Letters for Dec. 28, 2015

Letters for Dec. 28, 2015

Elizabeth Freeman is a Kauai angel

You forgot to include a very important Kauai angel in your recent column — that person is Elizabeth Freeman. As the sole driving force behind Festival of Lights at the historic courthouse, Elizabeth has inspired students to help her create beautiful ornaments for all the many trees she decorates each year.

Elizabeth is a shining star every year at Christmastime and all of Kauai is able to enjoy her love for Christmas and Kauai. Please write a special “Thank you” to her for the many years she has manned this beautiful gesture, and include her as one of the most beautiful Kauai angels!

Kim Kerrigan

Estero, Florida

On GMOs and mosquito sex

Linda, thank you for your letter. It appears that no one else is interested in GMO.

First, let me assure you that the modifications in the sex life of a mosquito to reduce the incidence of dengue fever in Hawaii will have no affect on humans. GMO takes place spontaneously in nature and this is man’s way of improving our health. It is worthy to note that sickle cell disease derived as a natural response to malaria. People who have sickle cell disease do not get malaria. Nature over time has produced this result.

Now, what we don’t know. Pesticides go through a thorough approval process conducted by state and federal agencies. Modified seeds must also meet the strict criteria of approval. It takes years of scientific trials to obtain approval with the health and safety or people, animals and the environment as the prime consideration.

I believe the time has come to have a community forum so that you and I and others can be made aware of what is truth and what is fiction. I hope that someone in either the government or the private sector will sponsor such a program. I will look forward to meeting you there!

Monroe Richman, M.D.

Koloa