Our system to vet incoming travelers for COVID-19 is broken. When my son and his family made his appointment at a trusted testing partner designated by Hawaii, he checked again a few days before they were to leave, only to see that the site warned travelers to Hawaii that test results would take three to four days and that they should make other testing plans for their trip.

Needless to say, they had to cancel their trip home because it was too late to meet the requirements of the other testing partner in their area.

The state shouldn’t tout a system that is inherently broken — not to mention the glaring fact that my son might have tested negative on a Saturday and ended up with COVID-19 because of exposure on Sunday or Monday, or at the airport or on the plane.

If and when the structure and budget allow, we should be doing rapid testing upon a traveler’s arrival, with another required test four days later. But at this point, it’s easier to wait for the vaccine.

Tina Shaffer

Kailua

Struggling families hurt by mismanagement

I agree with Rev. David Gierlach (“Pain grows as CARES Act funds sit idle,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 22). Hawaii families are suffering due to the fumbling and mismanagement of our state and local leaders.

I work with student parents at the university who are struggling financially, desperately trying to figure out how to pay their bills.

I have encouraged and helped many of these families apply for relief through the community agencies tasked with disbursing federal funds, yet many are still anxiously awaiting an answer. I am disgusted at the lack of bold leadership at all levels.

I write this on behalf of those who are too desperate, too afraid, too consumed with hunger or worry to express how desperate life has become for far too many in our community.

Angie Solomon

Kalihi

Should Trump be sued for lack of leadership?

With all these increases in coronavirus infections and unnecessary deaths, shouldn’t the president be held responsible because of his lack of leadership?

I feel this a dereliction of duty on his part. I believe a class-action lawsuit is called for. Is he really for real? How can he sleep at night? Does he ever feel guilty? Am I just naive to think this is wrong?

George Higashi

Kaneohe

Fired security chief was loyal public servant

Trump-appointed Christopher Krebs was director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). On Nov. 12, CISA and other collaborating agencies and organizations that worked to ensure the security of the 2020 election issued a joint press release, beginning with the statement, “The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history.”

The press release contradicted, albeit indirectly, President Donald Trump’s claims that the election was rife with fraud.

Trump fired Krebs on Nov. 17. He was fired not for failing at his job, but for being too good at his job. Krebs has been a loyal public servant and a true patriot who believes strongly in our democratic form of government.

Trump claims that Democrats stole the election. All evidence shows they did not. It is Trump himself who is trying to steal the election by falsely claiming election fraud, trying to undo election results, and firing persons like Krebs who get in his way. The only loyalty that matters to Trump is loyalty to himself and his agenda.

Robert Retherford

Kailua

Waimanalo property exemption was wrong

In response to your article, “Oceanfront property tied to Obama granted exemption from Hawaii’s environmental laws” (Star-Advertiser, Nov. 18): Weren’t these restrictions put in place to protect the environment? Was the decision made because it involves Barack Obama?

I guess the saying, “Money talks” or “The one who holds the dollar holds the power,” is true.

In my opinion this exemption is wrong on every level. But it is also my opinion that nature will take care of this on its own terms.

Rae Leong

Kaneohe

Rail construction causes years of traffic turmoil

I totally agree with Ken Takeya’s comments about the rail system stopping at Middle Street (“With budget shortfall, stop rail at Middle Street,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 23).

If this rail system continues on this track, don’t forget about the traffic congestion it would cause for years on end and also the continuous resurfacing of the roadways in its aftermath.

Has anyone asked those people in those areas (Ewa, Waipahu, Pearl City, Aiea) where the rail has been built about the impact it has had on their lives for years?

And that is only the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to downtown and farther, all of these problems will come into play.

I hope the new mayor can put a stop to this, and not be bought off by those who would profit from this dying adventure.

Enough is enough with these cost overruns.

Keith Lee

Pacific Palisades

EXPRESS YOURSELF

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.

>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.

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BEING THANKFUL

2020 has been a whopper of a year: the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hurt, politics and elections. But surely there is much to be thankful for and to appreciate. We want to hear from you.

In the spirit of the season, we are now accepting letters (150 words max) and essays (500-600 words) with uplifting messages to share. Submissions received by 5 p.m. Wednesday could run on Thanksgiving weekend.

Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd. #7-210, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.