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Bromeliad fan disappointed
This is in response to recent stories about the removal of bromeliads ("Mosquitoes’ shift prompted removal of H-1 bromeliads," Star-Advertiser, Kokua Line, July 29).
First, bromeliads are not the only water-gathering plant on the island. Other plants such as heliconia, bird of paradise, ginger and spider lily all collect water in their blossoms and in the leaf/stem joints where mosquitoes can breed. Let us not yank those!
I wonder how mosquitos found at the airport were determined to have come from these bromeliads? A simple solution used by members of the Hawaii Bromeliad Society is to spray plants with water to which a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid is added. The soapy water disrupts the life cycle of the mosquito.
I wonder why the state did not use the spray instead of yanking those plants that contributed so much color to the dreary freeway. The World Bromeliad Conference will be held for the first time in Hawaii in September 2014. I am so sorry that the freeway bromeliads will not be there to greet them.
Lynette Wageman
Hawaii Bromeliad Society
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Cars should be king of the road
You want to save lives? Give cars the right-of-way. Cars are bigger and easier to see.
Every driver can tell you horror stories about pedestrians.
I witnessed a young woman actually walk between two cars when both drivers had already committed to a left turn, leaving the second driver hanging out to dry before oncoming traffic.
You want to save lives? I have said for years that common sense and good sense must be taught in the classroom. Smarter people than me still insist it should be taught at home.
Lawrence T. Makishima
Pearl City
General’s home not worth cost
A recent article questioned the cost of villas and mansions for military brass ("Report questions cost of villas, mansions for military brass," Star-Advertiser, July 22).
It said that it would cost taxpayers $160,000 a year and $402,000 for renovations and security improvements for Marine Gen. John F. Kelly and his family.
Would it not be more secure if this general was living on a military base?
I don’t understand how this villa will be more secure than what a military base can offer.
With the 11-day furloughs that most Defense Department civilians are undertaking to cut costs, this sounds a bit ridiculous. Check out websites www.DFAS.mil and www.military.com to see the basic monthly pay rates and benefit allowances that military personnel are receiving. You might be astounded.
My hat goes off to military personnel who defend our country.However, villas and mansions seem unexplainable when the civilian workforce that repairs and maintains military equipment is ordered to take pay cuts.
Lawrence August
Kaneohe
Let women carry weapons
With rape and sexual assault so much in the news, with little likelihood that men are going to become more highly evolved any time soon, if I were a woman, I might well apply for a permit to carry a concealed weapon and support Stand Your Ground legislation.
Bill Brundage
Kurtistown, Hawaii island
Gay marriage not subversive
Heterosexual couples come to Hawaii from all over the world to get married and spend their honeymoons, and they are welcomed with aloha.
The revenue generated from this source is significant.
Unfortunately, gay marriage is not welcomed here by all of the state’s population. It may become the law soon, and many here will rejoice. It will be an opportunity for two people to show their devotion to one another, and be recognized by the government.
The fact that it might generate income for the tourism industry could be a nice perk.
It will certainly not be intended as a catalyst to undermine straight marriage. It will not turn Hawaii into an endless Gay Pride parade.
Sam Stewart
Wilhelmina Rise
Soldiers must follow orders
Remember, Pfc. Bradley Manning was not just an ordinary U.S. citizen.
He was in the U.S. Army and subject to all its regulations.
If our armed services allowed members to each march to a different drummer we would have no effective military.
Bob Reed
Kaneohe