Letter: Hawaii Dems toe party line at cost of people

As a lifelong Hawaii resident and former Democratic voter, I am deeply disappointed in the recent Democrat-led government shutdown and the continued lack of independent leadership from our own U.S. senators, Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz.

Both have chosen to follow the party line and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer’s direction rather than standing up for what is right for the people. Their actions show a troubling lack of accountability, compassion and common sense. The shutdown hurts working families, kupuna and small businesses across our islands — people who cannot afford to be political pawns in partisan games.

I once supported these leaders, believing they represented Hawaii’s values of fairness, responsibility and integrity. Sadly, they have instead become symbols of blind loyalty to party politics.

Elected officials must know that Hawaii voters are paying attention. If our leaders continue to ignore the people they serve, they should not expect our votes.

Hugh Okuda

Kaneohe

—

EXPRESS YOURSELF

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.

>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.

>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813

>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), [email protected], staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter