Leave fireworks up to counties

To The Forum:

Just a quick thought on the fireworks controversy that is

permeating the news media and, in all likelihood, our next Legislative

session.

I agree that there should be a ban on fireworks on Oahu—if the

residents want it. Let Oahu residents, living on a crowded island, decide for

Oahu.

And let Kauai residents, living in an open, rural setting, decide

for Kauai. Let Maui decide for Maui. Let Hawaii decide for Hawaii. Let the

individual counties decide for themselves how they want to handle their own

fireworks situation.

Let’s initiate some home rule here, folks. County

rights. Let’s not allow the Legislature to dictate everything in our lives!

Tell the Legislature to pass a bill allowing each county to formulate and

enforce their own fireworks policies.

Fireworks may not be appropriate

for heavily populated areas such as Honolulu but why should people living in

open, country setting be penalized. Punish the abusers, not responsible

participants.

Keep the state government out of our homes and yards. I am

for home rule here, in these types of decision-making issues, and I believe we

need to adjust our thinking and begin concentrating on county rights.

Residents need more say in running their state and their lives.

John

Hoff

Lawai