Gov. David Ige’s attempt to intervene against President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban is reprehensible (“Planned lawsuit could make Hawaii first state to challenge revised order,” Star-Advertiser, March 8).

State Attorney General Doug Chin used words such as “discriminating” and “disenfranchising” with regards to how the ban will effect Muslims. Chin further said the ban “puts them in a place that smears their culture or a religion that is not accepted by everyone else.”

We need to respect all cultures and religions in the U.S. But a temporary travel ban is not a “smear” against a particular culture or religion. Most Americans support the use of good old common sense to preserve and protect our country. However, that notion appears to be in short supply these days among those who supposedly represent our best interests, namely our governor and his left-wing cronies.

Margaret Peary

Lanai City

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Lawmakers must be accessible to public

Claiming the state Capitol could be a terrorist target that requires increased security affirms that government is highly centralized, controlled by the few and ruled by fear (“Tougher security at Capitol urged,” Star-Advertiser, March 4).

A state government of the people requires legislators and other officials to reach out and meet with the people where they live to learn their concerns, hear their solutions and draft workable alternatives that serve the common good.

In short, democracy requires more than police protection to function well.

Real leadership trumps fear.

Marlise Tellander

Waikiki

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Fear angry taxpayers more than terrorists

First he proposes fining the homeless $2,000 for public urination, as if your average homeless person is packing two large in their wallet (“Bill would impose $2,000 fine for public urination,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 6). Now state Rep. Gene Ward wants one-ton planters moved to improve security at the Legislature, referring to a 2009 bombing in Detroit as proof that our lawmakers are in danger (“Tougher security at Capitol urged,” Star-Advertiser, March 4). I’m surprised he didn’t cite the Battle of Hastings.

ISIS doesn’t have their sights on those guys, but they might see angry taxpayers with torches and pitchforks storming the Capitol if they can’t rein in spending. Instead of figuring out new ways to tax and spend, why not try cutting? Our legislators may be “sitting ducks,” but it’s got nothing to do with terrorism.

Patrick “P.J.” O’Reilley

Makiki

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Don’t vote against judicial autonomy

Recent national events confirm the need to maintain the independence of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The same is true for our state government.

That balance is now being threatened by Senate Bill 673, which has quietly advanced to the Ways and Means Committee despite overwhelming public testimony against it. The bill calls for amending our Constitution to grant the Senate the power to overrule recommendations by an independent body, the Judicial Selection Commission, for judges and justices applying for renewal of their terms.

This is not right. Judges and justices should be free to carry out their responsibilities without fear of retribution by senators who may disagree with one or more of their decisions. This bill should not be passed out of the Ways and Means Committee, and should be voted down if it reaches the full Senate. Tell your senator to oppose SB 673.

Dave Raney

Waialae-Kahala

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Teachers fare better at mainland schools

I believe in public schools and sent both sons to public schools K-12.

The younger son graduated from Kaimuki High School and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he also earned a master’s degree in counseling. His intention was to return to Hawaii to be a high school counselor.

He is currently working as a high school counselor in Centinella Valley School District near Torrance, Calif. He would like to return to Hawaii, but he is currently making $20,000 more per year than he would here.

The cost of living is also cheaper: He and his family live on Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, in a well-maintained two-bedroom, two-bath, two-covered-parking spaces apartment complex that has two swimming pools and a weight training room. The rental cost is $1,700 per month.

Bottom line: Our teachers and counselors deserve a good raise if we want to retain them in Hawaii and have qualified teachers in every classroom.

Joanne Swearingen

St. Louis Heights

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GOP’s health plan will hurt vulnerable

The GOP has always claimed that the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, would create so-called “death panels” that would decide whether a patient will receive or be denied health care. Well, we all know that never happened. But the new health-care package that the GOP is introducing is making the GOP just that.

By denying people affordable medical care and by cutting back Medicaid and Medicare, the GOP will definitely affect the lives of millions of the poor, the disabled and senior citizens. Sadly, most of the people who voted for Donald Trump will be the ones who will be impacted the most.

How does this “make America great again”?

Jon Shimamoto

Mililani

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Women should hear all health options

A couple of recent letters have shown concern about Senate Bill 501 and its requirement to “force” crisis pregnancy centers to “advertise” abortion as an option or pay “exorbitant” fines if they don’t “submit” (“Bills would require abortion promotion,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 28; “Abortion services bill condescending,” Star-Advertiser, March 6). Wow, they read like a whodunnit!

If you don’t believe in abortion, don’t get one. But it is pono to inform women who are pregnant, and did not plan to be, of all their options. Fewer unwanted pregnancies perhaps will enable more women to become educated and begin to break the cycle of poverty in which many women end up.

Debbie Aldrich

Haleiwa