Campaigning on a candidate’s actual record is one thing. Negative personal attacks are another (“Source of ads attacking City Council candidate is a mystery,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 1).

The civility bar is dropping fast in some Hawaii political races. Good candidates have few options. Responding amplifies misstatements. Saying nothing makes it appear that inaccurate information is true.

As a recent college graduate in the 1980s, I worked at the Legislature with eyes and ears open. Over months of working together daily, I observed Bobby Bunda’s integrity and willingness to take the high road on challenges at least as difficult as the ones we confront today.

The only way to refute wrong perceptions about a candidate is to hope that others who can speak credibly do so. It’s the only way to ensure that personal attacks don’t become our new normal.

Melissa Pavlicek

Nuuanu

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Special interests target LG candidate

If there’s a lesson to be learned by the recent article about super PACs (“Super PAC spending in lieutenant governor’s race a ‘mystery’,” Star-Advertiser, July 22) it’s the importance of integrity.

State Sen. Jill Tokuda has always had the integrity to keep state spending in check despite political pressures. She’s honorably fought for early education so that working families can afford preschool for their young keiki. She even took a courageous stance to ensure rail is financed responsibly.

It’s unfortunate that she’s now being unfairly targeted for standing up to special interests.

It’ll be a sad day for Hawaii if integrity, honor and courage lose to money and insider influence this primary election.

Sandra Wright

Kilauea, Kauai

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Stop silly fighting over campaign signs

A perfect solution exists to the political banner melee on the North Shore. Just take all signs and banners down on Aug. 12, after the primary election is over.

The voters already will know who are running in the general election, right?

Candidates should realize that the public already has been subjected to enough silly high-school accusations. The truth is, we don’t care who spray-painted what or mailed what. We do care about the environment, homelessness, traffic and taxes.

The candidates who are putting their energy into talking about these things instead of this silly fiasco have my vote.

Mike McFarlane

Tantalus

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Compete directly with Aloha Poke Co.

Rather than trademarking every variation of poke to fight the Chicagoland appropriation of “aloha” and “poke” — Mahalo Poke, Hawaii Poke, Hula Poke, Maui Poke, Moana Poke, Poke Aloha Cafe, Auntie’s Poke — let’s get companies like Foodland or Nico’s, who actually have great poke, to partner and start a Hawaiian-owned and -staffed poke bowl chain across the street from each Aloha Poke shop in Chicago.

Compete with authentic poke, real aloha, and let Yelp do its thing. Part of the profits can go to supporting Native Hawaiian fisherman in Hawaii.

Kimo Kekahuna

Waikiki

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Senate must fund election security

To say I am displeased that the U.S. Senate again voted not to provide more funding for election security is an understatement.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller has found more and more people corrupting the system, disobeying the law, and more evidence of Russian interference. That should be enough for the Senate to want to protect our country. Instead it has decided to do the opposite.

The Senate doesn’t stand for the American people. The GOP is standing for corruption and weakly surrendering to a president who continues to stand for Russia.

U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz need to stop this. As our Hawaii senators, they must understand that we demand more secure elections.

Stefanie Angsioco

Makiki

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Dogs are ‘most amazing creatures’

It really upset me to read that certain countries still use dogs as a food source. My family and I are resolute dog lovers. They benefit society in so many ways — law enforcement, the military — and they provide comfort for people in need of it.

There are videos and stories of dogs showing grief at the loss of their owners and even lying on their owners’ graves. When you look into your dog’s eyes, you see a soul behind them. Any country still using dogs for food is barbaric.

Gilda Radner said: “I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.”

Greg Fernandez

Ewa Beach

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Too much sympathy for tourism industry

There are so many important local, national and international issues that should be featured in your newspaper. Why do you, day after day, cover all or nearly all of the front page and inside pages with laments about every slight glitch in the explosive rise of the tourism industry?

It is that very increase that is the primary cause of the rapid decline in the affordability and quality of life for the majority of Hawaii residents. It is very disturbing that tourism is subsidized by local taxpayers.

Bob Karman

Hawaii Kai

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RIMPAC benefits Hawaii economy

Regarding ending RIMPAC in Hawaii and training in Afghanistan, why would any American want to risk the young lives of the soldiers, and chase potential visitors from Hawaii (“War exercises not right for Hawaii,” Star- Advertiser, Letters, July 27)?

Training in Afghanistan would be risky to both sides, as we are playing with real lives.

RIMPAC brings big business to our islands, which is much needed ever since we lost our agriculture. So, thank a service member the next time you come across one, and thank him or her for serving for our freedom.

Michael Nomura

Kailua