In defense of Thomas Powers

Referring to Frank Dickinson’s letter of Dec. 26 (Responding to Gabbard shows “true colors!”). I too, like Thomas Powers, am disappointed with Tulsi Gabbard’s recent positions concerning refugees and the situation in Syria and Iraq.

She may be a veteran but that does not make her an authority on military strategy. Also, I, too, think she should become a Republican.

Dickinson castigates Thomas for being a “lifelong Democrat” and for voting “party line” but he sounds like a “lifelong Republican” and votes “party line!” I doubt if he’s ever voted Democrat!

I often wonder why people like Dickinson consider Hawaii to be the worst state to do business in. I was in private practice as an architect for the past 30 years and did not encounter any anti-business problems from the state. Born and raised here in Kona, we locals would agree with him that living here in Kona is not suited for everyone, especially people like him!

Some young people leave Hawaii for higher education and jobs but the loss of them is offset by the influx of mainland haoles in recent years. Maybe Dickinson can explain why so many of them have moved and settled here!

Also, I’ll bet most of the new businesses have been started and owned by haoles! It is beyond comprehension why people like Dickinson who thinks Kona is such a “terrible” place continue to live here, unlike people like Thomas Powers who appreciates living in paradise!

Burton Y. Ito

Kealakekua