It is high time we give the Hawaii Tourism Authority a big pat on the back for a job well done, and then redirect some of its substantial budget to preserve and protect the very natural resources it’s successfully drawn hoards of tourists here to enjoy.

Hawaii is projected to welcome 10 million tourists per year in the next couple of years. These numbers will put increased pressure on our already strained natural and cultural resources. Trails are overburdened with foot traffic. Reefs reside beneath swarms of snorkelers, leaving sheens of sunscreen on ocean surfaces. Facilities at state parks are overused and poorly maintained.

We have enough tourists. Especially in light of the HTA audit (citing several unacceptable missteps recently made), it is time to rethink our vision for tourism. Quality over quantity is what Hawaii needs. And quality, thriving — versus degraded and suffering — natural and cultural resources are what tourists and locals alike deserve.

Kimiko LaHaela Walter

Conservation program coordinator, Sierra Club of Hawaii

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Applause for tourism authority

Why is the Hawaii Tourism Authority being cited for spending abuses when the Legislature gave it great freedom by exempting it from procurement provisions and administrative supervision? The legislative auditor’s reports always seem to significantly criticize to gain headlines.

Since HTA can operate like a private business, it can select contractors that are qualified and get the job done, unlike other state agencies where the contract award may be based on price but the jobs end up not completed or in litigation.

The tourism authority is allotted $108 million annually. Why is the audit focusing on $50,000 in airfare reimbursement, and spending $370 for a one-day chauffeur?

I think the HTA deserves not just some credit, but a lot of credit for the success of the tourism industry.

Dennis Kohara

Kaimuki

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More truth would improve much

How did we get here? We have laws that allow teenagers to buy assault rifles but not a beer, sycophants who care more about re-election than their country, and bullies who think lying is creative hyperbole while turning blind eyes to attacks on our sovereignty.

Meanwhile, most of us retreat to our respective corners with facts that may be “alternative facts” more than truth, and we read and watch “news” that agrees with our predisposed opinions. Who says climate change is a threat to civilization or that we can do anything about it? Who says high-powered assault rifles and large-capacity magazines are a health hazard?

Whenever someone tells you what you believe is fake news, ask them if they support independent studies that can uncover the facts about your issues of disagreement. If they say, “No” and that research is a waste of money, it is obvious who is really seeking the truth.

Robert Griffon

Moiliili

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Second Amendment is obsolete

The Second Amendment to the Constitution was intended to defend the government, not resist it.

At the time it was written there was no standing army. The militia that is the subject of the amendment we know today as the National Guard.

The guard no longer keeps its weapons in its members’ homes but in armories. This makes the Second Amendment obsolete, despite the wrong-headed Supreme Court decision.

The idea that the government cannot regulate and restrict gun sales is nonsense.

Carl H. Zimmerman

Salt Lake

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Pass medical aid in dying

I strongly urge our legislators to pass House Bill 2739, “Our Health, Our Choice.” As the caregiver for my wife, who passed away from cancer in 2016, I know she would have chosen medical aid in dying if the option was available. Quality of life was important to her and she wanted to die with dignity and grace on her own terms.

To those opposed, I say that HB 2739 provides a choice you need not make. Don’t impose on my right to choose how I die if I receive a terminal diagnosis. No one needs to suffer intolerable pain at their end-stage if they decide to make this choice. Other states have successfully implemented this law, without instances of misuse. There are adequate safeguards built in.

A recent poll revealed that those in favor far outnumber those opposed. Passing this bill is the humane, compassionate and right step to take for Hawaii’s people.

Bernard Lum

Kakaako

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Olympics is model for peace

These past two weeks, the world has been focused on the 2018 Winter Olympics. It was a unifying event as we watched athletes compete and represent their respective countries, proudly waving their nation’s flag.

The opening and closing ceremonies were significant. All athletes proudly paraded under one roof; all countries coming together in a peaceful global competition, while the world watched and stood by to witness this special event – a symbol of solidarity.

Each nation cheered, clapped and stood tall. There was no fear of threat, jealousy, violence or retribution. In its place was unity, competitive sportsmanship.

We don’t have to wait for the Olympic Games every four years. We can all come together and do our share of spreading unity and peace throughout the world. Can we not all gather, hold hands and in unity, share peace with one another? We can all aim for the gold medal.

Jean Jeremiah

Kakaako

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HPD chief makes citizen proud

Your front-page story on Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard (“The Stand,” Feb. 22) made me proud to be a citizen of the state of Hawaii.

Matthew Cohen

Makiki