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Letters to the Editor are one of the most widely read sections of the newspaper and reach a large audience. They allow community members to comment on the way issues are being addressed in the media and to influence what topics the local paper covers. Elected officials often monitor this section of the newspaper and take notice of constituents' opinions.

Keep it short and focused, preferably less than 150 words.
Many newspapers have strict length limits and edit letters for space. A concise, single-issue letter has a better chance. In the first paragraph, state your main point and why the issue is important to you. (What impact does the issue have on the local community? How are you personally invested in a particular policy or piece of legislation?) Provide facts, quotes, and numbers in the second. Use the last paragraph to restate your point and make your recommendation.

Make specific references
While some newspapers will print general commentary letters, most prefer letters that respond to a specific article. Here are some ways to refer to an article:
“I am responding to the Maui News’ March 19 editorial headlined “So, just make a decision.”
“I hope Joan Pawsat will be allowed to express her views without being censored or disallowed from the planning process (The Maui News, March 30)

Be factual and highlight aspects of the issue that haven’t been previously addressed. Use facts, figures and expert testimony whenever possible. Don't be shrill or abusive. Editors tend to discard letters containing personal attacks.

Include your name, address and phone number.
The Maui News will only publish a letter to the editor with the author’s contact information. When printed, the letter will only include your name and city.

MAUI NEWS
(Letters to Editor)
100 Mahalani St.
Wailuku, HI 96793
fax: 808-242-9087
letters@mauinews.com

MAUITIME MAGAZINE
(Letters to Editor)
33 N. Market St. #201
Wailuku, HI 96793
fax: 808-244-0446
editor@mauitime.com

LAHAINA NEWS
(Letters to Editor)
P.O. Box 10427
Lahaina, HI 96761
fax: 808-667-2726
lahnews@maui.net

MAUI WEEKLY
(Letters to Editor)
South Shore Plaza
411 Huku Li‘i Place
Suite 303
Kihei, HI 96753
editor@mauiweekly.com

MOON OVER HALEAKALA
(Letters to Editor)
P.O. Box 412
Makawao, HI 96768
mauimoonnews@gmail.com

honolulu advertiser -- letters@honoluluadvertiser.com
honolulu star bulletin -- letters@starbulletin.com
hawaii island journal -- editor@hawaiiislandjournal.com
big island weekly -- kkubat@bigislandweekly.com
hawaii tribune herald -- letters@hawaiitribune-herald.com
hawaii free press -- hfpeditor@email.com
west hawaii today -- wht@aloha.net
haleakala times -- haltimes@hawaii.rr.com
maui times weekly -- letters@mauitime.com
kauai Pub. co -- letters@kauaipubco.com
molokai dispatch -- editor@themolokaidispatch.com
molokai times -- editor@molokaitimes.com
lanai times -- lanaitimes@fullcirclepublishing.com
hawaii fishing news -- fishnews@hawaii.rr.com


Writing to elected officials

It is important that we tell elected officials where we stand on Honolua. Our input shapes the decisions our representatives will make on development or preservation of the Honolua/Lipoa Point area.

Emails, letters and faxes are the most effective and persuasive way of communicating our views to elected officials.

These tips will help you write a persuasive letter:

  • Keep it short
  • Limit your letter to one page and one issue.
  • Identify yourself and the issue
  • In the first paragraph of your letter state who you are and what issue you are writing about. If you are referring to a specific bill, identify it by number (e.g. H.R. 2372 or S. 1287)
  • Focus on your main points
  • Choose the three strongest points to support your argument and develop them clearly. Too much information can distract from your position
  • Make it personal
  • Tell your legislator why the issue matters to you and how it affects you, your family, and your community. Make a connection to the legislator. Did you vote for her? Did you contribute to the campaign?
  • Ask for a reply
  • Include your name and address on your e-mail or your letter and envelope
  • Trust your voice
  • Be polite and take a firm position in your letter. Be confident in your understanding of the issue and remember that the legislator may know less than you
  • Thank elected officials when they vote the way you want


mateo
Danny Mateo
Council Chair
Kalana O Maui Building, 7th floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Fax: (808) 270-7717
email


Robert Carroll
Land Use Committee Chair
Kalana O Maui Building, 8th floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
(808) 270-7247
Email

elle
Elle Cochran

Kalana O Maui Building, 8th floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Fax: (808) 270-5505
email

baisa
Gladys Baisa

Kalana O Maui Building, 8th floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Fax: (808) 270-7127
email

mikewhite
Mike White
Kalana O Maui Building, 8th floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Fax: (808) 270-5508
Email

medeiros
Bill Medeiros

Kalana O Maui Building, 8th floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Fax: (808) 270-7247
Email:
couch
Donald G. Couch. Jr.
Kalana O Maui Building, 8th floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Fax: (808) 270-7119
email
pontanilla
Joseph Pontanilla
Kalana O Maui Building, 8th floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Fax: (808) 270-5502
Email
victorino
Michael Victorino
Kalana O Maui Building, 8th floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Fax: (808) 270-7639
Email

 

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