Group cannot decide for all Hawaiians

There is a need for correction to misinformation being directed by Hui Malama. The lineal claimants have no intention of defiling burials, ancient or otherwise. This case is about civil rights, not religious rights. The fact that Hui Malama took these artifacts, and now refuses to return them, violates a federal court order. Not even the president of the United States can get away with violating a federal court order.

Hui Malama is trying to make decisions for all Hawaiians. They have no authority to do so unless we let them. The healing can begin after the artifacts return to the people. These are the facts.

False claims smear agriculture biotech

I am responding to those who criticize the agricultural biotech (GMO) industry. I do not like to engage controversy in the media, but am appalled at the blatant falsehoods and baseless accusations directed at our hard-working people and a safe, legitimate industry.

There are a lot of scary and misleading claims out there about ag biotech that have been discredited by scientific and health experts around the world for being blatantly deceptive or outright fabrication. Many of these so-called "facts" come from big activist organizations on the mainland.

The truth is, ag biotech has a superb, well-documented health and safety record and is supported by many credible and respected organizations including the American Medical Association, American College of Nutrition, National Academy of Sciences, Food & Drug Administration, American Farm Bureau and researchers at major universities across the country.

Circulating misleading claims not supported by credible science is irresponsible and unethical, and does not benefit our people or our community.

Parents should teach sons how to drink

Regarding "Isle DUIs mostly young men" (Star-Bulletin, Jan. 12): The National Commission Against Drunk Driving reports that drivers ages 21 to 34 are responsible for 60 percent of alcohol-related crashes, so with all this media coverage, why do young men still drink irresponsibly?

Some people suggest teaching boys not to drink at all. Well, that was the main theme when I was in high school, and I can tell you from experience that it's not going to work.

Teenage boys must be taught to drink responsibly before they are legally able to obtain alcohol for themselves. Parents should be the ones to teach them, otherwise boys will learn how to drink from their friends who might know just as little. If the state is going to prevent parents from teaching their children how to drink responsibly, then the state should come up with a better plan other than just letting these young men kill themselves to serve as an example to others.

Parents should be given full rein to teach their children everything about the dangers of life.

Case might flush some politicos out of hiding

Ed has guts. Neil, has your "fire" left? Mufi -- what to do? Ben and Walter, is retirement too boring for you?

Stop! Overbuilding is ruining Hawaii

I am becoming increasingly concerned about the future of Hawaii. Overdevelopment and environmental abuse are just a couple of the serious issues facing Hawaii today.

We continue to have explosive growth into Leeward Oahu and continued development on other islands. What is going to happen when we simply run out of room?

A record number of visitors came to Hawaii this year, yet for some it isn't enough. People visit Hawaii because of its amazing environment and laid-back lifestyle. If we lose these features and turn all our open land into housing subdivisions and condos, then we lose what Hawaii is known for and why we love it here.

Hawaii has a unique ecosystem, yet residents and visitors alike throw trash around, overfish the waters and treat the environment with disrespect.

Sure, people continue to favor further growth and economic development, but at what cost? Hawaii requires strict enforcement for environmental laws and caps for new arrivals and visitors to control growth.

You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.