A solution for cigarette litter

Thanks for your editorial on how to help reduce cigarette litter. But, rather than reduce that litter in Hawaii, maybe we can eliminate it.

Why not ban filtered cigarettes in Hawaii? It would take awhile and might make cigarette holders come back, but maybe it is a really good idea!

JIM KILLETT, Lahaina

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Developers don’t keep their promises

The editorial last week regarding the Pulelehua development and the promised school was spot on. For anyone who has not lived on Maui as long as Louise Rockett and myself (I have lived here for 50 years), they have no idea about empty promises.

Oh sure, “this will provide housing and bike paths, etc.,” looks fine. But will they keep their promise to provide for the school?

I was given those same promises back in 1972, when Maui Land & Pine promised me a school and a park when I purchased my home in Napilihau. The park finally got built over 25 years later – and is not where it was planned near my development – and I am still waiting for the school !

A private school is not what they promised, and it is now sitting on land that is polluted with deadly chemicals from the old baseyard. This information was given to the public back in 1992!

Promises, promises… buyer beware!

SU CAMPOS, Napili

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Hate and racism must end

Historical records show racism as a symptom of arrogant, self-centered people. In this particular story, the consequence of backbiting people in positions of power resulted in a contagious, life-threatening disease. This brings to mind COVID-19, political divisiveness and racial tensions today. What can we learn from history?

Miriam and Aaron were Moses’ siblings, holding powerful positions during the Exodus. After years of slavery, you’d think they’d be hyper-sensitive to others. Instead, they acted with pride and self-interest.

It was manifested by talking against their brother because of his marriage to a black woman. Angering God, immediately they all were confronted with thought-provoking reprimands (even Moses, who was humble and innocent of the offense).

Singling out the two offenders, the instigator was inflicted with a disease. Miriam’s skin became snow white with a deathly pallor. It was like, “You think white skin is better? You’ll get white skin.” In horror at the sight of his leprous sister, Aaron immediately repented and begged forgiveness. Moses also cried out to God to please heal her.

God responded with judgment of solitary confinement for purification. The entire nation had to wait to move on to the Promised Land until she returned from quarantine, changed.

This begs the question of what changes we need to make individually to enable our country to move in a positive trajectory. Hatefulness and racism needs to end. Created in the image of God, we are meant to love. Loving one another is the only hope for the future.

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina

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BOOMVANGERS appreciate the community’s support

The Lahaina Yacht Club Foundation and the BOOMVANGERS would like to thank Lahaina Yacht Club and its members, friends and neighbors for their help in supporting our local community.

Through donations and participation in fundraising events, like our seasonal Whale Watch and Lahaina Yacht Club logo merchandise, the BOOMVANGERS were able to award $6,000 in scholarships to help local youth attend college.

Fundraising is ongoing through the sales of glasses, mugs, Tervis tumblers and license plate frames, our holiday donation drive, our very popular annual Whale Watch and sales of original artwork created by some of our amazing local artists, including Davo and Jim Kingwell.

Any donation is greatly appreciated, and can be made via check payable to “LYC Foundation” or online at www.lyc-foundation.org (click “Support BOOMVANGER Causes”).

The LYC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation (Federal ID 45-2544812), so all donations are tax-deductible.

NEESEY NUSSBAUM, Lahaina

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Creative laws needed to fight racism, promote diversity

We all know that nothing positive can possibly come from racial hate while dividing others. An executive order by the president and a few laws passed by Congress could certainly do the trick without completely going lawless. Several ideas come to mind.

1) Educating our children through our school systems. Teaching them about diversity and the value it brings. More diverse ideas that are brought to the table bring greater strength, rather than just one idea.

2) Pass a federal law that penalizes people that are supporting racism and/or practicing discrimination.

3) Allow victims to submit video footage as evidence to be entered into court and used as an exhibit against their perpetrator(s).

4) Change and update police union policies.

5) Create a system where the public can file a formal complaint and it be available to them 24/7. Too many complaints toward an officer should then be voted upon by the citizens in their county as to whether or not that officer should remain on the force.

6) If a police officer is fired for police brutality for any reason that causes harm or death to an unarmed citizen, they no longer be entitled to collect their pension.

7) All on-duty officers wear body cams and have dashboard cams running at all times during their shift. If cameras are turned off, then that officer is either suspended or fired.

8) Make police departments be responsible in raising a portion of their own funds through public fund-raising. Make departments get out there in their communities and meet the people. Have different public activities and events for their communities. They say they are part of the community and their families – prove it.

9) Pass a federal law making racism an enemy of the state.

The riots won’t stop until real ideas and laws are pushed and implemented into law. There is no race more superior than another. No justice, no peace.

LISA MALAKAUA, Hilo

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Support West Maui’s hometown paper

How unfortunate! No more free Lahaina News in everyone’s mailbox.

Lahaina News has been the best communicator for events, activities and meetings in West Maui, bar none. I also love reading about my neighbors, friends, schools, etc.

The new subscription rate is very reasonable. I am signing up, and Lahaina Restoration Foundation will also be signing up.

I urge everyone to become a subscriber and support our local hometown paper!

THEO MORRISON. Executive Director, Lahaina Restoration Foundation

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Revamp Front Street and help businesses

The COVID-19 virus has decimated Maui’s economic income, and Front Street is a ghost town. I’m sure it has been suggested previously, but perhaps we could revamp the area, making changes now to entice locals (and tourists, once Maui opens up again).

If we closed Front Street to traffic, it would give restaurants a much-needed space to allow outdoor dining under umbrellas, so isolation rules could be followed to keep our community safe.

Pedestrians would not be forced onto two narrow sidewalks without cars. Taking pride of place on a beautiful beach promenade, space would be available for art installations, and our fantastic local musicians and dance groups could be featured (especially school groups).

Front Street has a beautiful view; it is such a pity it is restricted by parked cars and constant traffic.

Think of all the pedestrian-only places which thrive, such as Universal City Walk, Third Street Promenade, etc. Businesses on Front Street will still have access on side and back streets for deliveries, and hopefully they will thrive once again after this shut down.

Shuttles could have a designated drop-off/pickup area, servicing the tourist resorts and hotels, and also for locals, so car parking doesn’t become a problem.

Front Street needs reinvigorating. Pedestrian only would be a great solution.

TRACY CRAIG, Napili

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Quarantine quarrels and helpful hints

Those of us who are stir-crazy at home should try to be mindful of the following rules:

1. Accept that, on some level, everyone eventually irritates everyone else. Therefore, people are sometimes snappish with each other, even in less stressful circumstances. It’s part of the drama of life.

2. Generally speaking, there are two ways to look at any given conflict: the right way and the other right way.

3. Don’t yell! And no, you are not just talking loudly. (Any anxiety in the air will fuel the fire.)

4. If the two of you cannot calmly discuss your differences, consider taking a 30-minute break and retreat behind a closed (not slammed) door. Rinse and repeat, as needed.

5. Try to paraphrase what the other person is saying. Be assured that your paraphrasing will always be wrong, so try it again. At the very least, the other person will know that you are genuinely trying to listen, even when you miss the mark.

6. Don’t forget about the 30-minute break; you may need another one, or at least a little refresher.

7. Try to find some common ground or a compromise that will last until the next dust-up. No conflict is perfectly resolved – peace and conflict come in episodes (stay tuned for the next one). We reboot our partnerships, as we reboot our technology, hopefully learning, as we move along.

8. Try to regularly say how much you both love and appreciate each other. (Keep your inevitable regrets to yourself.) Yeah, we are both idiots.

9. And finally, escalate the politeness and civility. Contrary to the film “Love Story,” love is saying you are “sorry,” and a “please” and “thank you” help rebuild the bonds that get frayed.

We can do this! May your household host a pandemic of peace.

ROBERT J. GOULD, PeaceVoice