Letters | 11-29-14

Remove money from politics

Luckily, the early leaders of our country put a safeguard into our government to protect us during times of dysfunction and corruption. This safeguard is called an Article V Convention. This gives states the power to draft a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Thirty-four state legislatures need to send an official notice to our federal government saying they are “Calling for an Article V Convention.” Vermont and California have made this official “call” to draft a new amendment regarding campaign finance reform on all levels of government. There is active legislation in 20 other states in an effort to make their official “call.” Hawaii is not one of those states, but it can be.

Call your state representatives and tell them fair and free elections should be a possibility for every U.S. citizen. For more information, research “Wolf-PAC” to find out how you can make a difference.

Alex Haller

Haiku, Maui

Privatize University of Hawaii system

With so much controversy taking place in the University of Hawaii system, it virtually runs like a circus run by clowns. It is a bit suspect that University of Hawaii administration and staff get paid more than the governor. If you can not fund it, privatize it.

With privatization of the University of Hawaii system, you take the tax burden off. Like the saying goes, “you shouldn’t blame the youth” for they too pay taxes in the form of sales tax.

If privatization of the University of Hawaii system becomes a reality in the near future, you could open the door for perhaps a Syracuse Hawaii campus or a Harvard Hawaii campus just to give examples. The state of Hawaii could become the educational center of the Pacific.

However, with government seemingly run as usual after the 2014 elections, you could see an increase in taxes and tuition become a reality for the residents and students in Hawaii.

Dean Nagasako

Honokaa