Health care costs are skyrocketing to the point where local small businesses can’t afford full-time employees. We have one of the lowest uninsured rates in the nation, but the current system forces employers to keep their employees below 20 hours a week, so they are not required to provide health insurance.

This will result in workers in our beloved tourism industry to work two or more jobs in order to survive, or to forego health insurance altogether.

It is unfair for small businesses to bear the burden of unaffordable health care. Big pharmaceutical companies seem to be making huge profits. We must find a better solution. Socialized medicine?

Deborah Peck

Waikiki

—

Close government for a few more years

I think the federal government should stay shut down until the 2021 presidential inauguration.

Richard Elstner

Chinatown

—

President’s lies erode democracy

The Washington Post has counted more than 2,000 lies by President Donald Trump to the public in just his first year in office. He compulsively lies on average five to six times a day, not counting his constant denial of “no collusion” with Russia.

Eugene Robinson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, says Trump is “warping truth” with his constant lying. This is what autocrats, despots and dictators do to their public to control their minds.

We seem to be living in a “Twilight Zone” of constant lies, alternate facts and claims of fake news that is eroding democracy in the U.S. and around the world.

Mark Hada

Aiea

—

Trump deserves respect for his office

I don’t care for President Donald Trump and the way he talks sometimes, but people should remember he is our president.

He was voted in by the people and should be respected for the position he holds. Putting aside how he talks, and looking at what he is doing for the American people, I think he is doing a pretty good job.

He takes care of America first, like you would take care of your family first.

People should put aside their feelings and look at what he is doing for them as American citizens. Yes, I am a Democrat.

Kenneth Ikenaga

Pearl City

—

Maintenance needed for Magic Island

Mayor Kirk Caldwell will surely get an earful from the ladies who walk around Magic Island if he ever dares to take an early-morning walk there.

At the gathering place by the telephone booth, they were complaining about the hazards they face, such as dips and ponding on the walkways and uprooted tree roots in the parking lot. I would advise him that their fury cannot be taken lightly. After all, they are taxpayers, too.

With the rainy season here now, it would be wise for him to send his maintenance guys to check this out and to remedy this situation.

Glen S. Arakaki

Kamehameha Heights