In your Aug. 4 story, "Takamine is top spender outside of mayor's race," state Senate District 1 Candidate Dwight Takamine stated, "more that 80 percent of this reporting period's contributions were from people who gave $100 or less," and "I believe this is reflective of the grassroots nature of the support that I've received." Excuse me? This is a gross misrepresentation of the facts. A closer look at the recently published campaign spending report shows a vastly different story. Here is the truth:

-- 245 total donors in this reporting period.

-- 96 of the 245 gave $100 or less. That's 39 percent, not 80 percent.

-- $88,201 in total contributions.

-- $30,260 from people giving $100 or less. That's 34 percent, not 80 percent.

Can we afford a state senator who does math like this?

Summary of "Takamine for the people" donors:

-- 26 percent are corporate, union, political action committees or some other special interest groups.

-- 54 percent are not even from the Big Island! "Grassroot nature of support?"

It is time for a change. Vote Ted Hong for District 1 State Senate.

Frank Deluz- Marie Ruhland

Hilo