Let’s hear more from candidates
Wouldn’t having an opportunity for people interested in public affairs to send questions and concerns to the newspaper which can be reviewed and selected for the candidates to respond with their mana‘o? It could be a feature over a period of time because of the space factor (with TGI having the right to limit the number of words in the questions and the replies so as not to have some drone on and on). Here are some possible questions to field:
1. Why should we vote for you for the office you’re seeking?
2. How important is it to be a “party” member? Why or why not?
3. Describe your communication skills.
4. What would be your top priorities if you are elected into office?
5. How well do you know your “territory” — geographically? historically? politically?
6. What does “malama aina” mean to you?
There are others, I am sure, with questions and/or concerns which need to be focused upon. Having a series of this kind of interchange between candidates and the constituency would be extremely helpful in providing “common ground” to assess the abilities, intents and purposes of the office-seekers.
Jose Bulatao Jr., Kekaha
Medical field seems to be pushing opioids
Last year I went to the emergency room at the hospital. I was in pain and the doctor did an MRI. I was offered an opioid for pain an also an opioid prescription. I explained to the doctor that I am a recovering addict (38 years clean).
The doctor explained that if I refused opioids that I had to sign a form that I was offered opioids and refused them. He went on to explain that the state of Hawaii requires that a doctor opioids to patients in pain, or claiming to be in pain, even if they are known drug addicts.
The doctor was on probation for refusing a prescription for opioids to a person he knew was a hard-core addict. I not only was forced to sign the statement that I was offered a prescription for opioids, I also received a call a month later that the doctor did offer them to me. Why is the state of Hawaii pushing opioid use? Read an article that Kauai is suing over opioids. Why not sue the state of Hawaii?
Joseph Browne, Koloa
