When are Hawaii’s residents going to be fed up with their beloved Democratic Party that continues to tax us into poverty while feathering its nest? And when is this newspaper going to hold them accountable?
The state has had a near billion-dollar surplus over the past several years, and used it to feather the government employees’ pension nest. And yet each session, senators and representatives introduce more legislation to increase taxation — whether it be the general excise tax, property tax or car registration.
Now they want to tax our internet purchases. This is just wrong. If I purchase something online from a California company, the transaction is recorded in California, not Hawaii. It’s the same as if I traveled to California, bought it there and brought it home — there should be no Hawaii sales tax.
Why can’t they just give us a break or introduce legislation to lower taxes? Wouldn’t that be novel? Please vote these thieves out of office.
Jim Austin
Haleiwa
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Service-animal bill isn’t necessary
Senate Bill 2461 is an enormous mistake and disservice to our disabled neighbors. The bill, which would fine owners of fake service animals, not only is “difficult to enforce,” as legislators acknowledge, it is impossible to enforce (“Bill is passed to fine owners of fake service animals,” Star-Advertiser, May 2).
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows only two simple questions to be asked of people with service animals, and “yes” answers to both ends any further discussion — by law.
The worst part is, the Legislature ignored the most important and convincing testimony from two disability rights organizations, The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the state Disability and Communication Access Board. They testified against this bill on the grounds, among many others, that it will increase the hassle faced every day by disabled, usually aged members of our community.
Instead, the Legislature seemed to simply go along to mollify one of its members, state Sen. Russell Ruderman, who introduced the bill because he apparently had an incident in his store of a disruption caused by a non-service dog. Hewa!
In 50 years of shopping at Kahala Mall and Ala Moana, I literally have seen fewer than 10 service dogs — fake or real.
Joel Fischer
Waialae
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Trump has long list of accomplishments
In all my years living under the leadership of 14 presidents, from Frankin D. Roosevelt to Donald Trump, I am thrilled to have a president who comes from strength and not appeasement.
The anti-Trumpers should take some time away from CNN and MSNBC and research President Trump’s accomplishments (“Take stand against Trump’s behavior,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, May 3). The list is long and well worth the time.
I voted for Trump because I truly believe that he loves America. He is not a lawyer and has never held public office. I told U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz to put party affiliation aside and cooperate for the good of our country. The Republicans must be reminded of this also.
I am not frustrated by or ashamed of my country. Our states are divided by the vocal minority who push for open borders, late-term abortions, sanctuary cities and scream Russia, Russia, Russia and Stormy, Stormy, Stormy. They are like the guy who feasted at a banquet and concluded that the olives were good.
Joyce K. Almeida
Waimanalo
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Hawaii’s excessive focus on gun control
Hawaii has never had a school shooting and its last mass shooting was in November 1999, which, with seven deaths, was a relatively low count compared to other mass shootings.
Hawaii has about as many guns as there are people, a mental health care system that has lagged behind overall health care, stringent firearms control and a low violent-crime rate.
In Hawaii, automobiles kill far more people than firearms. Honolulu has one of the highest rates of traffic congestion and pedestrian fatalities. Hawaii has about as many cars as people.
Though the last mass shooting here and those that occur regularly outside Hawaii are tragic, residents would better benefit if they focus similar energy and attention on issues that more regularly impact them (“Lawmakers pass ban on ‘bump stocks,’ other rapid-fire devices,” Star-Advertiser, April 26).
Anthony Chang
Chinatown
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Waikiki resident trapped by event
During the recent Hapalua half-marathon, those of us who reside or are in hotels makai of Kalakaua Avenue, were unable to exit from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.
As an essential health care worker for the Hawaii State Hospital, it was vital that I get to work to care for the patients and oversee operations of the facility.
I wanted to express my utmost gratitude to Sgt. Lee of the Honolulu Police Department, who was in charge of the Saratoga/Kalakaua junction, who was compassionate and understood the critical situation and allowed me to get through and to work on time.
With all the frequent parades, marathons and special events occurring in Waikiki, it is my hope that the city will pair closely with the state to recognize that citizens and tourists must be granted an exit route out of Waikiki during such events.
Michael Springhetti
Waikiki
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Politicians ignore our need to drive
Again, our local not-so-bright politicos have taken a step to disregard the voices and concerns of the people who drive to and from work, school, medical appointments and other places they need to be.
When was the last time a politico’s family rode their bikes to a restaurant for the dining-in experience? When was the last time they packed up their child’s items and rode a bicycle with their child in tow, headed for the child-care facility? They probably haven’t.
These same politicos will somehow find a way around county, state and federal laws and create a bike lane on the H-1, H-2 and H-3 thoroughfares. Never say never, especially with this group of visionary politicians.
By the way, how is the great problem solver, the mighty rail, coming along? Come to think of it, the track would make for a beautiful and very scenic bike path. Now there’s an idea to pedal for.
Keith Williams
Kailua
