Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
As a former newspaper editor, I have long recognized the importance of the Letters to the Editor forum. This newspaper publishes roughly 2,100 letters in this space every year, most written by regular readers and civic-minded individuals. Some are written by advocates for particular causes. Letter writers reach the same large audience the newspaper reaches, both in print and online.
In my experience, the letters are among the most popular features in these pages, and are as important as any commentary or editorial. They contribute to the debate on issues of public concern, while testing conventional assumptions and unconscious biases. They also have the attraction of being succinct. Readers, especially politicians and others in power, make note what is written here to get a sense of public sentiment. Letters can change minds.
So I encourage you to keep on reading, and to keep on writing. You are being heard.
Stephen J. Downes
Kailua
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.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter