The Honolulu Star-Advertiser published my “Letter to the Editor” in the July 4, 2021 Sunday edition with the title “GOVERNOR HOLDS HAWAII HOSTAGE.” Strong words but some of the actions and comments by both the governor and mayor do not always pass the common sense or science test. This is the actual article:
Gov. David Ige is holding us hostage. In March 2020, Ige ordered a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all travelers followed by his stay-at-home orders for non-essential businesses. Our economy was suddenly demolished and unemployment soared. We were told we needed to “bend the curve” so our medical facilities would not be overwhelmed – reasonable enough. Well, 15 months later, we have a 90+% effective vaccine, including the variants. Our medical facilities are operating well within their patient care capacity. The CDC says that kids under 12 have little chance of COVID-19 being a health concern and that anyone vaccinated virtually has no chance of being hospitalized or dying. These are accepted facts, yet Gov. Ige still has us wearing face masks indoors with capacity limits. The governor’s decree that Hawaii hit an unrealistic 70% vaccination rate before he releases his grip on our lives seems to be a number choice which he has yet to explain the science behind. And why are those 12 years and under, who cannot be vaccinated, included in this 70% immunization requirement? Enough is enough – it’s time for the governor to rescind his emergency powers and let us get back to living life.
