Don’t start fight with other states

Sending our homeless on one-way tickets "home" is a bad idea that raises the specter of the law of unintended consequences.

In the early 1980s, when I was state attorney general, the state welfare department complained to me about homeless applicants who were being flown to Hawaii from a mainland state on one-way tickets.

I called the attorney general of that state and told him it was a bad idea because we’d wind up sending them right back. They did the right thing and stopped the practice.

Now, 30 years later, we are thinking of doing it here. The problem is that we are but one state against 49. In such a battle, we will lose.

Michael A. Lilly
Honolulu

GMO debate is a stalemate

In response to Lucia You’s position that "big agriculture" should prove pesticides are safe before using them, the headline says it all ("Lack of evidence cuts both ways," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 7).

Opponents want proof that pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe, but the proponents of GMO and pesticides are saying any proof of harm from their use is inconclusive.

This is a stalemate that has been ongoing for more than two decades.

Thus, when there is a stalemate, the federal and state laws have the last word. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture say these agricultural practices are legal and safe.

End of debate.

Han Song
Kaneohe

Connector will help save costs

As a nurse practitioner, I am so glad that the Hawaii Health Connector is actively looking for individuals, families and small businesses who may qualify for much-needed assistance with health care insurance coverage.

On Oct. 1, if you don’t have health insurance, you will be able to go the Connector to find out what program you can enroll in.

If you struggle to pay for your current health insurance premium, the Connector will help you find out if you can get cost-saving assistance.

Everyone wants lower costs on monthly health insurance premiums, so why not find out if you are one of those who qualify for help with premiums?

On Jan. 1, anyone who has applied and qualified will find themselves with health insurance.

This is what the Hawaii Health Connector is all about — giving choices to people about their health insurance options and helping make it possible to have coverage.

I am all for it.

Hope Busto-Keyes
Wailuku, Maui

Water board best off as it is

As a child growing up in Honolulu, I remember hearing stories about political shenanigans involving members of the Board of Supervisors, the forerunner of the present City Council, and the Water Department.

I was told that was the reason the present semi-independent Board of Water Supply was established.

Now at least one member of the City Council wants to have more say over the water board.

As a property owner for more than 50 years, I have had nothing but admiration for the governance of the Board of Water Supply, and would hate to see it, once again, involved in the sometimes sordid politics of the City Council.

Bob Miller
Ahuimanu Hills

Full takeover not necessary

Did I miss something?

Is the city budget in such good shape that the City Council can take control of the Board of Water Supply budget?

I agree that the Board of Water Supply has made some awful mistakes, but maybe the City Council could appoint just a single person to audit and oversee its books, not a whole new group.

Mary Moore
Kailua

Rhetoric belies economic facts

In response to a letter by Alfred Freitas Jr., in which Freitas criticizes President Barack Obama’s policies for not improving the economy ("Speeches won’t help U.S. economy," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 6):

According to Bloomberg Businessweek magazine, "Consumer confidence is at the highest levels since 2008, auto sales and housing are rebounding, job openings are expanding and corporate profits have mostly exceeded estimates."

Before people espouse Republican, right-wing rhetoric and opinion, they should do some homework gathering the actual facts.

Steven Vaspra
ina Haina