Hawaii remained tolerant in 2013

The fact that we remain a tolerant state, even when divisive issues separate people and strong words are shouted, is a highlight of Hawaii 2013. We are blessed with good people who don’t resort to violence or vengeful protests that infest other locales.And, our media plays a constructive role in this success.

Print media such as the Honolulu Star-Advertiser seem fair in their news reporting and selection of letters to the editor. Thankfully, the bloggers have an outlet for their caustic remarks. And healthy disagreements remain on editorials depending on personal views.

Our TV news tend to be mostly uplifting and balanced, which is refreshing when one considers the vitriol that is spewed on the right with Fox and the very liberal positions on MSNBC.

Even our most popular radio show has announcers who voice contrary opinions. The more vocal host regularly criticizes President Barack Obama, while the other host offers praise. And yet these men are best of friends.

Have gratitude, and, yes, "lucky we live Hawaii."

Jim Wolfe
Nuuanu

A year for justice and conservation

‘Tis the season for me to spend time to decide which environmental groups to support. I try to keep the consumerism low so that I can gift to a healthy future for the planet. God’s creation is immensely complex and all too often we put it last on our list. As we extract so many resources for our luxuries, we need to consider the message of conservation.

My wish list for the New Year also includes more justice around the world.I bet if we put our entrepreneurial and creative talents together we could come up with a better market system than the inequality that capitalism has created and depend less on the whims of philanthropy to correct its flaws.

Jean Maier
Mililani

Turtle Bay proposal bad deal for public

I don’t think the public wins in the deal that would allow Turtle Bay to add two hotels, doubling its present hotel rooms, retain ownership of all the land, and not increase public access or provide parks.Why the big celebration, even from conservation groups? The "preserved land" would continue to be used by the hotel for golf courses, with all their chemical maintenance, and horse trails for hotel guests.

The two new hotels would be on the shoreline where there are presently no structures.The only swimmable beach on the property is Kuilima Cove, and it cannot support doubling hotel guests; already the hotel covers most of the beach with lounge chairs for the use of their guests and umbrella chairs that need to be rented for a high fee.

Let’s go back to bargaining and get something for the public.

Robert Graham
Kahuku

Public can handle the truth about NSA

I support the commentary, "Pardon Edward Snowden," which mentioned Daniel Ellsberg’s leak of the Pentagon Papers.

When government officials exceed their authority, break laws, lie to Congress and the public, create secret treaties and courts and spy on allies, there are no consequences for individuals even when exposed by whistleblowers, who are then persecuted and discredited for coming forward with the truth.

This suppression of whistleblowers and transparency especially about "national security" and subsequent cover-ups promotes a silently approved code of more abuses of citizens’ rights.

The mistaken assumption by government is that citizens cannot handle the truth and that they are unforgiving.

Congress should level the playing field. Thank you, Edward Snowden, for the enlightenment about what the government has been doing.

Edwin T. Ige
Kaneohe

Obama should visit Schofield Barracks

On Sunday, I read in your paper about our president visiting and playing golf with his pal Bobby Titcomb in Waialua ("Obama heads to North Shore for friend’s annual barbecue," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 29).

He passed Schofield Barracks, the Army’s home here, and went on to Waialua.

This is the sixth time President Barack Obama had his Christmas vacation here and never stopped to thank our Army and their families like he has done each time at the Kaneohe Marine base.

Why does he snub the Army, our oldest and largest fighting force? Couldn’t he have spared maybe an hour to show his respect for the Army?

Eugene Cordero
Pearl City

Feral pig meat should be checked

That’s really good news about feral pig control at Hoomaluhia by local hunters ("Hunters offer to clear pigs from city park — at no cost," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 23).

The hunter’s association president, Ollie Lunasco, is being extremely practical and cooperative.

However, he tells us that they have not recorded any illnesses from consuming feral pig meat on Oahu. That’s not good enough.

Years ago when I was working on the startup of the astronomy project on Mauna Kea I asked the advice of an experienced hunter, my Hilo neighbor. He told me to inspect the pig liver for worms. If any, discard the carcass.

There were also a few cases of trichinosis reported in the press.

I strongly recommend that, at the start, every feral pig carcass be checked by a certified inspector. Later, if no disease organisms are found, just do occasional sampling.

Meanwhile, let’s get started as soon as possible.

Jim Harwood
Manoa Valley