Every vote counts! The backbone of our democratic freedoms is the power of “we the people” through our vote.

I applaud all here in Hawaii and throughout America who stepped up to the plate and voted in record numbers. Now, the very next thing we need to do is start the healing process, without waiting for the “other guy” to make the first move. Really.

Over history, there have been many heated elections. This year, the heat seems to have been as bad as ever. The deep divisions between families and dear friends are new experiences for many. People feel disillusioned and disappointed in their fellow man. But, remember, each of us has the right to our opinions — each of us. Do not lose heart! Let’s pull together.

If you’re still disappointed, get even more involved the next time around. It’s your right!

Jim Kennedy

Ewa Beach

Alm should return SHOPO contribution

Now that Steve Alm will be the next Honolulu prosecutor, he should return the $4,000 campaign donation from the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers.

After the Kealoha two-person crime spree at both the prosecutor’s office and Honolulu Police Department, and the continuing federal investigation, the new prosecutor should display fierce independence and the highest level of integrity.

Alm should not accept contributions from those he may have to investigate and prosecute for incidents of misconduct and police brutality.

Jahan Byrne

Berkeley, Calif.

To avoid long lines, just cast ballots earlier

Hawaii citizens should be proud of the increased voter turnout this year. Kudos to the elections staff for a job well done implementing the vote-by-mail system.

In order to accommodate those who wanted to opt out of the vote-by-mail system, eight voting centers were provided, which were open for 10 days before Nov 3. Furthermore, two voting centers were provided on Nov. 3.

What ended up happening is that those who waited until Nov. 3 found themselves waiting in long lines (“Long Election Day voter lines lead to complaints,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 5).

My hope is that, as a result, those who desire shorter lines don’t wait until the last day. The solution should not be for us to go backward and believe that more voting centers need to be added on the final day.

Doug Tonokawa

Kailua

Bulldoze decrepit house, create a public park

Carol R. White is not the only one completely flummoxed by that health hazard, eyesore and embarrassment at 1421 Pensacola St. near Lunalilo Street (“City, state allowed Makiki house to rot,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 2).

I understand from reading news articles that the neighbors for years have complained to the city to do something. Nearly half a million dollars in outstanding fines have been levied that are not going to ever get paid, while the owner thumbs his nose at us and the city continues to ignore this dump.

Why didn’t the fire department protect the adjoining residential properties somehow and let that obscenity burn to the ground in the last two fires? Surely there was some way to do this.

If and when the city condemns and bulldozes it, I suggest that a park be created there for the neighborhood children. My husband and I would be the first to donate money for that cause.

Shame on the city!

Marcy Katz

Makiki

Evangelicals showing support for Biden

Evangelicals for Joe Biden? Yes, there are some and their number is likely growing. They are coming to realize that all lives matter, not just unborn fetuses. And they realize just how destructive this president really is.

Not acknowledging the existential threat of climate change; sowing seeds of hatred by tacitly endorsing white nationalists; threatening the health care of tens of millions; threatening the foundations of our democracy. These are some of the legacies of Donald Trump’s presidency.

And though I am not a lawyer, I think the president could be considered guilty of negligent homicide in telling the American people not to worry about COVID-19 and to open up America without the proper precautions. He is as guilty as sin and I am glad that some of my evangelical brothers and sisters are reaching a similar conclusion.

Roman Leverenz

Aliamanu

Abortion is preeminent moral issue in America

Reading about the recent women’s march in Honolulu reminded me that before the coming of the missionaries 200 years ago this year, “women’s reproductive rights” were firmly in place in Hawaii. Abortion and infanticide were practiced without the benefits of modern medicine.

The Bible clearly teaches the sanctity of every human life, because each of us is wonderfully created in the image of God and precious to him. By 1840 Hawaii was officially declared to be a Christian nation and abortion and infanticide were outlawed. Less than 140 years later, however, Hawaii became one of the first states to legalize abortion. Today abortion is the preeminent moral issue in America, and a tragic symptom of the rejection of God and his Word.

The Rev. Dr. Rick Bartosik

Kaneohe

Lanes on H-1 freeway are dangerously narrow

I’ve been driving on the pothole- infested roads of Hawaii for nearly two years now, yet I am still uneasy driving in the ever-so-narrow lanes of the H-1 freeway.

Every day, residents from around the island drive along the five-lane highway to make their way to their morning jobs. With the state’s severe traffic problem, one’s morning “drowsies” may (and often do) result in a two-car-tossup. The unforgiving nature of the slender lanes leaves no room for error.

Yes, Hawaii’s traffic problem is one of the worst in the nation, but with such small lanes, accidents occur more frequently, making our timely commutes last the same or even longer. The state needs to take action and resolve this dangerous issue.

Kali‘inoa Maeva

Salt Lake

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