Abortion ruling
I stood outside of the Queen Kaahumanu Center on June 1, surrounded by people in their 70s who protested for abortion rights before Roe v. Wade passed, and children younger than myself whose political consciousness is just dawning now.
All of us had seen the leak of (U.S. Supreme Court) Justice Samuel Alito’s draft opinion, and been outraged at the notion that six people could revoke our bodily autonomy.
Since that leak came out, the decision was made official, and a person’s right to control their body is dependent on the whims of their state legislature.
The thought of losing the authority of my own body is haunting, and as a teenager, I know that becoming pregnant at this age would take my future out of my hands.
I’m lucky to have access to abortion and contraception services, if needed, yet I shouldn’t only have a fundamental human right due to happenstance. If I were born to a family with less money, or if I lived in one of the many states that have banned abortions, the path of my life would be irreconcilably altered.
Like many other young people, I am unable to vote, yet I am desperate to see a change in our nation.
I applaud Hawaii’s congressional delegation for taking a positive stance on abortion accessibility, and I urge those reading to vote for your local politicians who are upholding pro-choice rights in our upcoming primary election.
Lowe Turner
Makawao, Maui
Improve the station
Glad I’m not the only person disturbed by the appearance of our Central Fire Station (“It’s an eyesore,” Your Views, Aug. 10).
It’s unpainted condition and upkeep is disturbing whenever I pass the station. For many years, I have hoped that county officials would recognize its need, but I have resorted to being discouraged that nothing will be done.
I would encourage more people to express this disappointment.
Calvin Enoki
Hilo
Needs a face-lift
I am in full agreement with the letter writer who commented about the sad state of the Central Fire Station Building in Hilo.
I don’t go downtown much these days, but when I do, I’m disappointed to see the building in its current sad state. It really needs a face-lift.
We should be proud of our police and fire services and the facilities that house them.
Please clean/paint/improve the exterior of Central Fire!
A. Yamamoto
Hilo
