Volcanic Eruption

If we lose our home, we’ll contemplate our next adventure (May 7, 2018)

Regarding the lava flow in Leilani Estates (“Kilauea: 35 Homes Burned So Far And ‘No Idea When We Can Get Back’”), when we built our home in lava almost 15 years ago, we knew we were building in the most hazardous part of the island. We have loved every minute of it. We may not be able to stay, but will look back at some of the most rewarding years of our life.

We still don’t know whether or not we will lose our home. If we do lose our home, we will be contemplating our next adventure.

— Richard Bidleman, Pahoa

Waikiki Pavilions And Crime

Tearing down public structures is a shortsighted solution (May 5, 2018)

I feel this article (“Are Waikiki’s Public Pavilions Hopelessly Crime-Ridden?”) summarizes the complexity of the homeless/drug crime issue and also highlights the reasons we are not making any progress. This is a “people issue” not a pothole that needs to be filled up and the problem magically disappears.

“Solutions” presented by Trevor Ozawa such as arming park attendants or demolishing places where people gather demonstrate a level of insensitivity in our government that are at the root of our lack of progress on this issue. These people need treatment for mental illness or drug addiction, how about a “solution”  that really addresses that? I fail to see how demolishing a city asset and pushing them into a dark corner is going to help the situation.

Making the problem (homeless) less visible seems to be how some elected officials want to handle it. If we can’t see it, then it must be fixed right?

— Mike McFarlane, Tantalus

The Sunscreen Debate

Banning some products is a bad idea (May 4, 2018)

In Hawaii, the death rate from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is already 30 percent higher than the national average (“Chad Blair: The Most Progressive Legislative Session In A Long Time”).

The American Academy of Dermatology Association is concerned that Hawaiia residents’ risk of developing skin cancer will increase due to potential new state legislation that would restrict access to sunscreens with ingredients necessary for essential broad-spectrum coverage.

Sunscreen remains a safe, effective form of sun protection. While we are asking Gov. David Ige not to sign this legislation, we encourage Hawaii residents to choose sunscreens with ingredients that are still available, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Contact a board-certified dermatologist with any questions.

Although there are many safe and effective sunscreen products on the market, the AADA continues to support the introduction of new sunscreen ingredients in the United States to provide consumers with the best possible protection.

— Suzanne M. Olbricht, president, American Academy of Dermatology Association, Rosemont, Illinois