Letters | 9-5-15

Overpopulation equals trouble for planet Earth

With Earth’s population nearing the 7.4 billion people mark, such statistics quantifies into severe negative effects on mankind and this precious planet. First of all, Earth can appropriately house approximately 1.4 billion people in a conducive manner. Thus Earth is way overpopulated in this day and age with approximately 220,000 people added to the mix on a daily basis.

Sadly, because of malnutrition and shortage of food, about 24,000 people die on a daily basis throughout the globe. With droughts occurring throughout the planet, such a figure would jump through the roof. Where are the days when parents could tell their kids safely to go out and play — about 30 to 40 years ago? Now with the ozone layer being destroyed, more ultraviolet rays reach Earth’s surface, making it less safe to play in the sun.

All in all, overpopulation equals trouble on Earth. The negatives are too long to list and I’ll keep this article brief. In addition to the aforementioned issue listed above, such things as the strain on Earth’s forests and oceans, less privacy, more severe and frequent weather phenomenon such as floods and hurricanes are other negative impacts to Earth and mankind.

Dean Nagasako

Honokaa

America’s poor hurt by the wealthy, government

One reason crime goes up is it’s hard to be poor in America, especially Hawaii.

Being poor is tough everywhere, but it is especially discouraging surrounded by opulence.

We can’t change human nature, though we try. At least, the very well-off can stop exploiting (under-compensating) the poorest workers. The government can stop arresting and prosecuting (mostly poor) people for victimless-crimes, a policy that can convert them into criminals.

Ken Obenski

Kaohe, South Kona