Due to the recent flooding on Kauai and Oahu, President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration to provide funding to help repair public infrastructure. However, it did not provide for “individual assistance” for residents whose homes were damaged because the state did not meet the required number of homes sustaining major damage to qualify.

The state is now appealing. If we’re lucky, Trump will extend federal assistance to individual homeowners.

It’s at times like this when having a congressional delegation and governor with a good working relationship with the Trump administration would really be helpful to the people of Hawaii.

Instead, what do we get? U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, who says, “He’s not my president.” U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, who calls the president “cruel and inhumane.” U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who makes a lame excuse to avoid attending the inauguration. A governor who files multiple lawsuits against the president.

I wouldn’t blame the president if he just did a fly-by over Hawaii on his way to Singapore.

Bert Oshiro

Hawaii Kai

—

Let market decide ride-hail prices

It is not our government’s place to decide how a business sets prices. “Leveling the playing field,” another way for City Council members Kymberly Pine and Ernie Martin to say, “everyone the same,” sets a dangerous socialist precedent which, if not vetoed by the mayor, will embolden other states to control prices and stifle the free market for everyone.

Let us remember that this bill was not prompted by customers. It was prompted by the taxi companies that failed to adapt, and the politicians they support, to keep everything the same. Bill 35 is a step in the wrong direction, for if we allow archaic business models and politicians to decide how much money a business is allowed to make, it will hurt our ability to thrive, at a time when the cost of living has made survival the norm.

Chris Schulze

Ewa Beach

—

Stand proudly for national anthem

I predict the national anthem/flag controversy will become more volatile this football season. As a U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran, having flown more than 280 combat missions, I realize today that most of my contemporaries sought to avoid the Southeast Asia conflict. Having trained numerous student pilots, I felt an obligation to go to Vietnam.

Among my most gratifying missions was ferrying USO-sponsored NFL players and celebrities who “volunteered” to spend quality time with the troops, often at small remote fire bases. Every player said the experience was life-changing and couldn’t wait to return. Would this happen today?

My most difficult missions were transporting flag-draped caskets of 18 to 21-year-old Americans who rolled a Jeep on the perimeter or were involved in non-combat accidents.

Realize our president regularly visits severely wounded troops at Walter Reed hospital. He values our freedom, which others have fought and died for. Out of respect, stand proudly for the national anthem. It means the world to every veteran and Gold Star family!

Pete Jenks

Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret.)

Mililani