There are many instances
of president’s overreach
In Charles Clark’s April 22 letter to the editor, he requests specific examples of unconstitutional actions by President Trump’s administration.
I understand his concern that Democrats might be biased against the president because of things he’s doing to our country, its people, our longstanding alliances, etc. Since I’m a nonaffiliated voter who can call out any politician who isn’t acting in the best interests of the American people, or who is unwilling to abide by the Constitution, I thought I’d provide a short list.
The president’s effort to end birthright citizenship through executive order is clearly contrary to language in the 14th Amendment. It’s therefore an unconstitutional abuse of executive power, whatever lawyers in the Department of Justice might say.
President Trump’s efforts to impound funds appropriated by Congress without congressional consent would unconstitutionally commandeer the congressional “power of the purse.” Other presidents, both Democrat and Republican, have tried this in the past. The Judiciary has ruled those efforts unconstitutional.
Trump’s attempted impounding of appropriated funds was also in violation of the Impoundment Control Act (a compliant Congress ultimately granted him some of the rescissions he demanded).
The president’s recent executive order trying to assert control over elections is in violation of Article 1, Section 4, of the Constitution, which reserves authority to oversee elections for the states. In some circumstances, Congress can intervene and impose regulations. The executive branch has no such authority.
Mr. Clark is right that Congress hasn’t formally declared war since World War II. However, in most prolonged military actions since then, Congress has passed an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which the Judiciary has determined is an acceptable use of congressional authority granted under Article 1, Section 8, in lieu of a formal war declaration.
Congress has given no such authorization for the war on Iran.
Richard Leman
Honokaa
Example of why keiki
cannot afford a house
Why our keiki can’t afford to buy a house. There are several contributing factors (i.e., labor and material costs, low-paying jobs, high interest, etc.). But I want to address one reason here.
I live in North Kohala, and down the street from me, a house sold for $425,000 in March 2025. In October of 2025, it was sold for $690,000. As of April 2026, it is on the market for $710,000.
If it sells as listed, that’s a $285,000 increase in about 12 months.
The numbers I cite are from public records and real estate listing. Anyway, can you see a problem here, and this is only one example of quick turnovers for a quick buck. There are many others.
Perhaps government can find a way to curb this practice and make housing more affordable for our young folk.
Joseph Maria
Kapaau
