Response to Hong
I want to thank Gov. David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim for “taking absolute control over every aspect of our lives through emergency declarations” (Ted Hong, Your Views, May 18).
It is unfortunate that there are still some people who don’t think that was and is a necessary evil. They are so ignorant that they still think opening the door wide open will keep us away from the virus.
Some personal sacrifice is necessary to keep Hawaii safe. Stop your moaning and suck it up, people.
Mark my word, even if the governor and mayor threw the door wide open and let everyone do anything they want, most of us will still be staying home because we don’t trust you.
We don’t trust that you are NOT carrying the virus. We don’t know where you have been.
The rules and regulations are purely common sense. Why are you people making such a big fuss out of it?
You should be thankful you are still alive and breathing.
Hansen Tsang
Hilo
More info, please
Please join me in urging state and county officials to identify more clearly which side of Hawaii Island COVID-19 cases are.
Residents have a right to know, so we can make the best decisions on venturing out to the grocery store, workplaces and the like. Mahalo.
Barbara A. Hastings
Hilo
Election milestones
How many times will you vote in 2020? The answer is two or three, depending on your political party affiliation.
This year is a presidential election year, therefore there are two primary elections conducted in Hawaii. The political parties run their own presidential primaries, while the state runs the primary for state and county positions and the general election in November.
The Democratic presidential primary ballots were already mailed. No other political parties will have a presidential primary in 2020 in Hawaii.
To have received a Democratic Presidential Primary ballot you must have been registered to vote in Hawaii and enrolled in the party by April 4. The Democratic presidential primary results will be announced Saturday.
The state-run primary for all other state and county positions will also be conducted by mail-in ballot on Aug. 8. Primary ballots for state and county offices will be mailed out in late July, prior to the election Aug. 8. General election ballots will be mailed out three weeks prior to Nov. 3.
The Office of Elections has sent registration confirmation cards, notices about mail-in voting and signature cards. If you have not received any of these, please go to elections.hawaii.gov to confirm your voter registration and mailing address.
Returning the signature cards is not mandatory, but updating your signature on record will increase the likelihood of matching it to the signature on your ballots. You will be notified if the elections office was unable to match the signature on your ballot.
The right to vote is a fundamental to our democracy. Make sure to stay informed so you can fully participate.
For more information about the state primary and general election, including registration deadlines, replacement ballot requests and availability of in-person voting, please go to elections.hawaii.gov.
Heather Kimball
Hawaii County Committee chair, Democratic Party of Hawaii
