Weight problems not easy to solve

I was really impressed with the article on the front page ("Bariatric surgery not just for weight loss," Star-Advertiser, June 8) and the courage of the family exhibited to resolve health and lifestyle issues.

It is a drastic choice, but it works when there is a partnership with the doctors, family members, nutritionists and a facility that cares about their patients’ health and well-being.

This article also brought to mind the documentary film, "Fed Up." The film follows children from 12 to 14 years old and their battle with weight.

Guess what the major culprit is? Sugar.

Children start drinking juice when they are babies and it creates an addiction.

This addiction continues in the family and in school cafeterias because of what they eat (fast food, processed food and little fresh fruits and vegetables).

Because of weight issues, exercise becomes limited or none at all.

We all need to understand the magnitude of this problem.

People should go see this movie.

Linda Iverson
Moiliili

Don’t put buildings in Kawainui Marsh

The plan being considered for the development of Kawainui Marsh gives a grandiose outline but no specifics as to how it would be implemented, by whom, how it will be sustained, by whom, where the money will come from to build it out and maintain it.

Yet we are asked to accept it whole hog without knowing any of these vital details.

It virtually ignores the fact that Kawainui was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2005.

One thing is certain. The problem of homeless encampments in the marsh will not go away with the inclusion of pavilions, restrooms, viewing platforms and bridges.

Our unsheltered population will consider them enhancements of their living situation, with predictable results.

It will be much better not to build into the marsh, but simply restore it as a wetland, a home for endangered birds and a site of historic Hawaiian habitation.

These things do not need man-made structures of the scale this plan proposes.

Mollie Foti
Kailua

High-rises will hasten our demise

With the construction of many high-rise towers, with mostly luxury units, Honolulu is following other cities and will see more of the effects of globalization.

Along with more smog and pollution, there will be greater economic inequality.

The groundbreaking of the luxury residential tower Waiea seemed to have approval from several officials. However, I would not purchase a million-dollar unit in a former parking lot that could barely accommodate vehicles that amounted to the number of planned units in the tower.

Development was naturally diverted from the park spaces makai of Ala Moana because that area will be the first to be affected by environmental changes in the future, such as rising sea levels and further erosion of sand and land.

What luxury does a unit in a high-rise offer? Ask your keiki’s keiki.

Edu Sasis
Waikiki

Republican Party looks out for liberty

In response to Jon Shimamo-to’s assertion that "the Republican Party has been defeating gun control laws" ("Congress derelict in firearms regulation," Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 11), I must offer a different perspective.

The Republican Party is working to preserve the rights and power of citizens against the following:

» Eminent domain laws that allow the government to snatch private land for a developer who wants to build a shopping mall.

» Incredibly short prison sentences for murderers, pedophiles and rapists.

» A federal tax agency that targets conservative-leaning groups.

And let’s not forget that our own local government’s response to Occupy Honolulu protesters camped out on sidewalks was to fill the sidewalks with enormous concrete planters instead of enforcing or enacting laws.

While guns don’t address this specific issue, the response certainly should not instill confidence in a government that can quadruple property taxes in Kalihi overnight, yet cannot keep our sidewalks walkable for its citizens.

While I agree that weapons are out of control, I don’t want to live in a country where only government officials and criminals possess guns.

Kris Schwengel
Hawaii Kai

Shinseki deserved some moral support

Politics as usual: Keep quiet and wait until the dust settles, then offer some conciliatory words of wisdom.

What a shame: Not one of our four congressional delegates (Sen. Mazie Hirono, Sen. Brian Schatz, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard) had the fortitude to speak up for the U.S. Veterans Affairs secretary and former Kauai resident Eric K. Shinseki during the recent firestorm.

Is that part of the political standard operating procedure to not take a stand on controversial topics for fear one may be labeled?

Well, that seems to work most of the time.

Yes, all four of the delegates have lost my confidence in their character, integrity and sincerity to represent our community.

What other things have they handled in this fashion, and will this type of silence affect other issues and concerns that impact Hawaii?

Well, I guess we cannot expect much from our team of delegates who prefer to remain under the radar, operate in the dark, and just position themselves for their political aspirations. Auwe!

Roy Miyamoto
Nuuanu