Choose sunscreens that will protect you

In Hawaii, the death rate from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is already 30 percent higher than the national average.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association is concerned that Hawaii residents’ risk of developing skin cancer will increase due to new state legislation that would restrict access to sunscreens with ingredients necessary for essential broad-spectrum coverage.

Sunscreen remains a safe, effective form of sun protection. While we are asking Gov. David Ige not to sign this legislation, if it passes, we encourage Hawaii residents to choose sunscreens with ingredients that are still available, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Contact a board- certified dermatologist with any questions.

Although there are many safe and effective sunscreen products on the market, the AADA continues to support the introduction of new sunscreen ingredients in the United States to provide consumers with the best possible protection.

Suzanne M. Olbricht

President, American Academy of Dermatology Association

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Trump’s appointees show diversity

I have occasionally heard that the Trump administration has no diversity. How about Richard Grenell, an openly gay man, appointed the U.S. ambassador to Germany?

Trump also nominated Gina Haspel to be the first woman to serve as director of the CIA.

John Berry

Makiki

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Trump’s supporters ignore his reality

Although a lifelong non-Democrat, I am appalled at how some conservative friends view the faux Republican president.

They are great people, caring and concerned, but because of some anomaly of human nature, are inexplicably unable to process the reality of President Donald Trump. Most people accurately see him as the narcissistic, dishonest, philandering, hate-spewing, marginally literate person that he is, but the true believers have a rationalization for every negative view.

They say it is fake news, the press is biased, the stories are made up by the “deep state,” and other excuses bordering on paranoia. One only has to read Trump’s vitriolic and illogical tweets to see his true colors.

This inability to accept any negative fact is creating chaos and extreme discord in our society. The only solace we have is that he will soon hopefully lose his House and Senate majority and be called to account for his actions, although the damage will already be done.

Art Whistler

Manoa

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Legislature failed to act on violence

While some celebrated legislative victories this session, I joined other domestic violence survivors at a rally on April 29, demanding that the Legislature protect Hawaii families.

Despite multiple calls to the police and court dates to get protection for my son and me, the system failed me and cost my son his life. My husband stabbed my beautiful 7-year-old son, Reef, to death before hanging himself — a murder-suicide that put domestic violence on the front page for a day and shattered my life forever.

When I stood with other survivors on Sunday, I realized our stories carry the same tell-tale signs: partners who can be charming in public but violent behind closed doors; families that cower in isolation; victims who believe no one will help them; and officers who may incorrectly assess the situation.

The Legislature once again let us down by not acting on Senate Bill 2343 — a bill overhauling the family abuse laws, crafted by countless experts. Shame on the Legislature for not caring, for not doing its job.

Katherine Aikau

Kakaako

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Support amendment to help education

This morning, your keiki came to my crowded classroom, or a classroom staffed all year by an unlicensed substitute, and tried to learn. If they’re some of the lucky ones, they’ve also studied career/technical subjects, the arts, Hawaiian studies, Olelo Hawaii — but only if they’re lucky. Many are denied even essential services; enrichment is far too expensive.

The constitutional amendment on the November ballot is intended to add a modest surcharge to second homes valued at more than $1 million and add hundreds of millions of dollars to public school funding.

When adjusted for economic conditions, Hawaii public schools are the worst funded in the country. We’re 45th in per- pupil spending. Adjusted for cost of living, Hawaii teachers are lowest paid in the nation. Education benefits our economy and society, yet Hawaii’s lowest-in-the-country property tax rates benefit the rich at the expense of the rest of us. Is this pono?

David Negaard

Wailuku

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State oversight needed for prisons

The state auditor shouldn’t serve as a backstop option to conduct oversight that the Legislature should itself perform as a check on executive power (“Former inmates seek prison audit,” Star-Advertiser, April 27).

The Interim Report of the HCR 85 Corrections Task Force noted that Hawaii’s system “is not producing acceptable, cost-effective, and sustainable outcomes.”

Yet legislators are still largely deferential to the demands of executive authority, including the prospect of a new $600 million facility.

If Hawaii legislators are unwilling to engage in substantive oversight routinely conducted in other states, perhaps they can authorize an inspector general. Eleven other states have inspectors general to monitor corrections. Many others maintain inspectors general to review all government functions.

Hawaii’s people deserve an honest, transparent and effective government that operates with fairness. It should also honor the dignity of all, embodied in the Native Hawaiian value of ho‘ohanohano. On this front, legislators are themselves falling perilously short.

Nikos Leverenz

Aliamanu