State should have delayed the tax filing deadline

Why is Hawaii the ONLY state in the nation that has not changed its tax deadline to May 17, 2021, like the Federal due to COVID-19? Some aloha!

LOU ROSS, Kahana

Shift to plant-based eating

With Earth Day passing on April 22, we have reduced our carbon footprint by curtailing travel and our thermostat. We recycle. But we can do so much more by cutting our consumption of animal meat and milk products. Yes, that.

A recent article in The Guardian argues that animal agriculture is a major driver of climate change, as well as air and water pollution, depletion of soil and water resources, and destruction of wildlife habitats.

Oxford University’s prestigious Food Climate Research Network reports that solving the global warming catastrophe requires a massive shift to plant-based eating. The Netflix feature “Seaspiracy” documents the devastating environmental impacts of the fishing industry.

In an environmentally sustainable world, we must replace meat, fish and dairy products with vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and grains, just as we replace fossil fuels with wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources.

Each of us has a unique opportunity to heal our planet by transitioning to plant-based eating. We can begin with the one-minute New York Times diet quiz. Then, let’s celebrate Earth Day by checking out the rich variety of plant-based meat and dairy products at our supermarket. The Internet offers ample advice and recipes.

LEX NAKAHARA, Lahaina

Do you really appreciate what you have?

Life is filled with challenges. There are many external circumstances outside of your control. The weather, actions of others, the economy and politics are just a few examples. However, your response to these circumstances is completely within your control. You chose your thoughts, emotions and actions.

Two people can exhibit completely different reactions to the same situation. One person will successfully deal with the circumstances, while the other becomes enmeshed in negative emotions. Unfortunately, it is more common for people to focus on the negative instead of the positive.

How you view your life influences your mindset. A positive view creates a positive attitude, while a negative view leads to a negative attitude. People with a positive attitude are much better at coping with stress and challenges.

Although there are many factors contributing to how you react to situations beyond your control, one of the most significant components is whether or not you appreciate what you currently have in your life.

Those who truly appreciate all of their blessings feel as if they have more than enough. Conversely, people who constantly focus on what they believe is lacking continually feel they never have enough.

Taking all you have for granted is too easy because you get lost in negativity. Not appreciating what you have until it’s gone is too common. Air, water and food are ignored when plentiful.

Yet, you surely appreciate any of them which are in short supply.

Think about how the quality of your life would suffer with the loss of any component you may be taking for granted. This approach also helps you keep things in perspective. Throughout the world, there are too many people struggling to acquire all of the things you may be taking for granted.

No positive aspect of your life is too small to appreciate. Each and every day must be cherished. Begin each day by reviewing a list of everything you are thankful for. Start by appreciating that you woke up. Appreciate what you see and hear. Appreciate the food you eat. Appreciate where you live. Appreciate family and friends. Look in awe at the seemingly endless miracles in nature. Life is not a contest. Don’t compare yourself to others. Someone who seems to have more does not diminish what you have. Also, there are numerous examples of people living very spartan lifestyles who are happy and content.

Appreciate your ability to control your thoughts, emotions and actions. You are not a victim. You decide how to respond to circumstances. You can find solutions for problems, or you can find problems in every situation.

Decide beforehand to have a positive response to whatever circumstances you encounter. A response is preplanned and thought out. A reaction, on the other hand, is spontaneous and emotional. A positive response should always be appreciated, because it enables you to find the best course of action while keeping you calm. A positive mindset leads to greater happiness and reduced stress. Your positive attitude generates positive emotions.

Appreciate humor and its wonderfully beneficial effects. Humor boosts your immune system, relieves pain, produces endorphins, reduces stress and stimulates many internal organs. Humor clears your mind and helps you feel better.

Look for the humor that exists in most situations. There is usually some funny perspective in the circumstances you encounter. Humor is a great coping mechanism, not insensitivity. The more you laugh, the more you’ll appreciate the good in your life.

Develop and cultivate an attitude of gratitude for appreciating all of the good in your life. There is no positive aspect of your life too small to appreciate. You’ll be happier and healthier while increasing your enjoyment of life.

BRYAN GOLDEN, www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com

Mahalo to Sentry Tournament of Champions volunteers

Every January, the golf world congregates on the incredible Plantation Course at Kapalua to showcase the winners on the PGA Tour. It is a week that celebrates the island of Maui, its culture, its beauty and its Aloha Spirit. April is national volunteer month, and I would be remiss if I didn’t personally thank each and every volunteer that is involved in making our tournament a resounding success every year.

You may not realize that the Sentry Tournament of Champions, like all PGA Tour events, generates significant charitable funds each year for local charities. We are so proud to generate sizeable amounts each year for our beneficiaries like Hale Makua Health Services, Ka Lima O Maui, Lahainaluna High School Foundation and the J Walter Cameron Center, among others. Since the tournament’s inception in 1999, we have been able to generate more than $7 million in on-island charitable dollars, a number that continues to grow substantially each year. This number doesn’t even include the generous donations made by our title sponsor, Sentry Insurance, who this past year gave and additional $200,000 to the Maui United Way and $250,000 to the Maui Food Bank to help each group provide aid in the wake of the ongoing pandemic.

Our volunteer force is the lifeblood of these donations — by donating countless hours, more than 500 volunteers in a typical year come together to help stage the tournament and, ultimately, to improve our community. We are so humbled by our volunteers and their Aloha Spirit, positive attitude, willingness to help and commitment to the event.

On behalf of the tournament, the PGA Tour, our players and our sponsors, we want to say a heartfelt Mahalo to those that have volunteered over the years, and who will continue to volunteer into the future.

I also want to make sure to recognize our volunteer leadership team, who help guide our volunteer force to success each year. We are so fortunate to have a dedicated group of leaders who have given their time and talents over the years, some for more than three decades, dating back even before the tournament took on its current form. Without you all, the Sentry Tournament of Champions simply wouldn’t happen.

As we look to the 2022 event, we are hopeful to be able to stage another great event, and to be able to inject help to our worthy non-profits, as well as provide positive economic impact for our beautiful island. I know that when we do, we will have eager and excited volunteers, as always, ready to help make it the best tournament yet.

ALEX URBAN, Executive Director, Sentry Tournament of Champions