Don’t tolerate horror of racism in America

Where is the national incentive to eradicate white supremacy terrorist groups?

For decades they built their foul nests of hate and the law ignored them. In this age of technology, the FBI, CIA and Homeland Security have the ability to track, expose and purge these vile groups out of existence.

Remember when the Black Panthers committed the “crime” of feeding poor black children? The FBI did not hesitate to attack and imprison them. America has always been racist. White males stole land and called it “Manifest Destiny.” American presidents owned slaves.

We thought things changed when Barack Obama became president, but the underbelly of racism still rotted away our country.

Donald Trump implicitly supports racism and hate crimes. His lack of conscience is criminal. He simply does not care.

It is time to unite and declare that the horror of racism is not to be tolerated. Speak out, take action and reclaim our humanity.

Maralyn Kurshals

Waianae

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Add description to Robert E. Lee statue

I would like to propose a compromise to the problem of the statue to Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville, Va.

Some people see it as a symbol of repression and intimidation and want it removed. Others want to preserve it for its historical value.

Perhaps instead of removing the statue they should simply add a historically accurate inscription to it. How about: “Robert E. Lee, a traitor to the United States of America and enemy of the cause of freedom who led troops in an armed rebellion against his country and in support of the institution of slavery.”

Greg Harding

Waikiki

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Ala Wai Boat Harbor not a tourist venue

Your editorial supporting further public and private development of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor sailed wide of the mark (“Partner needed for Ala Wai harbor,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Aug. 14).

First, the Ala Wai harbor already produces a budget surplus in rental fees, which is used to support other small boat harbors. Additional income through non-boating development is not needed.

Secondly, contrary to your assertion, most harbor users were strongly opposed to the now-defunct Honey Bee USA development plan, which bizarrely would have positioned a wedding chapel directly over a tiny boat repair facility.

No one would have wanted to get married right next to a boatyard with sanding, painting and epoxy work going on, and the planned “boat repair” area would have been far too small to be of use for many of the boats in the Ala Wai.

Sailers, fishers, canoe paddlers and surfers need the Ala Wai to be a real harbor, not another “revenue enhancer” aimed at catering to our visitors.

Peter Webb

Wilhelmina Rise

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State should address transit problems

Why in the name of common sense did the city decide it had the responsibility to build a rail system from Kapolei to Waikiki? The problem is not and never was on city streets, but on the state’s freeway system. Shouldn’t the state have initiated an elevated transit system from the west side of the island to the east?

Rather than siphoning off funds, holding hearings and (rightfully) criticizing the city for its numerous blunders, delays, outright misrepresentations and mismanagement, the state should have taken the responsibility for building a transit system from Kapolei to Middle Street. It should have partnered with the city to expand its current transit system from there.

Let the city manage its streets and the state its freeways.That puts the onus where it belongs.

Now we have the city building a transit system for the state and the state in an uproar.

Government!

Dennis Freitas

Kaneohe

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Choose love when faced with tragedy

With everything going on in the world around us, it may sometimes feel like there is no hope. I can only imagine what I would feel if I lost a child, no matter the circumstances.

The memories and overwhelming feelings of love will remain forever, but can there be hope for the future?

I saw the picture of the parents of Joel Botelho and the victim’s childhood friend, Makuola Collins (“Healing huddle,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 15). No words can express the pain and depth of grief that they were feeling.

And yet, they were able to come together and share with each other their feelings and hope for their futures. Without unconditional love, hope is not possible, especially in a tragic situation as this.

We can look toward hope for all of us, by following their example and making the choice to choose love above everything else.

Carol Ann Alina

Pauoa Valley

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Medical cannabis too expensive for some

I am happy to see progress being made on the medical cannabis issue, but when will it be treated like a real prescription drug? The new dispensaries are a boon only to those who can afford it.

The state makes out like a bandit and those of us who are unable to afford the cost continue to suffer.

Laura Sandrock

Kapolei