Mentally ill need further state aid

At a recent briefing at the state Capitol, Department of Health leaders disclosed plans to disenroll people with severe mental health disabilities from its programs. These people will be asked to get their mental health needs met by services provided by their private insurance.

Services provided by private insurance are far less comprehensive than services provided by the Department of Health. This will result in worsening of illness, more relapses, hospitalization, increased involvement in the criminal justice system, more injuries and suicides.

Another federal court sanction on the DOH is possible, resulting in more fines paid out by the state. DOH should think about the consequences of its plan and make the care of the mentally ill a top priority.

GOP hypocritical on stimulus issue

It is hilarious that the Republicans bashing the stimulus bill for months, calling it everything from socialism to evil, have been found unashamedly accepting their share at ribbon-cutting ceremonies in their respective districts throughout the country. Congressional leaders John Boehner, Mitch McConnell and Eric Cantor and other members of their party like Joe (”;You lie!”;) Wilson and Jim (”;Obama's Waterloo”;) Demint have all said “;No”; in the name of so-called conservative principles to the stimulus bill — but have gladly reached out with open arms for their share instead of refusing it, boasting of the thousands of jobs it will create for their constituents.

It appears that they are not embarrassed and their constituents are not holding them accountable for their hypocrisy.

No reason Lingle should delay rail

After reading about the mayor's update on the rail project, I'm more convinced than ever that the time is right to move forward with an elevated rail system as currently proposed.

The federal government says Honolulu is in line to receive substantial financial support. The Honolulu Business Roundtable says the financial plan is sound. The record shows an elevated train would be much safer than at-grade transit. Polling of the community has reflected consistent support for the project. Thousands of our citizens would have good paying construction jobs spread over the next several years.

Furthermore — and this is perhaps most important from a funding perspective — U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye, who chairs the United States Senate Appropriations Committee has expressed his whole-hearted support.

So under what pretense could the governor refuse to accept the project's final EIS?

Waikiki Health Center a blessing

This is a huge rave for the Waikiki Health Center on Ohua Avenue. I was visiting Waikiki for a month and needed quick medical attention after catching a bad virus shortly before I was supposed to fly home. The employees in the clinic were professional, extremely organized and efficient, and even billed my insurance for me. The physician assistants were the best! I received exceptional quality care and attention both times I was seen. What a wonderful service they provide to anyone who needs medical help. Thank you for helping me, especially Jeanelle Ponce and Joseph Luna. The community is lucky to have you.

Students vent about fireworks

(Editor's note: The following four letters were among several on the fireworks issue submitted by Ann Kondo's eighth-grade social studies class at Mid-Pacific Institute.)

BAN IS ONLY SOLUTION

As much as I don't want fireworks to be banned, I think it's the only option that we have to keep the aina clean and healthy for future generations.

I understand that fireworks are a tradition in Hawaii, but if we want a healthy Earth and healthy people, then we need to do something about it.

Even though we have had fireworks for generations, we need to cut down on the pollution that comes from fireworks. Banning fireworks is a great solution, but it's a hard tradition to let go.

Jade Botelho

ENFORCE THE LAWS

Why do people continue to get away with popping illegal fireworks?

The reason is that existing laws have not been enforced. Each year the number of permits sold goes down, the number of complaints goes up, and yet barely any arrests have been made. More arrests need to be made of those who don't comply with the law.

Fireworks shouldn't be banned because many people enjoy seeing the colorful displays being shot into the sky on New Year's Eve.

If it were multiple times a year, a ban would make more sense. But in Hawaii, many of us look forward to the New Year just to see the pop and bang of the fireworks.

Koko Hanson-Dobbs

FIREWORKS A DANGER

We should ban fireworks in Hawaii since they threaten our health.

The loud noises, fumes and explosions are troublesome around New Year's Eve. While riding in the car, I noticed the thick smoke in the air and I couldn't see the road very clearly. Such a problem could lead to car accidents and sight obstruction. Not only the heavy fog, but also the fireworks themselves pose a threat to peoples' health. Eighteen injuries were caused this year, including children who ended up in the hospital after being burned by fireworks.

If we do not do something about this soon, everyone will be at the risk of injury, or even death.

Besides, wouldn't it be much nicer to save all that money wasted on fireworks?

Victoria Bui

KEEP TRADITION ALIVE

Fireworks in Hawaii are a longtime tradition that many families enjoy to welcome the New Year.

For some it represents good luck, long life, and wards off evil spirits. Why ban fireworks completely and interfere with such a meaningful tradition?

Each year many families look forward to lighting the long strands of red firecrackers at midnight. It is a custom carried from one generation to the next going back many years in Hawaii, way before I was born. It is part of who we are and what makes New Year's in Hawaii unique, special and memorable. It just wouldn't be the same without it.

If fireworks are completely banned, vendors who sell the legal ones will go out of business and may further increase the black market that sells the illegal ones.

We need to enforce stronger laws and fines and get more people in our neighborhood involved to report illegal sales and use.

Jenna Kobata