Climate change undeniably real

Jim Wolery asserts that the geological record proves that climate change occurred prior to humans ("Climate change predates humans," Star-Advertiser, Letters, March 19).

However, it does not follow that humans have had no influence on global climate change, especially withincreasing industrialization and fossil fuel use.

Geologists are considering designating a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene, reflecting the human impact on the Earth’s systems, including the atmosphere. Successive reports of the Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change by thousands of scientists since 1988 reflect the overwhelming scientific evidence and consensus that climate change is real. Only those individuals and organizations driven by ignorance and/or greed deny this.

Collectively they are morally, socially and environmentally irresponsible and a threat to the security and health of the human species, society, the economy and the Earth as a whole. We would all benefit by recognizing, mitigating and adapting to global climate change.

Leslie E. Sponsel
Hawaii Kai

Hawaiian Airlines did the right thing

My daughter has a medical condition that requires us to go from Hilo to Honolulu from time to time for doctors’ appointments.

Recently, after we had made reservations with Hawaiian Airlines to travel to an appointment, one of the doctors informed us she needed to be out of town on the scheduled day and that we needed to reschedule. When we rescheduled, Hawaiian charged a $30 change fee for each ticket.

I contacted the company’s consumer affairs office and requested a waiver from the fees, since the rescheduling was not voluntary on my part and because the trip was for a necessary medical appointment.

After sending in documentation from the doctor, Hawaiian Airlines waived the change fees.

Airlines are often criticized for their practices, but Hawaiian Airlines is to be commended for its understanding and empathy in this instance. Its attention and assistance is greatly appreciated by us.

Lawrence T. Jackson
Mountain View, Hawaii island

Medicine labeling seemed reasonable

As a pharmacist, I would like to comment on the story, "Drugstore, pharmacist sued over 2012 death" (Star-Advertiser, March 18).

The suing attorney said that the pharmacy covered the manufacturer’s warning on the drug’s packaging that cautioned improper use could lead to breathing trouble and death. Because of the small size of the package, it would be hard not to cover the warning.

One would likely not place the label on the reverse side, as most boxes of fentanyl patches have printed on them blanks for patients to keep track of the date each 72-hour patch was applied.

In addition, there is a detailed patient package insert inside the packaging that contains the same warning.

I believe it was prudent of this pharmacist to dispense this prescription as labeled, and that there are many other pharmacists who would have labeled it similarly.

Monica Won
Downtown Honolulu

Privacy law protects B&B operators

My purpose is to enforce Larry Bartley’s conclusion that existing ordinances regarding the legitimate use of residential property must be effectively enforced before new ordinances are added ("Existing B&B laws need to be enforced," Star-Advertiser, Letters, March 17).

My experience is that city officials are not positioned to effectively enforce existing ordinances.

For more than a year, I asked the Department of Planning and Permitting to close an illegal rooming house. The resident owners rent space to as many as eight non-family members; the occupancy codes permit three.

Eventually, I was told by then-Mayor Peter Carlisle that the occupancy codes are hard to enforce because the city needs the owner’s permission to inspect the property for violations.

Knowing this, what owner of an illegal B&B, vacation home or rooming house would agree to an inspection?This is the bar to effective enforcement City Council members must remove.

Karl Schwartz
Aina Haina

UH oceanographer is science rock star

I was in Washington, D.C., recently, and attended a prestigious lecture presented by David Karl, the University of Hawaii’s own professor of oceanography.

He was introduced by Ralph Cicerone, president of the National Academy of Sciences.

There were more than 250 people gathered at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum. Karl’s lecture referenced Station Aloha’s collection of deep ocean samples for more than 25 years, and it being a global reference point for ocean health. I must confess I didn’t understand all the scientific jargon but was proud to be a part of an enthusiastic and engaged crowd.

Sometimes we take for granted at home what are amazing gems of national acclaim. Karl is a science and innovation rock star who resides in our midst.

Jennifer Sabas
Kaneohe

Torres a leader in the game of life

Low college recruitment was rumored to be a factor in the release of Kahuku football coach Reggie Torres. But in recruiting a football coach who works with kids, as a parent I prefer quality over numbers.

What values will the person instill on young, impressionable minds? Does the person love what he or she will be engaged in? Will the coach hold the best interest of the players at heart?

Recruitment is fine, but to sustain the student’s efforts to graduate from college, go pro or pursue any profession, discipline and character must be learned from an adult leader.

Torres is known to be a strict disciplinarian. He will not readily tolerate a player who lacks discipline, has a poor attitude, or is wanting in work ethic.He will not forfeit character for talent. It might have cost him his job.But he will forever remain a Red Raider’s coach in the game of life.

Vernetta A. Hall
Laie