Fluoride needed
State Sen. Karl Rhoads’ proposal that tiny amounts of fluoride be added to public drinking water is long overdue, and children, as well as family budgets, are suffering.
Since 1945, fluoridation has proven to be a cheap but effective way to significantly reduce tooth decay not only in children but in adults as well. I hate to read that our keiki have the worst dental health in the country!
Having spent much of my childhood drinking nonfluoridated water, I can bear witness to the pain of having many cavities. I hated the drilling, and sometimes even the extraction, of diseased teeth. The common sight of relatives’ dentures soaking was a warning to me of what nonfluoridated water could do to teeth.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring and common part of the natural environment, and the very small amount that is added to drinking water would save families from many unneeded dental procedures.
Perhaps Sen. Rhoads could explore the practicality of making fluoride available for use by catchment owners as well?
Nan Sumner-Mack
Hilo
Food crisis
I’m writing this letter to make the public aware of a gross injustice occurring within our Hawaii Island food system.
Kulana Foods was stopped by the USDA from receiving small animals like pigs, lambs and goats. As the only business on this island that can process small animals for the dozens of area farms, many small farms are in a crisis situation.
As residents of Hawaii Island, we are all aware of the fragile state of island agriculture, access to local products and our overall economy. Any action that negatively impacts such a fragile system of food safety and self-reliance needs to be of great concern to us.
Why did a company that has been running a successful business for numerous years suddenly fail inspection at the hands of a newly hired inspector? This situation should be of utmost concern for us, the residents and consumers of Hawaii Island.
We need answers! We need the slaughterhouse to be in business. We need to support the few people who are brave enough to navigate the difficult terrain of food production.
Casey Halpern
Chef, Cafe Pesto Hilo