• Circumventing the law • Dig deep and remember • Malama da ‘aina • One god
Circumventing the law
The claim that not passing HB444 violates the fundamental civil right of individuals to marry whoever they wish is not valid.
Inherent in marriage are limitations — limits on who can marry (no relatives, no minors, only two people), etc.
Without laws to control what people do, without rules and regulations to live by, this would be a chaotic world with everyone doing their own thing, and nobody in control. This is not what our founding fathers wanted, and these are not the principles upon which this nation is based.
This is a Christian nation, based upon Christian principles and upon laws and rules and regulations. What people do in the privacy of their own home should be private; to insist that a law must be created to make what they do in private acceptable in public, is not right.
There is much opposition from Hawai‘i residents to passage of this legislation. Options are available to receive benefits for people living together and not married.
This is a choice they make knowing that the current state laws do not recognize this type of relationship. I object to these same people, deciding that because of their decision to ignore state laws, the rest of the citizens of Hawai‘i must give them preferential treatment.
Hawai‘i has a law that limits marriage to a man and a woman; passage of HB 444 would circumvent that law. The majority need to let their voices be heard.
Barbara Ferraro, Hilo, Hawai‘i
Dig deep and remember
If anything should be banned or outlawed it should be Ignorance, Fear, Prejudice and Hatred.
History has shown time and time again how these culprits have created so much injustice throughout the centuries toward our “global human family.”
I look at the world around us and ask myself are we so blind did we not learn anything from the errors of the past. Are we to repeat them again and again?
Now that we are in the age of “reality.” Let us face the reality of the fact that human families need protection from these culprits that sad to say still do exist.
Please remember when gay members of your families or friends would take care or hanai your children. When you deny this right to them you in some way deny that they exist.
Let Hawai‘i dig deep and try to remember what our ancestors truly felt and meant when they said “aloha” to one another.
Brandy Lee Toma Balmilero, Honolulu
Malama da ‘aina
Having visited Kaua‘i since the early ‘70s and calling it home since 1990 I feel compelled to share an observation that is of increasing concern to me, and hopefully the rest of our island community: litter.
In recent months there have been several letters written to The Garden Island about the litter problem. These visitors spend thousands of dollars and most of that money stays on Kaua‘i and keeps our economy afloat. Unfortunately, these letters do not reflect positively on our island.
Many of these visitors won’t be back because of the unsightly mess that now surrounds us — some on Kaua‘i would like nothing better. However, it’s clear that if the visitors stop coming, our economy will be in even worse shape than it currently is. The word is spreading quickly — Kaua‘i is no longer the clean, beautiful, pristine place it once was.
It’s not the visitors that are trashing the place. Everywhere you go there is litter; it’s all over the roads, on the beaches, in the parks, at the schools. It’s is a disgrace and needs to be addressed. Let’s do it now Kaua‘i!
Teach the keiki not to litter. If you pack it in, pack it out. You all have garbage cans at home — let’s use them. When we were young one of the first things we learned after being potty trained was “Don’t be a litterbug!” I haven’t littered since I was 5 years old and never will again. There is simply no excuse for littering.
Last week while I was subbing a class at Kapa‘a Middle School, I asked four of my classes to join me in the “I’ll never litter again” pledge. Let’s hope they keep their word. It’s real easy: throw your garbage in a trash can, or take it with you until you see a trash can, that’s all there is to it.
I want to thank and commend those island residents who make a difference. You’ve been kind enough to donate your limited free time with the various Adopt A Highway programs around the island. You’ve inspired me to be more hands-on as well.
I’ve spent several recent furlough Fridays picking up along Kuhio Highway and appreciate the friendly mahalos from the few drivers who notice. It’s truly inspiring to see that there are still a few who hold dear some of the basic principles to live by from a bygone era. Lets hope that your positive actions rub off on others. Remember, malama the ‘aina.
Bernard Verkaaik, Kapa‘a
One god
Did anyone at the National Day of Prayer gathering on Kaua‘i mention the fact that “God the Father” of Christianity and “Allah” of Islam are the exact same diety?
Eduardo Valenciana, Lihu‘e
