Think about animals during disaster prep
As a volunteer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, I can’t stress enough the importance of disaster preparedness, especially considering Hawaii’s heightened risk of significant wildfires this summer.
Just like us, our animal companions need a well-thought-out plan and a readily accessible emergency kit. Include medical records, food and water, bowls, medications, first aid supplies and comfort items. For sanitation purposes, pack newspapers, paper towels and trash bags. Remember litter and a litter box for cats.
Animals left behind during an evacuation will likely die alone, afraid and in pain. Take them with you. Keep dogs on a harness and leash and cats and other small animals in secure carriers, as frightened animals may bolt.
If you have no choice but to leave animals behind, never leave them tied up or confined. Fires, falling debris and rising floodwaters can quickly turn deadly, especially for animals restrained by chains or enclosed in pens. Open stalls and fence gates to allow large animals at least a chance to escape.
In Hawaii, where natural disasters like wildfires can occur without warning, preparedness can save lives.
Melissa Rae Sanger
The PETA Foundation
Insurance crisis demands attention
Rising homeowners insurance costs affect both property owners and renters. Premiums are not only doubling or tripling but also are accompanied by higher deductibles.
The tightening insurance market exacerbates the situation, impacting housing affordability for residents.
Some homeowners may find themselves uninsured or facing significantly higher costs with limited coverage.
In summary, Hawaii’s homeowner insurance crisis demands attention and collaborative efforts to mitigate its impact on residents and property owners.
So, let’s ask ourselves some questions.
What are the specific reasons behind this crisis?
How can homeowners protect themselves during this situation?
Are there any community-based initiatives to address the issue?
Don Carroll
Pahoa
Obama would be a good running mate
Is the Republican Party a one-trick pony?
If President Biden dies in his sleep, the Democratic Party would merely shuffle another team-player into the top slot. The team will remain stable and firmly committed to its platform of principles and priorities.
If Donald Trump eats one too many Big Macs or gets cut down by some gun nut, the Republican Party has no platform or team to fall back on. Their only version of one at this point would be a Trump dynasty, with another Trump family member filling in for the big guy. But it would not be the same, and he has not groomed any particular member of the clan to take over.
At their ages, the effect of age on the Republicans is much greater — again, because the Dems have a team in play.
To improve the team, Barack Obama as a running mate would do Biden a lot of good. For that matter, Obama could be VP for a series of elder statesmen from the Dem team whose time and “turn at bat” has come. Think Bernie Sanders.
Obama could then fill in as president each time the elder needed to step down.
Carl Oguss
Hawaiian Paradise Park