A community group rolled the dice when it bought two hilltop sites above Ka Iwi Coast to prevent a competing buyer from picking up the undeveloped East Honolulu property.

Another approach that also has seen success is the partnership between Waianae Intermediate and the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. A school-based health center was established after the school convened a community schools group of educators, families, staff and local organizations to address chronic absenteeism.

The group determined that health-related absences could often be prevented if students had access to a medical clinic on campus. The statistics since Aug. 1 reflect the clinic’s success, with 92 percent of students returning to their classroom after treatment — that’s 466 students who were able to avoid an absence mark on their record. The percentage has been even higher (97 percent) at the Waianae High School clinic that also opened this year.

Thanks to programs such as these that help keep our keiki in school, there is hope for a brighter future with their diploma in hand.

Vija Sehgal, M.D.

Chief quality officer and director of pediatric services Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center

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Trump could not intimidate Gabbard

Absent from Richard Borreca’s column on Hawaii U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s meeting with President-elect Donald Trump was any acknowledgement that Gabbard was invited to the visit with Trump (“Gabbard’s meeting with Trump has tongues wagging, and local Democratic heads shaking,” Star-Advertiser, On Politics, Dec. 4). She did not seek the meeting.

Indeed, when that invitation was extended, perhaps Trump and his phalanx of sycophants expected Gabbard to be submissive (after all, she is a woman) and grovel to Trump in hopes of getting some appointment.

What she did was go in and take charge, which is what leaders do. She set the tone and topic for the conversation without concern for political expediency.

Clearly, Trump and his lackeys, as well as the local Democratic leaders quoted in the column, were not familiar with and are lacking what Tulsi has — conscience and courage.

As a war veteran myself, and a constituent in the Hawaii Second Congressional District, I am proud of Gabbard and honored to be represented by her.

James Weatherford

Pahoa, Hawaii island

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Democrats should listen to other views

In Richard Borreca’s column, Democratic zealot Bart Dame ridiculed Hawaii U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for meeting with President- elect Donald Trump (“Gabbard’s meeting with Trump has tongues wagging, and local Democratic heads shaking,” Star-Advertiser, On Politics, Dec. 4).

“She is a strikebreaker,” he declared. Gabbard was an ardent supporter of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders rather than Hillary Clinton. Was this sour grapes perhaps on the part of Dame and the Democratic Party, given that Clinton lost? Where is Dame’s liberal “inclusiveness”? Or does he only converse with those who parrot his narrow points of view?

If this country is to unite, we must talk to all groups to find common ground in order to advance America as a whole. It appears Dame places Democratic Party ideology ahead of the good of the nation.

President Rutherford B. Hayes said, “He serves is party best who serves his country best.”

Examine any large American city or state with longtime Democratic leadership. Most are financial basket cases.

Arthur Warren

Keaau, Hawaii island

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GM’s Bolt won’t be an EV game-changer

General Motors’ official surrender on a nationwide launch of the Chevy Bolt electric vehicle only serves to reinforce the public’s doubt in the carmaker’s trustworthiness. (Remember, it was GM and the oil companies that killed the popular EV-1 more than 30 years ago.)

Actions (or in GM’s case, inaction) speak louder than words. Despite all the hoopla about the Bolt, GM’s lack of commitment is now clear. The undersized vehicle initially will be introduced only in California and Oregon, apparently only to comply with zero-emission-vehicle mandates. Additionally, only 20,000-30,000 units are expected to be built.

In order to have any significant impact on climate change, GM should be building 20 times that number, says Elon Musk, a true visionary. And, significantly, GM is not investing in any nationwide charging network — further proof of the carmaker’s perfidy.

Sadly, the Chevy Bolt may be no more than a compliance car for GM.

Craig Stevaux

Kaneohe

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Pearl Harbor section was extraordinary

Thank you for the extraordinary Pearl Harbor commemorative supplement (“Day of infamy,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 30).

The research, writing, editing, layout — what a job! Reporter William Cole is a terrific storyteller and the combination of his big-picture pieces and the remembrances of local people were very moving.

I’m only halfway through it and having a hard time leaving it behind to go to work.

Elisa Johnston

Makiki

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Accounts of Dec. 7 attack compelling

My compliments to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for its excellent coverage of the Pearl Harbor attack (“Day of infamy,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 30).

The five-section insert was packed with eyewitness accounts, official military reports and stories of survival, as well as dozens of dramatic and historic photos. It was a complete account of the event.

Well done.

Bob Lamborn

Liliha

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Civil War ended issue of secession

I can’t believe this nonsense about Hawaii seceding from the union (“Hawaii should consider seceding from the U.S.,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 29). The U.S. Civil War answered the question, “Do states have the right to secede from the union?”

The answer was no.

Timothy Healy

Downtown Honolulu