Just pass it
We are so close to passing Senate Bill 3289 to create a Hawaii retirement savings program. Both the House and Senate passed different versions of the bill, and now the differences must be resolved in conference before the bill can go to the governor.
The bill is supported by small businesses, workers and taxpayers. It would create a retirement savings program to help more than 200,000 workers in Hawaii save easily at work through payroll deduction.
These workers, many of whom work for small businesses, do not have retirement savings like 401(k)s because it’s too complex and expensive for businesses to offer this benefit. Other states have successfully offered similar programs.
As more workers save, fewer kupuna will need government social services as they age. Both versions of the bill will give workers the opportunity to save their own money for a better future.
The House and Senate must finish the job, compromise on their differences, and pass the bill.
Mark Koppel
Hakalau
‘Yes, we can’
Calling all citizens of the United States as the dark side is looming over our democracy in America, where blatant lies and deceit are tolerated from the top down, namely former President Trump, and then promoted by his blind loyalists — namely the seven Republican senators.
Note this list of senators who took the spotlight and objected to certification of Joe Biden’s victory — Ted Cruz (Texas), Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming), Josh Hawley (Missouri), Tommy Tuberville (Alabama), Roger Marshall (Kansas), Rick Scott (Florida), John Kennedy (Louisiana) — and remind your relatives of such atrocities in those states.
Our elected officials did take an oath and know the difference between right and wrong. Of course, we have heard that all politicians lie but this shame reflects on the party that continues to condone it. We the people will not forget to follow up with ultimate ramifications — come reelection time!
Despite the many trumped-up fantasies on fake news stations, it needs to be mentioned that the popular vote never elected Donald Trump (who stole the 2016 election from Hillary Clinton) and that he held the lowest national polling averages as a single-term president.
In addition, be weary of his party’s efforts to limit polling in several states and take away a woman’s right to her choice over an abortion.
It is time that we the people made the difference as we have in the past. Let’s learn from Ukraine and come together as a nation, no matter you are white or nonwhite and make it happen for all the people of USA.
To quote Barack Obama: “Yes, we can” overcome these road blocks. Your vote is your voice!
Mary Uyeda
Hilo