Err on the side of the environment

While I have some sympathy for the GMO (genetically modified organism) companies that have operations in multiple counties, the job of the Legislature and our state government is to protect the health of its citizens and its very fragile environment, first and foremost.

To err on the side of environmental caution is the only sensible path, or we will leave a legacy of destruction for our children and grandchildren.

We cannot possibly know now what "modern agricultural practices" will be in the future, and to give away the right of government to regulate the use of altered genes and deadly poisons is sheer lunacy.

This issue needs a lot more consensus-building at the state and community levels, and the state needs to step up to the plate to protect our environment and our peoples’ health with regard to agricultural practices.

It is neither easy nor simple, but the alternative is unacceptable.

Kathee Hoover LeBuse
Kalihi Valley

Each island unique and needs own laws

Currently, Hawaii has 377 species on the endangered species list — 58 animals and 319 plants.

We are the "endangered species" capital of the world.

Recently, the Star-Advertiser ran a story, "Genetically modified crops blamed for drop in Monarch butterflies" (Jan. 30).

It seems thelarge amounts of pesticides used on GMO crops killed the milkweed that is one of the major food sources for Monarch butterflies.

There has been a new species of coral discovered off the coast of the Big Island ("Coral species is new to isles," Star-Advertiser, Feb. 2).We can’t let runoff from pesticide-laden GMO crops kill the coral or threaten the health of any of ourendangered species.

Pesticide use must be monitored and contained so there are no unintended consequences.

Each island is unique. The state can’t make a blanket policy that suits each island’s special characteristics.

Judith Pettibone
Makiki

Voting by mail yields great results

This should be the year that we finally get out of our voter doldrums of continually being last in the nation.

I believe that we can do it, if more and more people would vote by mail.

The states of Oregon and Washington have gone that route and get terrific results. So let’s do it and vote by mail.

2014, the year of change.

Roy E. Shigemura
Kuakini

Roosevelt incident a lesson for all of us

As I read the articles about the Roosevelt High School shooting, I predicted that an attorney would get involved and point fingers at the state departments of Education and Health.

These agencies do have a responsibility for this young man, but equally responsible is the family.

Two-thirds of this young man’s day is spent outside of school. What happens during this time period?

Furthermore, what was done years ago to address the needs of this young man when he began to display some of the disturbing behaviors?

It is going to take everyone working together and not against each other to find the answers to help this young man heal. Otherwise, a lawsuit will take front seat and it will become a battle.

Who will lose? This young man.

Kanani Kihara
Kaneohe

Don’t always blame police for violence

The mother of the 17-year-old minor at Roosevelt High School needs to take full responsibility for his behavior and not blame the police, as she did in her statement to the media ("Gunfire begins harrowing Tuesday," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 29).

She should have been there with him, a minor, at the time of his registration at my alma mater, Roosevelt High.

She knew beforehand about his anxiety, and could have been a support for him by trying to calm him down when he went off and "knifed the officer" in the counselor’s office.

I am sick and tired of hearing about blaming policemen for someone who is not mentally sound.

My four brothers were great human beings and responsible policemen in the Honolulu Police Department.

Bev Addington
Waimanalo

Will marijuana be next health hazard?

Here we go again, with another "health expert" telling us that smoking cigarettes will cause us all kinds of problems, and it’s especially getting worse in Africa and Asia ("There’s more to do in fight against tobacco," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 28).

However, writer Thomas Bollyky and other "health experts" seem to ignore the successful efforts by the pro-pot people to get pot smoking legalized across the U.S.

Is smoking pot any less harmful than smoking a Marlboro?

Art Todd
Kaneohe

Calling bill bogus was irresponsible

Calling House Bill 1889 a bogus Bill of Rights is an underestimation of the legislative process and its leadership, and is tantamount to abusing the freedom of the press to opine as well as report on the government ("‘Bill of Rights’ for homeless a distraction," Star-Advertiser, Our View, Jan. 26). Such a claim dismisses the House’s ability to adjust measures.

Please advocate bills in a way that is proactive and timely, rather than prematurely single out a measure for opposition. Otherwise, it will be perceived as pre-emptive legislating through the power of the press.

Arvid T. Youngquist
Kalihi Valley