The state of Hawaii does not need a corporation to oversee the airports (“Legislators reconsider creating an entity to oversee airports,” Star-Advertiser, March 26). What the state of Hawaii needs are leaders who are committed and held accountable to get the state airport system where it should be.

Not another political friend, or someone connected to the establishment, but leaders.

Accountable, dedicated leadership. What a concept!

Morris DeRego

Waipahu

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Students’ adventures in NYC inspiring

As a native New Yorker residing in Honolulu, I was thrilled to learn about students from local public middle schools who recently visited Manhattan (“Isle kids hit stage in New York City,” Star-Advertiser, March 27). They deserve a great deal of credit for the way they and their chaperones handled the challenges that confronted them.

Reading the account about performances at Carnegie Hall, trips to iconic sites, and experiences in a blizzard gave me hope for the future generation. Clearly, parents and their schools nurtured these young people to become talented and resilient.

Also, I am sure that the aloha spirit guided these boys and girls to thrive and survive on a trip to the Big Apple that brought them unexpected surprises.

Gloria Ann Katz

Downtown Honolulu

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Bring back medical aid-in-dying bill

Senate Bill 1129 would establish the right of terminally ill persons to death with dignity. Despite passing the Senate 22-3, a House committee deferred the bill last week, killing it.

Shame on those who caved to pressure from a minority of religious and medical zealots. Why do these people insist on making decisions about other peoples’ bodies? A terminally ill person deserves our respect and should not be forced to endure pointless pain, suffering and loss of dignity. Medical professionals should respect patients’ rights, and religious groups should not be allowed to force their values on others.

Former Gov. Neil Abercrombie urged a special session to resurrect SB 1129. Our Legislature and governor have a few more days to meet their responsibilities as our elected representatives. Urge them to do the right thing to protect the rights of terminally ill persons.

Luanna Meyer

Hawaii Kai

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Bill is misleading, lacks protections

I was relieved to see a state House committee vote to delay consideration of Senate Bill 1129.

I attended the hearing at which the concept of medical aid in dying was sold as completely voluntary, which isn’t true.

Contrary to the proponents’ spin, the bill has no requirement of voluntariness, self-administration or consent when the lethal dose is administered.

The bill is based on similar laws in Oregon and Washington state, passed by ballot measures in which voters were promised that only the patient would be allowed to “self-administer” the lethal dose. Oregon’s law doesn’t even use the term. In Washington, the term is specially defined to allow someone else to administer the lethal dose to the patient.

These laws are surrounded by a sea of propaganda. Don’t be fooled.

Margaret Dore, Esq.

Seattle, Wash.

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Don’t put live trees in Honolulu Hale

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like spending the day at the burn unit of a hospital.

Yes, it will still be Christmas, the day will come and go. The medical-care professionals, the families and the burn victims will all do their best on that day to stay alive.

Honolulu City Council members should act like responsible adults and listen to the Honolulu fire chief (“Live trees may return to city holiday display,” Star-Advertiser, March 26). Don’t create a “perfect storm” of conditions for a disaster at Honolulu Hale for Christmas.

Live Christmas trees may be Council member Ikaikai Anderson’s choice, but let safety be the Council’s choice for hundreds of people and their children, who come from all over the world to enjoy Honolulu Hale at Christmastime.

Carol Pierpont

Hawaii Kai

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Airline can regulate dress for free flights

I beg to differ with your attack on United Airlines (“Leggings a good choice for cramped coach seats,” Star-Advertiser, Off the News, March 29).

Of course paying customers can wear whatever they want, and even I wear leggings on my long flights.

However, these girls were using an employee benefit for a free flight and should adhere to the dress code required. To wear their leggings, all they had to do was pay for their flight. They knew the rules, or should have.

Marie Manning

Kailua

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Dressing nicely part of standby flight deal

The recent debate about not allowing two young girls onto a United Airlines flight because of wearing leggings is uncalled for.

As the spouse of a commercial pilot with a 16-year-old daughter, we have the exquisite privilege of flying standby if and when seats become available. Very occasionally, if the only seats open are in first class, we are granted those and feel both honored and grateful the rare times it happens.

As part of this privilege and out of respect for the airline and its image, dressing nicely is part of the deal. It’s expected and it should be. Why would the company want their brand represented sloppily through careless employees who don’t take the time to wear appropriate attire?

There’s no reason to ignite a debate. Just dress modestly, and if you get a seat, say “thank you” to the hardworking people who care enough about you to make sure you get on when there’s room for you.

Ingrid M. Middleton

Kahala Kua