Bowfin sank ship carrying children

The article on the USS Bowfin failed to mention that on Aug. 22, 1944, the Bowfin torpedoed the Japanese cargo ship Tsushima Maru after it left the Okinawan port of Naha heading for mainland Japan (“Events again recall the ‘Day of Infamy’,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 5).

There were about 1,600 Okinawans on the Tsushima Maru. Among them were 826 children being sent by their Okinawan parents to safer grounds in mainland Japan. Of the 826 children on the Tsushima Maru, only 59 children survived.

Survivors including crew were prohibited by the Japanese government from revealing the tragedy under threat of severe punishment. Besides, no official inquiry was ever launched and the fate of the passengers was never revealed to their families. It was only in the 1950s that the disaster was brought to light in Japan.

Rodney Inefuku

Hawaii Kai

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Trump, GOP provide only for wealthy

Washington, D.C., hosting 110 homeless (versus Hawaii’s 51) for every 10,000 residents very clearly establishes our presidential and congressional vision of “Justitia Omnibus” (“Isles still nation’s worst,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 7).

Henry Ford made America great — and acquired great wealth — by ensuring his employees enjoyed safe and sanitary work and living conditions. Ford provided health and education services to ensure his workers’ offspring also could become needed and reliable employees.

In sharp contrast, President Donald Trump and the current Congress insist housing, health care and education are for those who can afford it. Those who can’t may join the military.

Our government also insists there is no valid reason to preserve natural resources for our offspring; sell all the fish in the ocean now to the highest bidder, and let future generations fend for themselves.

Sadly, even #metoo on the cover of Time Magazine will not awaken Americans to the fact that their government has more than a few screws loose.

Rico Leffanta

Kakaako

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Don’t exalt Inouye for federal pork

Daniel K. Inouye served in the U.S. House and Senate for more than 50 years. He brought almost all of the taxes Hawaii paid to the federal government back to Hawaii, but I’m not sure we need to name so many structures after him, making it appear he has a godlike presence here. No human should be exalted like that.

Plus, I don’t think being named “King of Pork” is something anyone should be proud of. While some say the money was going to be spent anyway — so why not here in Hawaii? — consider the alternative. Maybe our taxes wouldn’t be so high had the pork been trimmed years ago.

Don Clark

Aiea

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Project segregates poor from rich

Segregation in Hawaii? Yes, rich versus poor (“Panel holds up tower over ‘poor door’,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 6).

William Chen, assistant director for ProsPac Holdings Group LLC, said the developer is planning separate entrances for rich owners and poor renters at their proposed 41-story condo on Keeaumoku Street. Will there be separate water fountains, too?

Keith Haugen

Nuuanu