Your Views for August 27

Kim made my day

On the way home from work, I saw Harry Kim waving a sign that said “vaccinate.”

My coworker honked, and we threw shakas. The big smile that former Mayor Kim gave us honestly was like sunshine personified. It made my whole day to see him out there.

To see such a public figure sign-waving was just like what I had grown up seeing him do since the early 2000s. Only this time — two decades later — it wasn’t for another mayoral run, but to encourage others to do something to help keep them and their loved ones as safe as possible.

When my mom got home, she told me about him sign-waving, and we both had the same thought about how his big smile improved our entire day.

In times where certain people have chosen to be very loud in their unkindness, all it took was one man — with the same kind smile he’s had for the past few decades — and one little act to remind me why Hawaii will always be the Aloha State.

Sadie Dossett

Kurtistown

Not mandatory

COVID-19 vaccinations should not be “mandatory.”

The unvaccinated are the cause of case counts rising, but think about it: Prior to opening that flood gates to mainland travel, we were doing really well, regardless of vaccination — or not.

Vaccinations are supposed to keep COVID at bay. However, it’s a personal choice and should not be mandatory.

Those who choose to be unvaccinated have their own personal reasons. I’ve been vaccinated. However, I also know that I can still get it and hopefully not need hospital care or be asymptomatic and pass it on to whomever.

So, I choose to continue to use a mask, sanitize and distance. I respect those who choose not to vaccinate.

Mandate prior testing and negative results for all those returning or coming to Hawaii! It’s the trans-Pacific travel that started the rise in cases, not the unvaccinated.

Makes more sense than mandating vaccinations, and you’re not infringing on anyone’s well-being.

Lee Venard

Hilo