Letters for July 7, 2016

• Fourth celebration simply the best • Country has lots of money for ‘warfareism’ • Fresh fish important to many areas of Hawaii

Fourth celebration simply the best

Thank you Kauai Hospice for putting on such a wonderful 4th of July event. Everything from the entertainment, food, crafts, and keiki fun was fantastic but the best part was watching the people of Kauai enjoying their day together — kids laughing and dancing with their parents, Tahitian dancers rocking out to the Kapena ohana band, and an overall sense of innocence and joyful celebration.

Laura Conrey, Kapaa

Country has lots of money for ‘warfareism’

According to a news release from the office of the governor, “… the defense industry’s total output into Hawaii’s economy is $12.2 billion, with the average direct defense expenditures to the state is estimated at $8.8 billion.”

Those are our tax dollars at work!

Doubt conservatives would call that

socialism. Doesn’t warfareism seem a more truthful description?

Bettejo Dux, Kalaheo

Fresh fish important to many areas of Hawaii

As an owner of several restaurants, I rely heavily on the abundance and freshness of our local catch. Fish caught in Hawaiian waters are central to our Hawaii regional cuisine.

Because we care about what we feed our customers, I have researched how fish are caught in our waters. Hawaii fisheries are a global leader in fishery conservation management. We should be proud of the contribution our well-managed fishery makes to Hawaii and our unique cuisine and continue to allow sustainable fishing to continue in the expanded Monument area.

I am from Kauai, born and raised. You protected the fishermen with your proposed Monument expansion but we need to protect all fishermen, all restaurants, the visitor experience and all local people who want fresh fish. Please stop us from going down the wrong path, it’s too much of a gamble for economy and our food supply.

Kurt Osaki, Aiea