TOGETHER WE CAN HELP END HUNGER

The Associated Press recently reported that "one in seven American households struggled to put enough food on the table in 2008." That translates to nearly 50 million people hungry in the world's richest country.
We see plenty of evidence of hunger here in the Islands and know that the difficult economy will increase the number of those who go hungry.
We recognize that everyone is reconsidering charitable donations as we try to stretch every dollar. But even as you look at your list of contributions, we ask you to remember that food is the most basic of necessities. Your donation to Aloha Harvest is needed more than ever.
In 1999, Aloha Harvest began its mission of "partnering with you to feed HawaiÇi's hungry." This is not a problem one organization can fix. It is a challenge for all of us to overcome.
In 10 years, Aloha Harvest has delivered nearly 5 million pounds of quality food to 130 social service agencies around OÇahu.
As your holiday tables are laden with good food for loved ones, we ask that you think about those without a place at any table.
If it moves you, please help us make a place at the table for the hungry with your donation. And let us know if you would like us to pick up the commercially prepared food that may be left over from your special events. You can call 537-6945.
Mahalo.

CHRIS CHUN and KUÇULEI WILLIAMS | Co-executive directors, Aloha Harvest

TRANSIT IDEA

NAME SYSTEM AFTER PRESIDENT OBAMA

Rather than renaming Magic Island in honor of the president, Mufi should, if the transit system comes to pass, name the transit system the President Obama Express or the Obama Express.

JIMMY MURAKI | Pearl City

OBAMA'S VISIT

RESTRICTIONS AKIN TO BAN ON ALL VEHICLES

Let's put this into perspective. Ban all cars, buses and trucks from the Windward side from Makapuu to the north side of Kahana Bay, and on the Leeward side between H-1 and the mountains from its beginning to the stadium, plus all cars, buses and trucks from the beginning of H-1 to Makapuu. Everyone has to stay in their houses or walk. That is what this restriction on air traffic is equivalent to.

BOB GOULD | Käneohe

SUGAR INDUSTRY

CHOOSE LOCAL GOODS TO SHOW SUPPORT

It's a small thing given all the other troubles in the world, and perhaps not the sort of thing to bring up in the spirit of the holiday season, but I was troubled recently to realize that the venerable C&H brand is now selling foreign sugar. C&H of course used to stand for "California & Hawaii," and was the refining and marketing cooperative for Hawaii's sugar producers.

Last week I was looking for some brown sugar and noticed a box labeled "grown on Maui," then noticed a C&H package for a little less money. I was ready to buy the C&H package until I saw that it was "produced in Guatemala" so I put it back and bought the "grown on Maui" brand.

I guess it's understandable since Hawaii is down to one sugar company left on Maui, but it's still sad to see how much things have changed, and not all for the good. Auw[0xeb]!

LESTER IWAMASA | Seattle, WA

RENEWABLE ENERGY

LET'S NOT WASTE OUR UNIQUE RESOURCES

Hawaii needs to think about how to become more energy independent and in tune with the environment. Nonrenewable energy is a complete waste in so many ways. We live in a really unique place and it seems to me we should take advantage of it for creating clean renewable energy.

For example, build energy generators on the sea floor in the channels between the islands, which have some of the strongest currents anywhere in the world. A great engineering project that could create jobs and become a model for other parts of the world — the federal government might provide some funding, as well as private companies.

ROBERT UMSTEAD | Mililani

HEALTH CARE

SENATORS IGNORE HIGH DRUG PRICES

In our local society, middle-aged and elderly citizens make up a very large portion. Most of these individuals use some level of prescription medications in their daily lives. Whether these prescriptions are paid for out of pocket or by some sort of insurance, our two elderly senators decided that saving $50 billion (Congressional Business Office estimate over 10 years) in prescription drug costs for Americans was not warranted.

On Dec. 15, our two senators voted to kill an amendment submitted by Sen. Byron Dorgan, a Republican, to allow for reimportation of FDA certified prescription drugs. (Senate vote #377 Dorgan Amdt. No. 2793; to provide for the importation of prescription drugs).

The next time you see your drug costs increase, co- pay costs increase or get told you need to go to generic drug brand to save money, think about whether our two senators are looking out for us or the drug companies of America.

ALAN DEGRACIA | Honolulu