Trump golfs as he
cuts jobs, agencies
What’s wrong with this picture? Donald Trump plays golf nine times during his first month in office, costing taxpayers $10 million.
How many government jobs could be saved for that amount of money? Jobs that keep our national parks open, refund income tax overpayments, find cures for cancer, and fight communicable diseases.
How many more presidential golf trips will we be paying for at the expense of those who work two jobs but still need HUD vouchers to afford rent?
The United States is the wealthiest country in the world with the lowest taxes. How have so many people bought into the big lie that Elon Musk and his DOGE employees are just looking for fraud and inefficiencies?
They are cutting out entire agencies that do so much good locally and internationally. They cut out the agency that protects us consumers from bank fraud and slashed the EPA, which protects our planet so it is habitable.
We are paying for the wrong things. It’s time to take our country back before it is too late.
Shirley David
Kailua-Kona
Support urged for
transgender bills
Transgender human rights are under attack as President Trump pushes harmful policies, including banning trans women from competing in sports, rolling back the Title IX protections against sex-based discrimination, and even restricting gender-affirming care for both minors and adults under 19.
With these increasing attacks, it is clearer than ever that we need strong protections here in Hawaii.
This brings me to introduce two state bills: SB1150 and its companion, HB615.
These identical bills ensure that transgender people in Hawaii have strong legal protections for gender-affirming health care. They also clarify legal rules to protect families, ensuring that if a child receives this care, their family won’t face trouble from states with anti-trans laws.
These bills will have a profound impact on not just me as a trans man, but on all my trans siblings in our community. Trans people, especially the youth, need legal and medical protections.
Our federal delegation is fighting for trans rights in Washington but faces resistance and opposition from a Republican-led Congress that seeks to strip away our protections. This is why it is critical for our local government to take on the kuleana of ensuring Hawaii remains a safe place for all, stepping up where federal protections fall short.
Readers, I encourage you to take action by calling your legislators. As of Feb. 15, SB1150 was scheduled for an upcoming hearing with the Senate committees of both Judiciary and Ways and Means. However, HB615 had yet to be scheduled.
Please call your state senator and representative to ask them to support these bills and emphasize the importance of protecting trans rights. If you’re unsure of who to call, you can click on “Find Your Legislator” on the Hawaii Capitol website (capitol.hawaii.gov).
Your support can make a real difference in protecting transgender rights in Hawaii. Now is the time to stand up for trans people. Lives depend on it.
Sage Huston
Hawaii County Youth Commissioner, District 2
