Many pros and cons have been expressed about holding the lantern floating ceremony on Memorial Day. Jeff Konn has every right to express his views on the matter (“Lantern floating best on Sunday,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, May 30). The U.S. Constitution gives everyone the right to express their thoughts as well as the right to do whatever they do on Memorial Day.

No one is barred from or forced to attend this lantern ceremony. Many foreigners made the trip from distant countries to attend the ceremony.

Let us all in Hawaii at least have bigger hearts and broader minds to celebrate this free country.

James Kataoka

Mililani

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Obon season right for lantern floating

I agree with the two letter writers who feel that the lantern floating ceremony should be held on a day other than Memorial Day.

As they said, Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember those in our armed forces who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom and democracy.

The lantern festival is traditionally a part of the obon season, when we pay homage to and remember our ancestors and loved ones who have gone on to another life. The obon season usually runs through the summer months, so there are so many other days that this could be held. It takes away from the meaning of Memorial Day and, in a way, that of the lantern festival.

Dennis Morioka

Liliha

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Political signs on highway misplaced

Recently, coming out of Hawaii Kai and on Kalanianaole Highway, I saw multiple batches of posters mounted on city road signs and other public property denouncing gubernatorial candidate Clayton Hee.

I hope the people who posted them know that they are not earning credibility with me by posting illegally on public property and making it hard to see the road signage.

If they want to put up political messages, best they do it on private property with the consent of the property owner as required.

Besides being illegal, it is not pono and does not speak well of them or their message.

Rene Garvin

Hawaii Kai