Behave civilly during election

With three weeks until the election, could all the candidates and their supporters please tone down the rhetoric, negativity and name calling, especially on the Internet commentaries, and just stick with the issues?

Name-calling does not win arguments or change people’s opinions. Civility may help others to understand your positions on issues. Democrats are not bad people, nor are Republicans; each of us has our own opinions and are free to express them and should do so without insults. Can we agree to disagree amicably?

Graham S. Hanson
Kaneohe

Not a supporter of Linda Lingle

When DemocraticRep. Ken Hiraki vacated his seat, instead of appointing someone recommended by the Democratic Party, Gov. Linda Lingle appointed Bev Harbin.Harbin became a Democrat only after Hiraki resigned from office.After her appointment, it was revealed that Harbin was found guilty of writing bad checks and owed $123,000 in back taxes.

Lingle exempted the Hawaii Superferry from an environmental impact statement and allowed it to start interisland services. Later, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that the special law exempting it was unconstitutional, resulting in the demise of the Superferry.

In her last year as governor, Lingle ignored the questions of parents who were in a sit-in at her office protesting teacher furloughs that resulted in Hawaii having the shortest school year in the U.S.Instead of listening to the concerned parents, she had them arrested.

I’m no fan of U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, but I’m less of a fan of Lingle.

Sid Tsubata
Kaneohe

Lingle’s politics best for Hawaii

I’m almost amused by the ads being run by U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, assuring voters that she will march in lockstep with President Barack Obama and his agenda the next four years. Heaven forbid we should elect Linda Lingle, a moderate Republican.

This president is an unmitigated disaster, from domestic policy to foreign affairs. His hope and change mantra from the last election has rung hollow and unfulfilled and the idea of sending another hard-core Democrat to help push his agenda through makes no sense for Hawaii or this nation.

We need intelligent, independent-minded public servants in Washington, D.C., now more than ever. Linda Lingle fits that bill. She is a fiscal conservative with moderate social views and seems to be very much her own person.

Can’t we have some balance in our representation from this state?

Can’t we send the best person to Washington, D.C., and not just the one that U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye tells us should go?

Cynthia Waters
Aina Haina

Keep Waikiki restrooms open

My first trip to India was an eye- (and nose-) opening experience.We landed in Calcutta where more than a million people live on the streets with not one public toilet. The streets were filled with humanurine and feces.We were shocked and horrified that a society could be so inhumane.How did it degenerate?

It starts with homelessness, just like we have in Waikiki. Does the city believe that people will hold back from relieving themselves? What foolishness. Better spend some of those tourist dollars on facilities and have them patrolled 24/7 to prevent abuse and vandalism.

Marc Emerson
Hawaii Kai

Rail delay costs keep escalating

When the Supreme Court stopped rail last August pending iwi surveys, we were told the delay would only cost $7-$10 million per month. But two years ago, then-Mayor Mufi Hannemann said any delay would increase costs by $16.7 million per month. Now we are told the estimated delay costs will exceed $114 million — assuming rail resumes next spring. Hope springs eternal. I expect more iwi, more delays, and ever-escalating costs. Can we afford it?

Michael A. Lilly
Honolulu

Mercury in fish can be harmful

A recent news article about a University of Hawaii researcher downplaying the risk of eating fish with mercury for pregnant women has caused confusion within Hawaii’s community and is not protective of the health of our keiki.The state Department of Health promotes the benefits of fish consumption for pregnant women and the general population.

However, some fish have higher levels of mercury, a known toxicant especially harmful to the developing brain. While some research in animal models has found that nutrients in fish such as fatty acids and selenium can partially offset harmful mercury exposures, this has not been shown in humans. The greatest benefit in pregnant women, while avoiding undue risk, can be gained by eating fish with low levels of mercury. DOH’s current recommendationscan be found in"A Local Guide to Eating Fish Safely."

See http://hawaii.gov/ health/family-child-health/ wic/wic/nutrition_ information/wic/nutrition_ information/mercury.pdf

Barbara Brooks
State toxicologist

Learn to use the slow lane

No doubt about it, we have too many slow drivers, both on our freeways and on other streets. Spending $5.2 billion on a rail transit system isn’t going to make ordinary car and truck traffic move faster.

It’s OK to drive slower than the posted speed limit if you haven’t had enough sleep, or got bad news from doctors, or you’re just daydreaming, or you really believe driving faster than just 5 to 10 mph over the limit makes your God frown — but do it in the far right lane of traffic, as the laws require.

Have the police issue warnings to slow drivers not in that far-right lane; have an education campaign and emphasize it in driver’s tests. Earnestly petition the University of Hawaii at Manoa to not have classes that begin between 7:15 and 8:45 a.m.

Alan Matsuda
Hawaii Kai

Fight car thefts with good sense

About tourists who leave valuables in rental cars: I really think it is useless to try legislating common sense to people who lack it.

As tourists, they should be aware that they are marked as victims by criminals anywhere.Just because they are in paradise doesn’t mean they turn off their brain.

When we travel, we are aware we are strangers in a strange land and stick out. We know that criminals can spot a rental car instantly. We do not leave anything that we can’t afford to lose in a rental car. We have been to enough places to spot the signs of car break-ins as soon as we exit the car.

Chrysler cars have been known to be easy to break into since the days of the Plymouth Valiant and Dodge Dart.

All drivers, tourist or not, should exhibit common sense and be aware that being a victim of crime can happen to anyone.

Vernon Okamura
Kailua