District 41 leans Republican

The declaration of the Star-Advertiser that same-sex marriage motivates Republicans to run, and that the race in District 41 (Ewa Beach-West Loch Estates) leans Democratic, is based on what analysis ("Gay marriage motivates Republicans to run," Star-Advertiser, Oct. 21)?

Prior to state Rep. Rida Cabanilla, who was folded into District 41 through reapportionment, we elected and re-elected our state Rep. Kymberly Pine, a Republican, four times. The change to District 40 in 2012 split Ewa Beach down the middle of Fort Weaver Road, but voters chose Bob McDermott, a longtime Republican.

There is broad support this election in District 41 for Republican Bryan Jeremiah due to the history of this area to elect Republicans. To erroneously proclaim a district "leans Democratic" gives a false impression to voters that it’s a done deal, when nothing could be further from the truth.

Earl Arakaki
Ewa Beach

Editorials, news kept separate

Let me remind Mary Ann Arakaki and others, who mistakenly feel that a newspaper editorial section should not have an opinion on issues or political candidates, that the newsroom is independent in reporting and is not influenced by any position taken on the editorial pages ("Endorsement shows newspaper is biased," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Oct. 21).

Years ago, I was reporter for The Honolulu Advertiser.Most newspapers write opinions about many issues, including political endorsements. It helps readers clarify both issues and political stands.It’s opinion, not news.

If any reader finds political bias in the news stories, there might be an issue.I read the newspaper carefully and don’t find that to be true.If readers feel their issue or candidate is not supported to their liking, the radical thing is to stop subscription to the paper.That isolation is disheartening for democracy.

John Shockley
Free Access Coalition Makakilo

Ag amendment helps farmers

There was a time when we ate an almost 100-percent locally grown diet, but now less than 10 percent of our food is produced here. While Hawaii residents are demanding more locally grown food, our farmers and ranchers do not have the infrastructure to grow.

One of the biggest reasons why our local agricultural industry has declined over the years is lack of financing for improvements and expansion. On this year’s general election ballot is a state constitutional amendment to approve special purpose revenue bonds for agriculture, which provides access to lower interest loans through private investors without using taxpayer money. If our farmers and ranchers can leverage this financing option, they can expand operations and grow more food.

Please vote yes on constitutional amendment 2.Remember, a blank vote counts as a no vote.

Brandon Lee
Chairperson, Local Food Coalition Committee Waipio Gentry

Litter-picker’s work inspires

What a delight and inspiration to read about David Larsen encouraging us all to do whatever we can to help our community — especially whether volunteering our time, donating money or doing little things ("Taking his pick," Star-Advertiser, Oct. 21).

Litter is created "by all of us," he said, and "you just keep doing your best … it’s so simple; it’s so easy."

We are all so tired of negative in-your-face campaign ads. Reading this makes my day and keeps me inspired about my own volunteerism.

Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock
Chinatown

GOP sows fear about Ebola

There is no Ebola epidemic in America, but there is a virus called "fear mongering" that is infecting the nation’s political landscape.

Republicans are exploiting this crisis to foment an epidemic of fear and panic by frightening people with their irresponsible and baseless rhetoric. They are engaging in the worst form of demagoguery for political gain.

Republicans condemn the government for its expansive role in health care, but now they are chastising it for not developing an Ebola vaccine. The director of the National Institutes of Health said that severe budget cuts have seriously hampered the development of an Ebola vaccine. These cuts were instituted by the Republicans who also cut taxes for the rich.

Republicans need to stop the doomsday rhetoric and coalesce with the Obama administration’s efforts in the search for sensible and effective ways to protect the American people from this deadly virus.

Rod B. Catiggay
Mililani