Loosen restrictions on businesses

(The following letter was sent to state and county officials.)

I understand the tough job that has been asked of you. The CDC just came out with new guidelines. No mask wearing for fully vaccinated people indoors or outdoors. Here is the big question.

Are you going to listen to the CDC and Dr. Fauci? Or are you going to disagree with the science and go off your “feelings’ and say I don’t agree?

Almost all folks on Maui have a phone and/or a wallet. Police and check phones or check wallets for the vaccination card.

Mr. Mayor, you stated on today’s radio show that you are proud of Maui County residents. It is time to reward the citizens doing a great job and follow the CDC and Dr. Fauci’s guidelines.

I keep seeing the word “Pono.” Let’s do the right thing and do what is right. Open Maui County.

BUFF WEAVER, Buff Weaver Hospitality

Give our economy a ‘shot’

The state recently reported 1,414,910 vaccines administered, of which 46 percent of our population is fully vaccinated.

Reaching herd immunity and having a vaccinated population will help our economy recover faster, so let’s give our economy a “shot.” Stay tuned for exciting incentives from the business community to get more residents vaccinated.

In a survey of nearly 400 local businesses, respondents were asked what percentage of their workforce has been vaccinated. Twenty-six percent responded that between 25 and 50 percent of their workforce has already been vaccinated. Thirty-eight percent said between 50 and 75 percent has been vaccinated, and 30 percent of those that responded said over 75 percent of their workers have already been vaccinated.

Also, 53 percent of those that responded said they have offered paid leave in order for employees to receive a vaccination, with another 23 percent offering incentives varying from extra vacation time to cash.

Based on the low case count, more people getting vaccinated and the latest CDC guidelines about mask-wearing and social distancing, we intend to resume in-person events this fall, as long as the situation such as data trends positively and the state orders change by then.

As a reminder, however, the State of Hawaii still has a mandatory mask-wearing rule, social distancing requirements and other mandates under the tiered system.

For more information on data regarding vaccination rates and where to get vaccinated, visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine/.

SHERRY MENOR-McNAMARA, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii

Graduation and your destination

Families across America are celebrating high school and college graduations.

American young adults are now faced with going to work or pursuing more education. Employers across America are looking for workers. Colleges are looking for students. Will you spend $25,000 to $60,000 per year to go to school? Or, will you go to work and earn $25,000 to $60,000 or more?

Some of America’s graduates will find jobs working for state or federal government entities. One acquaintance went to work for her state government and retired by the time she was 46. With a full state retirement benefit, she started a part-time business that seems to do well. She did not have one day of college education. She started out at an entry level job but worked hard, showed up and received several promotions that provided her with a good income and a very good government retirement.

A high school graduate can enlist into the military. He or she will start out on the bottom, but show up and work hard every day, and you can have a retirement by the time you are 38 years old. It’s only 50 percent of their salary, but it’s a respectable check that will provide them financial security for the rest of their lives.

If school teachers start teaching at the age of 23, many can retire by about 51 years old.

Retiring at 46 or 51 is seldom on the mind of someone 18 or even 23. Often, just finding an enjoyable job that is maintainable is the main goal. However, give some thought to the type of work you are pursuing. What kind of financial stability and security will it provide for you and when will it afford you retirement income?

You don’t have to quit working at 46 or 50 just because you have obtained a monthly retirement check. There is a world of opportunities you can pursue. You can start a different career. You can work part time. Or, you can stay with the job you are doing. Or, just enjoy life.

There is a sacrifice to a lot of jobs. Many jobs may be fulfilling but often come up short on solid retirement plans. Pursue and enjoy what you do, but you can’t make a retirement plan happen out of thin air when you hit 60. Keep in mind you can save a little bit of money every month, and it will grow. Be diligent about this every month and you’ll eventually see results. Start now.

The career you went to school for may also allow you to retire at 55 if you want to. You may also train for a job that you will enjoy doing into your late sixties or even seventies or older. An acquaintance of mine is 82. He’s been in the hotel business for many years and loves his work.

Another friend was a college president until he was 78 and loved every minute of his work. One of my friends is a surgeon and is 72. He loves working every day.

Today is a good time to think about what you are doing and where it will take you. Consider what you want life to look like when you arrive at your destination.

DR. GLENN MOLLETTE