Newspaper seller a pillar of Kailua

All of us who commute on Kalanianaole Highway saw George Ligman every day, rain or shine, selling his newspapers ("Injured newspaperman ‘doing better,’" Star-Advertiser, April 23).

Regardless of his physical challenge with his leg, George used the short time he had between green lights to make his sales in the most efficient way possible.

He always carried himself with a purpose and a smile, whether you bought a paper or not.

As a resident of Kailua for more than 45 years and as a business owner, I see George as a pillar of our community who represents a work ethic that is to be admired and respected.

God bless you, George, and thank you for being a part of our community connection.

Madison Marie Spotts
Kailua

Capt. Seelig is exemplary

The City and County of Honolulu is gifted with many excellent employees.

One outstanding person is Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Terry Seelig. Unfortunately, we usually see Capt. Seelig when the fire department responds to a tragedy.

This wonderful servant of the people of Honolulu was seen hugging loved ones of the recent explosion at Waikele that claimed five lives. This man is an exemplary city employee.

Jerry G. Souza Sr.
Pearl City

Ala Wai canal not a trash bin

The picture of the opala in the Ala Wai Canal recently was disgusting.

The most disgusting part of it was that humans put it there. Why do some people consider bodies of water trash bins? For obvious reasons we shouldn’t make our streams and ocean rubbish dumps.

For goodness’ sake, think and find a proper place to get rid of your stuff.

Mary Louise O’Brien
Kaneohe

Tobacco fund must be saved

The Tobacco Trust Fund dollars need to be used for projects that relate to tobacco control and prevention, which was the original intention.

Without prevention programs and tobacco control efforts we lose our voices to stand up to tobacco companies. We have to regard the Tobacco Trust Fund as something special. If we lose it, we risk sacrificing our chances of a better future for Hawaii’s people and economy.

Makeda Morris
Honolulu

Lower level for lake water best

In response to Stan Wright ("Lake Wilson not back to normal," Letters, Star-Advertiser, April 20), I agree we are all happy that the valve that controls the water level has been fixed. But not all of us agree that the water level at the lake should be kept at such a high level all the time.

I have been playing and fishing along the lake for more than 40 years. During this time, I have enjoyed the tremendous amount of game fishing the lake has to offer.

But unfortunately, since I am strictly a bank fisherman, I can only access the lake’s shorelines when the water level will allow me to. At a constant 80-foot level, that would make it nearly impossible.

I believe that keeping the lake near the 65-foot level would allow everyone to enjoy the world-class fishing this lake has to offer, because people could still launch their boats.

Darryl Okemura
Wahiawa

Let airlines keep their exemptions

Lawmakers have contemplated stopping all tax exemptions for airlines. This would be a financial mistake. Tourism is our No. 1 industry and the life blood of our economy. It supports our economy with jobs and a steady cash flow.

Consider the consequences. Airlines could relocate their maintenance facilities, raise fares, cancel flights, or overfly Hawaii. Let them keep their exemptions so they can help support our lagging economy.

Jim Duncan
Aiea