Free training allows all to help in disaster

The article, “Storm season ends in shoutout” (Star-Advertiser, Nov. 30), failed to identify the many local efforts throughout our state to mitigate (lessen) a disaster’s effects. Free training is available to community efforts to train and prepare themselves for a disaster, natural or man-made. The local community is the basis of the larger community’s ability to respond to and recover from a situation.

Throughout our state, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) train us to deal with a variety of situations. Again, the training is free.

Though the article spoke of military support, know that you are the first line of support, to yourself, your household and your neighbors, much less our larger community. We’ve seen how neighbors help one another during a disaster. Consider how much more effective we can be if more of us took advantage of free training. Contact 723-8960 or DEM@honolulu.gov to learn about training opportunities and contacts in your area.

Marie Samudio

Kaneohe

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Memorial lights on public tree beautiful

Lighted tree in Hawaii Kai — a controversy?

Controversy? Are you kidding? I just drove by it. It’s beautiful; a very fitting memorial/remembrance to our loved ones whose ashes we’ve spread in our bay. It has obviously gone through the permitting process, and I hope it remains there every holiday season in perpetuity, as a warm and tasteful tradition.

I’m a longtime resident of Hawaii Kai and I, for one, definitely approve of it.

I think that the obsessive-compulsive issues that have been raised are beneath pursuit, but still wish their authors a joyous holiday season, and best wishes toward warming up their myopic perspective.

Mahalo to the family that orchestrated this meaningful work of art. Merry Christmas.

Thomas German

Hawaii Kai

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All workers needed for economic growth

I am wondering if President Donald Trump has it all wrong. Here in Hawaii our unemployment rate is close to zero — plenty of jobs but maybe not what people want. On the mainland, unemployment is very low. Trump wants to stimulate the economy (seems to be doing fine) by creating jobs and bring jobs back from other countries.

On the mainland I depended greatly on Mexicans and other immigrant in the hospitality industry. Great workers, by the way. But now he wants to deport the “dreamers” (let them stay), deport others and slow up immigrants.

The balance of jobs open compared with people available does not match.

Toby Allen

Hawaii Kai

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More taxes for rail to put more on streets

Promises, promises — and not kept. The mayor and other rich politicians should donate some of their wealth for the cost of the rail. They said they wouldn’t raise our property tax. All shibai (lie). I’m sure now they will. The overbudget is in the billions now.

When they do, you’ll see a lot more homeless people who can’t pay their rent and taxes and will be living on the streets. I hope it’s not you or me.

Next time we vote, we shouldn’t put the same people in office. Try someone else.

Marietta Mattoon

Liliha

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Uncle’s death makes case for aid-in-dying

He lay on a bed in my gramma’s living room, his skin leathery from the leukemia ravaging his body. No sheet; anything touching his skin caused sores. His breathing was labored. Uncle Richard never regained consciousness in the three months he lay there. His five young children have only this image of their father dying a slow and painful death as their final memories of him. I don’t want that. Do you?

With a doctor’s diagnosis of terminal illness, my uncle could have received help to die with dignity. I’d want that. Wouldn’t you?

Last year, Hawaii had the chance to pass legislation allowing medical assistance for terminally ill patients with less than six months to live. The bill passed the Senate, but failed to pass a House committee.

Join me in urging legislators to pass such a law for our terminally ill. It wouldn’t be the only choice, but one that a patient could consider.

Bob Gentzel

Ninole, Hawaii County

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Sovereignty would moot U.S. law snag

Marijuana is a federally controlled substance; alcohol is a government-regulated adult beverage.

There are anticipated intended consequences, associated with defying federal law. In spite of those who believe otherwise, our state’s sovereignty is limited by the federal Constitution we accepted in 1958. Monarchist Native Hawaiian and other residents know what that means.

Hawaii needs to decide where it wants to fly its flag. At the moment, common sense suggests, in the hallway outside our congressional representatives’ office doors is best.

I believe Hawaii would fare well, as an internationally recognized sovereign nation, and, if asked, our current president might sign an executive order, to that effect. In that scenario, I imagine Hawaii island becoming a second Niihau.

Dennis Egge

Salt Lake

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N. Korea talks need military officers

Regarding the recent news about the North Korea missile threat: I firmly believe military officers with experience should be included in discussions on this serious matter.

With all the information obtained, officials can then go forth and prepare the state and educate the community about the North Korea threat.

Isabella Chong

Kapalama