article on a deficit plan noted, "Proposed cuts in Social Security are making liberals recoil. And conservative Republicans are having difficulty with options suggested for raising taxes."

This country not only needs to recognize the sacrifices of member of the military, but also needs to accept the fact that our present economic problems require the entire country, both military and civilian, to sacrifice. That recognition should start with the president and members of Congress.

Hale Ka Lae deserves praise

I would like to reiterate the deep aloha and respect that the new management team at Hale Ka Lae has shown for preserving our Hawaiian culture and our island’s environment.

As stated in the article, ("Group to buy cultural site from builder," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 1) Hale Ka Lae’s new chief operating officer, Michael Greco, publicly pledged to unite the goals of this development project with what is best for our community and what is right for our aina. Thanks to his leadership and loyalty to community stewardship, the five acres with wetlands and Hawea heiau complex adjacent to Hale Ka Lae will be restored and preserved for generations to come.

Term limits for state legislators

Our country and our state have major problems. Who is accountable for the mess we’re in? "The GOP is at fault" is the rallying call of Democrats. "The Democrats are to blame," counter the Republicans. There is probably truth to both voices. In the executive branches of government, there are term limits placed upon our elected officials. This system seems to be working quite fine.

Why not term limits for our state legislators? Why not invite new blood and ideas into the system? Or are our legislators that arrogant that they believe that only they know the answers? I suggest a non-binding referendum; let the people of Hawaii say if term limits for our state legislators is a good policy.