I want to thank John Radcliffe for his recent commentary (“Why I support medical aid in dying,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 12).

Like the majority of Hawaii residents, I also support legislation that would allow terminally ill, mentally capable adults the right to medication they can use to achieve a peaceful and humane death. How is it okay to make people already dying suffer even more?

When my father was at the end of his life, it was explained to me that he could refuse food and water, but any other form of aid in dying is illegal in Hawaii. I can’t understand how taking a pill is considered a worse option than death by starvation.

The opposition is very well-organized and funded, but they do not speak for the majority of Hawaii residents. I agree with Radcliffe: “It is time for ‘aloha’ to also mean mercy under the law.”

Lana Oura

Wailuku

—

Queen Lili‘uokalani’s legacy still strong

Timothy Hurley’s well-written article on Queen Lili‘uokalani was timely and informative (“The 100th anniversary of the death of Queen Lili‘uokalani,” Star- Advertiser, Nov. 7). The article prompted me to attend the observance Nov. 11 at the state Capitol.

Kudos to the organizers and participants, who did a superb job. The pomp and pageantry were terrific. The bell tolling from St. Andrew’s Cathedral and throughout Oahu was very moving.

Presentations by state Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, state Rep. Jarrett Keohokalole, Thomas Kaulukukui of the Liliuokalani Trust, former Gov. John Waihee and Gov. David Ige were informative, inspiring and substantive.

Lili‘uokalani’s legacy remains strong. She worked tirelessly for justice for the Hawaiian people.

There is work to be done by people of good will here in Hawaii and elsewhere to promote justice — whether for indigenous peoples like Hawaiians and other displaced peoples worldwide, or social and economic. It might help to reflect on her legacy and efforts for justice by visiting her crypt on the grounds of the Royal Mausoleum on Nuuanu Avenue.

Lawrence M.O. Chun

Kailua

—

State must support UH Cancer Center

I was glad to read that the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, under Dr. Randall Holcombe, has made great strides in improving the Center’s finances (“UH Cancer Center foresees an end to budget deficit,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 13).

Until it can fully stand on its own, I believe that it’s extremely important for the state to cover the financial shortfalls because of the critical research and clinical trials the Center has undertaken on cancers that are prevalent in Hawaii due to our multi-ethnic makeup.

We can’t expect other cancer centers around the country to do this research for us. It’s a small investment when you take into account the hundreds of millions in taxpayer monies that are often wasted on failed projects and costly overruns. Cancer doesn’t discriminate; anyone can be stricken with this horrid disease.

Bernard Lum

Kakaako

—

Some elderly folks shouldn’t be driving

Recently, I was driving with the flow of traffic east on South King Street. I entered on a green light when suddenly there was an old guy riding his bike right in front of my car. I braked, of course, and also honked to say “Hey! Try watch what you’re doing!”

My husband texted me that our son was injured in Waikiki when he had to “lay down” his Vespa because an “old woman” ran a red light, totally oblivious to what she had done. Fortunately, our son, a talented and brave Navy pilot who served three tours in Southwest Asia, didn’t get killed or severely injured by a senior citizen who probably should not be driving.

We want our kupuna to lead active, full lives, but there is a time when a reality check needs to happen. If you have a relative or friend who is too old to responsibly drive or ride a bike in traffic, help them change their habits and arrange alternatives, such as riding the bus, taking a Handi-Van, or walking.

Connie Wickware

Kalihi Valley

—

Trickle-down wealth will not happen

The current Republican tax cut proposal is nothing but a resurrection of President Ronald Reagan’s voodoo economics, which gave tax and regulatory relief to the rich and corporate with the promise that the resulting wealth will trickle down to the workers. This did not happen.

What happened was tragic. The rich and corporate did not share their boon. The growing middle class slowly disappeared. American workers’ share of the country’s wealth grew smaller than in most other industrialized countries.

The real tragedy is that the poorest guys in the country are supporting the proposal, which is against their country’s and their own self-interest.

Stop hiring the fox to guard the hen house.

Richard Y. Will

Waikiki