SERVICES FOR ELDERLY ARE A NECESSITY

I agree with Barbara Kim Stanton's commentary (Feb. 25) in support of Kupuna Care.

I am a caregiver for my parents who are both in their 90s. I retired earlier than I planned to take care of them at home. In the process I've put my own retirement security at risk, which I am willing to do.

Families like mine don't qualify for Medicaid but we need affordable services. There needs to be a safety net to help families from becoming impoverished because of the high cost of long-term care. It won't take long to deplete our savings due to the high cost.

It's scary to think that the number of elders will grow at a faster pace as the baby boomers become seniors themselves. How can we provide for the growing number of people who don't have access to basic care services? Nursing homes are too expensive.

I am fearful that not funding Kupuna Care would be a step backward for the state and would make life very difficult for families like mine.

Kathryn Okazaki | 'Aiea

TRASH CLEANUP

WE MUST PREVENT RUBBISH DUMPING

Mahalo to everyone who volunteered time and equipment to clean the rubbish dumped illegally on O'ahu's west side by thoughtless people with no respect for the 'äina.

Much has been written about the efforts of so many individuals and companies who pitched in and finished a tough dirty job. The community owes them a debt of gratitude.

My question now is what is to be done to prevent and prosecute those who continue to dump illegally and defile our island?

michael barnette | Honolulu

JAPAN FLIGHTS

SUPPORT IS STRONG FOR HAWAIIAN AIR

I am in agreement with Murray Towill's assessment ("Hawaiian a perfect fit for Japan flights," Feb. 26) that Hawaiian Airlines should be awarded landing slots at Toyko's Haneda International Airport. It would definitely be a good fit for them, and I believe welcomed by the Japanese tourism industry.

But he missed a big opportunity. Towill states that the U.S. Department of Transportation takes into consideration public input favoring the bidders in their decision. It would have been useful to have given the names and addresses of those to write at the Department of Transportation, and encouraged readers to send letters in support of Hawaiian Airlines acquiring this route.

Hawaiian Airlines' recent successes and its intent to acquire newer, larger aircraft bode well for our state's tourism industry and economy. We not only wish them well, but would like to help them along.

Robert Umstead | Mililani

STATE SPENDING

MISMANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES SHAMEFUL

Rowena Akana's letter (March 1) is 100 percent on the mark. Clearly, our politicians spend all they can. Then, instead of managing the state's resources and finances as they should, they become "creative" by finding more ways to mismanage our funds and resources.

In other words, they sell the latter to get the former, so they can squander all the more. It's actually just more "tax and spend" with a catchy title.

It's shameful political irresponsibility. Let's all say no to such political squandering.

jon von kessel | Honolulu

TSUNAMI

BE THANKFUL FOR ADVANCE WARNING

We thank the many scientists and media outlets for their coverage of the tsunami.

It is amazing that the scientists could so accurately predict the arrival of a potentially catastrophic geologic event. This precision and the responsible and timely information given to the public helped us to prepare our family, home and farm for potential disaster. We are grateful our preparations were a "dry" run.

Twelve hours' warning of disastrous flooding cannot be valued. In 2006, our island experienced a "once in 100 years" meteorological event that resulted in massive flooding. There was no time for proactive steps as we were able to take in preparation for the tsunami.

We were fortunate that the landslide and boulders that hit our home in 2006 did not result in injury or death in our family. I remember thinking that I wished there had been some kind of warning.

Many people around the globe do not enjoy the protection of the technology we take for granted in the United States. We are fortunate that there is a way to predict some of the natural events that impact us.

Thank you again.

the jerome nozawa family | Ka'a'awa

PEDESTRIAN LAW

CROSSING THE STREET CAN BE CONFUSING

Pedestrians and drivers need to work together. The pedestrian law on when drivers need to stop for those crossing a street has made roads safer, but it also has created problems.

Many are confused by the law. Once while turning right at a red light, I stopped because the light changed, and there were people about to cross in front of me. A woman who was crossing yelled, "It's the law!"

Did she really not notice that I had stopped? Or did she think the law means making a right turn on red is illegal?

Some pedestrians, as well as drivers, aren't using common sense in interpreting the law. There are pedestrians who assume cars will, and can, stop immediately for them, just because they are in a crosswalk. Some don't even look to see if cars are coming.

Drivers too, should use their judgment. There's probably no need to slam on the brakes for one person waiting on the sidewalk, especially when there are tons of other cars around. They'll wait for the traffic to clear.

The solution is simple: Pedestrians should think of what they would expect as drivers, and vice versa for drivers.

erin ushijima | Honolulu

POLITICS

ADVERTISER NEGLECTSBALANCED VIEWPOINT

Does this paper have a problem with those on the right? Yes, another article about the Tea Party from those on the left. Diligent, truthful, accurate and fair? No, this paper is not fair or balanced — it's all about the progressive/liberal views. How is decades of voting to the left doing for Hawai'i?

How about a balanced approach so the people of Hawai'i could have a glimpse of other ideas instead of bashing those that think differently than your editorial board? Where is tolerance, humility, sharing and respect for different ideas?

In my opinion you are afraid to share that those on the right of the political spectrum have good ideas, love for Hawai'i and the United States and are tired of the political tone of this newspaper.

Here is an idea, actually have someone that supports right-of-center thinking write the articles about right-of-center thinking. There is change we can believe in.

Doug Howard | Hawai'i Kai