I’ve always been interested to see the functioning of the government that is supposed to serve the people of Hawaii. Like other observers, we’re frustrated by the disconnect and the mess that we’re in.

Recently, a former State Senator and a State Representative were caught in a corruption sting. They succumbed to the bribes so quickly and blatantly. This expose has obviously created a lot of political posturing to deflect and distract from the core problems at hand.

Today’s Letter to the Editor at the Honolulu Star Advertiser reinforces the ongoing disdain and distrust for our political system.

People seem surprised by the recent corruption.

I once was at a social event with the local FBI chief and I asked him what his biggest problem was locally. I expected him to say something about drugs, the local mafia or international crime. He said it was local political corruption. This was 25 years ago.

It’s been around forever, folks.

Brent Berk

Hawaii Kai

Those are are involved in the system must have experiences with irregularities, wrongdoings, and suspicions. But sometimes a small island forces one to “go along and get along”. The two legislators will expectedly will be punished for their small amounts, relatively speaking. Campaign donations run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. These legalized “donations” need to be reined in.

It does not automatically mean that all donations are questionable. Some sincerely donate to causes and confidence that a candidate will best represent the public good. But it’s difficult to accept that hefty donations are given without any expectations of favors or attention.

In the meanwhile, TERM LIMITS is one antidote.