County should reinstate Stop Work Orders

(The following letter was sent to members of the Napili Bay Community Association regarding Brown Development Stop Work Orders.)

The Napili Bay Community Association has called upon Acting Public Works Director Jordan Molina to faithfully execute his duties and reinstate Stop Work Orders issued by his department to halt construction of an openly unlawful development in Napili.

We have also encouraged our County Council to use information to question Mr. Molina and to view his performance on this sensitive issue as a litmus test as to whether or not to confirm him as Public Works director.

You can help with testimony demanding that any candidate for Public Works director submitted by Mayor Victorino demonstrate their allegiance to the community over favored developers and past employers by reversing what we believe are illegitimate actions that are allowing Brown Development to irreparably harm our community.

JOSHUA S, DOWNER, ESQ., Napili

Do more research before deciding on sex education bill

Recently becoming aware of a controversial bill making its way through the legislature, this is a letter sent to Hawaii state representatives.

“Please watch and patiently wait a few more legislative sessions before voting on HB1697HD1 relating to sexual health, training, education. Similar state legislation is already in effect around the nation. Observe the results of more explicit and expanded sexual education in their school districts. Comparisons between the two could be invaluable to save precious lives.

Doesn’t it make you wonder why, with all the freedoms to be whatever you want and do whatever you want related to gender and sex, that the teenage suicide rates and drug addictions are at a historical high? There are increasing numbers among younger children, too. This is reason for concern. Take the time to evaluate the differences and see if this is a contributing factor.

Senators and Representatives, regulating what schools teach, assume responsibility for the outcome. Consequences in this case can prove deadly. Gaining more knowledge and data before enacting legislation is prudent and reflects well on lawmakers.

Take it from a world-renowned Teacher; Jesus said, “Wisdom is proved right by all her children.” Take the time to measure the difference in lifestyle, moral character and actions, whether good or bad, before deciding on this important piece of legislation.”

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina

Support the Protecting Our Democracy Act

Republicans and Democrats should be able to agree that no president, regardless of party, should be able to obstruct and undermine the will of the American people or exploit weaknesses in our political system for personal gain.

That’s where the Protecting Our Democracy Act comes in. If passed, it would prevent future abuse of presidential power and corruption, increase transparency, and ensure presidents of either party can be held accountable.

Strengthening the guardrails on presidential power is just common sense. If the average person used their office for personal gain, they’d go to jail. If the average person could pardon themselves, there would be no rule of law.

No president should be above the law. That’s why I’m urging Congress to pass the Protecting Our Democracy Act. We must prevent future presidents of any party from abusing the power of their office.

SHERRY FISHER, Paia