OK for members to have political preferences
I disagree with J William Sanborn, who in Wednesday’s WHT protested what he sees as inappropriate conduct of officers of the Waimea Community Association. In the run-up to a non-partisan candidate forum, according to Mr. Sanborn, officers should not publicly be seen supporting candidates by standing on a street with them as they wave campaign signs. He characterizes such as “the appearance of political involvement,” albeit “innocent.”
I see a difference between an individual exercising constitutional rights, and an individual serving a community organization. Serving the community as a volunteer doesn’t require that one leave one’s rights at home. We all have political preferences. In a tightly knit community our preferences are often widely known. But having known leanings should not disable a person from serving the community as a volunteer. Bless them for doing so, and let’s not equate a volunteer’s known politics from being seen as the official position of the organization itself.
Niel Thomas
South Kohala
Oahu oblivious to outer islands
In view of Honolulu’s Hepatitis-A epidemic, us outer islands should request Honolulu Public Health to take aggressive steps to prevent infected persons from leaving Oahu and coming to the outer islands. Note when our island had dengue fever, Honolulu did not notice till we approached 150 cases, and our state of emergency only came after 250 cases.
When Honolulu had 1 Zika virus case acquired outside the state, a state of emergency for all of Hawaii was declared. As of July 8, Honolulu has 31 cases of Hepatitis-A. Double standard? Outer island mayors must take strong steps to protect us from Honolulu’s self-centered health situation.
Dexter Vredenburg
Waimea