New Year's pain from botched bill

I would like to comment about the illegal fireworks situation we are currently encountering. Yes, in Kaneohe too, we and our animals have been subjected to the nightly bombs since about Thanksgiving. What makes me especially angry now is that if our state legislators had done the right thing earlier this year, we might not be enduring all this.

Rep. Roy Takumi introduced bills in January to effectively ban all fireworks except in public displays. The House Committee on Public Safety gutted these bills, made them ineffective by negating the intended effect, and passed them on to the House Judiciary Committee. Now we again are suffering through another horrendous holiday season.

We innocent citizens are held hostage for weeks by the illegal actions of a few thugs. The police can't — and at least in Kaneohe, won't — even attempt to do anything and our state government turns a deaf ear.

The House Committee on Public Safety chairperson can be reached at 586-6530. I would urge anyone who is concerned about this situation to call and describe the illegal activities you are experiencing.

Best health care is preventative

The papers are full of articles and letters regarding President Barack Obama's health care reform. No matter what, it is still all about disease management. Why has the subject of prevention never come up? Why doesn't someone speak up about saturated fat causing heart disease, cancer, arthritis, type 2 diabetes and more? Why doesn't someone speak out about processed foods with their nitrites, MSG and other synthetic chemicals that cause obesity, high blood pressure and neurological disorders?

We know that the doctors, with their take-a-pill mentality are clueless. We know that the media likes it as it is so it does not jeopardize their restaurant advertising dollars. We also know that the D.C. politicians could care less because the health plan that they have is far and above what is being proposed for the people. But, there was a time when there was a government of the people, by the people and for the people. If we could find out where it is hiding and bring it back, maybe then we could all stand a chance.

Driver courtesy has diminished

I'm home for the holiday and glad to be back where the weather is warm and I can eat good local food. However, one thing I've noticed is that traffic has gotten worse, just over the last a year. There are a lot more people on the road, and less courtesy among drivers.

I own a car, but back at school I take transit every chance I get. It's cheaper and convenient, and I don't have to find or pay for parking. I'm pleased to hear that Honolulu's rail project is proceeding.