New facilities at park make area more livable

There’s a new bike path through Wailoa State Recreation Area. This promotes healthy recreational tourism and encourages locals to go car-free. Bring along a picnic and stop at one of the brand-new pavilions.

Discouraging vehicular dependency can only help reduce climate change while encouraging folks to exercise. The more designated bicycle paths, away from traffic, the more livable and pleasant an urban area can be.

Gary Harrold

Hilo

Let’s seek compromise for the common good

Again we are given opportunities to make all American lives matter, and as the editorial on a divided nation expressed, to “to get things right” and “begin the real work of delivering what Americans need” (“A nation divided must be reunited,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Nov. 5).

It may be just as those more astute than me to accurately describe the politico-socio-economic courses of action that may follow the mandates of our newly elected president.

However, to cite events that have contributed to the deep divisiveness the country almost encourages the conditions and divisiveness to continue (“We’re a bipolar nation, and Biden won’t change that,” Star-Advertiser, Cal Thomas, Nov. 10).

Yes, lessons of the past, if unheeded, may be repeated, but improvements can also be learned. I believe America and its peoples still possess inherent qualities of caring and respect, and can seek compromises for our common good.

The hopes and opportunities are still before us. Give them a chance.

Sam Hashimoto

Mililani

State must do more to fight meth epidemic

I’m writing this letter to express my concern about the methamphetamine epidemic in Hawaii.

I currently work for a drug treatment center here on Oahu and I have first-hand knowledge and experience of how bad this epidemic is to families and the people of Hawaii.

I am very worried that we do not have enough financial support from our state officials to combat this crisis. We need stricter laws, along with mental health facilities and treatment centers, and more people to work in these areas.

I expect the governor and other state officials to seriously take a long, hard look at what’s really happening and do something about it.

Too many lives are being lost, families are being torn apart, jobs are being lost and communities are struggling due to this epidemic.

I urge you, therefore, to help me make a difference in and for Hawaii.

Shirley Prehn

Wahiawa

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