As IUCN World Conservation Congress participants gathered to deliberate on global conservation issues, comparable issues also prevail in Hawaii.

While attending, I noted one common factor permeating throughout the sessions — governments and political leaders have failed to protect the natural and cultural resources as well as the rights and traditional practices of indigenous peoples.

Meanwhile, their voices are ignored or silenced as they strive to protect their lands, waters and ways of life. Politicians have allowed foreign and corporate business interests to degrade and adversely impact these resources and the peoples intimately connected to them.

Similarly, government and political officials in Hawaii have failed to protect our natural and cultural resources and the rights and customary practices of Native Hawaiians, even though the state Constitution and laws mandate such protection from the mountains to the sea. Instead, business and special interests are continuously allowed to supersede existing state laws.

Malama Hawai‘i – Malama Honua (Care for our Hawai‘i – Care for our Earth).

E. Kalani Flores

Waimea, Hawaii island

Duterte should keep mouth shut

Really? I could not believe it when I read reports that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte used the words “putang ina” (a derogatory curse referring to one’s mother) in statements having reference to President Barack Obama.

If the new Philippine president feels the urgency of pursuing drastic and questionable methods to wipe out his country’s illegal drug trafficking, he should also consider cutting off his tongue in order for him not to complicate and worsen the problems facing his country.

The dirt and filth spewing from his mouth is causing global embarrassment and is becoming a major and critical problem.

Antonio V. Ramil

Wailuku, Maui

Medical pot comes with risks

Soon, for-profit medical marijuana will be for sale in 18 shops in Hawaii.

When the bill was on the desk of the governor, state Rep. Marcus Oshiro wrote a strong commentary in your paper (“For-profit marijuana will be dangerous,” Island Voices, June 14, 2015) asking Gov. David Ige to veto it. Oshiro cited five solid reasons how for-profit medical marijuana will bring many unintended harmful consequences to Hawaii, which are seldom recognized by pot promoters.

Parents, youth and all Hawaii should reread his thoughtful plea (online at www.808ne.ws/2chEgNr). It is a warning we should all recognize as real.

Ross Moody

Waialua

Statistics can also be romantic

When Luis Salaveria, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, told of the importance of statistics, I was impressed (“Name in the News,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 9).

Saying the total departmental budget is less than 1 percent of the state’s general fund is more meaningful than a dollar amount.

Long ago, state Statistician Robert Schmitt proposed marriage to me in a series of written statistical statements showing why I would be the best wife for him. I’ve appreciated numbers ever since.

Bob retired in 1992; it seems his title retired with him. Established by Gov. John Burns, it was a tool to stress the importance of the job. Along the way there were many awards that kept statistics in the news. In recent years I have seen other useful state positions cut to save money. I hope this one can be rescued.

While the Hawaii State Data Book is online, it would be great to get it back in print for the joy of browsing. Data Book titles available for borrowing from public libraries are found at sections H 311 and H 319 for the years 2002, 2006 and 2012.

Sylvia Mitchell

Makiki

Rail bond could raise city taxes

There’s been discussion about the city possibly floating a bond to fund the rail project.

Does this mean that interest on the bond would paid for by the city? Would this not lead to a property tax increase? Was it not promised that there would be no increase in property tax?

It might be preferable to float a state bond, which puts the burden on state residents. All large infrastructure projects that benefit the state should be paid for by the state taxpayers.

Or the alternative is to just extend the general excise tax of 0.5 percent. A general excise tax extension would be a more fair option.

Stuart Shimazu

Kapahulu