Ensure news coverage by paying staff fairly

I am writing this letter in support of the talented staff reporters of our local newspaper, The Maui News.

These hard-working and dedicated reporters are essential to our local wellness. They keep us informed of important issues that could only be accurately expressed by reporters with local knowledge and who truly care about the community they live in.

The importance of the national news goes without saying. However, having reliable and unbiased local news is vital to our growing community.

These local reporters need fair wages and working conditions that would continue to ensure stability in news coverage. By showing support of fair wages in these difficult times, I believe that the company executives would send a message of true compassion for these valuable employees and their families — not to mention the necessity to attract and retain our outstanding, talented local reporters. This gesture would not go unnoticed in our humble community.

Lionel Montalvo

Makawao