Mahalo for the uplifting article

Thank you once again for the wonderfully reported and written article in the April 9th edition by Louise Rockett titled “Lahaina Pastor and team of volunteers…”

Honestly, in a time when it’s easy to get depressed or discouraged, this uplifting article gave me great encouragement. I’m grateful for your paper and appreciate how you are committed to our Ohana by emphasizing the publishing of uneditorialized news and the repeated highlighting of the noble efforts of those who are serving us, no matter how small or from what persuasion.

THOMAS HOVSEPIAN, Napili

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Access through Honokowai Park should be allowed

I live next to Honokowai Park. Closing it was a good idea, as every weekend the park would fill with a couple of parties and lots of people, so that wouldn’t help with keeping it virus-free.

Gov. Ige said that the beaches were open for use of surfing, swimming, snorkeling and other water activities to keep the people fit. Now at Honokowai Park, there is no way to access the beach other than the park (except through private property or jumping into the Honokowai Stream from the bridge).

Now we have a lot of people crossing our property to get to the beach. Signs have been put up, but they don’t help much. Police and parks personnel have been coming to the park and getting the people out – even those that just are going to the beach.

Another problem is the amount of dogs that come to the park. Now people have to walk them on the street. We only have a sidewalk on one side of the street on Lower Honoapiilani Road. Dog fights are getting to be regular as they go past each other.

Plus, if they don’t pick up the doggie doo, then it stays. Dog piss is the same, and they (of course) don’t pick that up, so it seems worse than the COVID-19.

People shouldn’t congregate in the park, but crossing or walking your dog should be allowed.

STEVE ASHFIELD, Honokowai

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Earth Day cleanup at Honolua moved to May 2

Due to the Coronavirus lockdown, our annual Earth Day cleanup at the bay has been moved back to Saturday, May 2, at 8 a.m. Hopefully we don’t get squashed again. We meet just past Honolua Stream Bridge by the porta-potties.

Ashley (from Down the Hatch) will be manning the tent to give instructions on where to go.

Hope to see you there!

LES POTTS, Napili

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People don’t trust Ige

Why is Governor Ige surprised by the lack of cooperation in Hawaii during this pandemic? Being soft on crime, as we currently release several prisoners out of jail, wouldn’t have anything to do with it, now would it?

Once again, “the glue that binds our community together is only as strong as its leaders,” referring back to my comments made regarding Ige’s last “State of the State Address.” When our public officials decide to not uphold the rule of law equally and fairly, then one must expect gray areas to be taken advantage of. When people know that there are absolutely no consequences for their actions – and/or not enough jail space to park their happy arses when they do break our “so-called-laws” – then what more could you or would you expect?

Too many disappointments and failures on your part, Ige, for anyone to trust or hear you at this point. Playing favoritism and/or bending the rules for some, but not others, is never a good idea.

To all the tourists coming to Hawaii, wait a little longer. The illegal camping throughout our state will be up and running again just as soon as the pandemic is over. Hawaii won’t be as worried about where you’ll be lodging then, guaranteed!

LISA MALAKAUA, Hilo, Hawaii

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Believe in God’s rescue plan

Called the “invisible enemy,” COVID-19/Coronavirus apocalyptic headlines incite paralyzing fear. A comforting thought is of God holding the whole world in the palm of His right hand while simultaneously holding your hand with tender loving care.

“Do not fear, for I am with you. I will strengthen, help and uphold you with My righteous right hand. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Fear not – I will help you.’ “

Adhering to the stay-at-home order is challenging, wrought with possible pitfalls and temptations. Substance abuse, overeating, boredom, porn addictions, violence, anxiety, fear and depression are just some of many demons to resist.

Isolated for 40 days in the wilderness, Jesus overcame temptations. Under duress, Jesus dealt with the devil by quoting Scriptures and commanding Satan to leave. Prayer and fasting are necessary to get rid of particular demonic spirits. Faith the size of a mustard seed moves mountain-sized problems.

Though physically quarantined, hearts and minds are free to believe the “Good News” of how God demonstrated His love. Scourged, Jesus brings healing. Crucified, Jesus died for all the sins of the world – past, present and future. Conquering death, Easter celebrates His resurrection.

Before ascending into Heaven, Jesus made many appearances, proving “Jesus is alive!”

Rejoice and be happy; the real “Invisible Enemy” is defeated. This is God’s rescue plan. Believe in Jesus as Savior to receive life everlasting, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina

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Preserve the Endangered Species Act

I am writing in support of the Endangered Species Act, and in opposition to efforts by Congress to undermine this landmark wildlife conservation law.

The Endangered Species Act is a safety net for fish, plants and wildlife on the brink of extinction.

Since President Nixon signed the law in 1973, hundreds of species have been saved from disappearing forever, including the American bald eagle, the peregrine falcon and the American alligator, and many more are on their way to recovery.

But now, some members of Congress are trying to weaken the Endangered Species Act to benefit developers and the oil and gas industry.

Protecting endangered species is important to me.

We have a responsibility to future generations to be good stewards and protect imperiled wildlife and the special places they call home.

Our senators must oppose efforts to weaken the Endangered Species Act.

RACHEL SMITH, Lahaina

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End wildlife trafficking

I am writing to express my concern about illegal wildlife trafficking, and to urge elected officials to pass legislation to stop it.

Wildlife trafficking is a commercial enterprise that entails illegal poaching, taking and trade of wild plants and animals. We now know that it is also the cause of wildlife-human viruses like COVID-19 – the Coronavirus that is causing thousands to get sick.

To better restrict the wildlife trade, our elected leaders need to immediately pass legislation that prohibits the wildlife trade and trafficking in the U.S., and the Trump Administration should enforce existing laws at home and abroad.

As individuals and as a society, we can be diligent about knowing the source of products we consume. The wildlife trade exists around the world, including here at home.

Not buying products that are derived from wildlife is a crucial action we can each take.

We can prevent more wildlife diseases from infecting humans by putting an end to illegal wildlife trafficking and stop the exploitation of wildlife generally. I hope our elected officials will take action to do so.

JACQUI SKILL, Lahaina