Two years ago, our Legislature took a bold stand committing Hawaii to 100 percent renewable power by 2045. That distant target date already has steered policy and investment decisions toward that goal.

We need the same push in the Legislature to create a smooth transition away from fossil-fuel use for ground transportation.

In fact, clean power and clean transportation go hand in hand.

More dollars will stay in Hawaii when cars are powered by local, renewable electricity. At the same time, electric vehicles will help balance energy production on the grid.

The automobile industry has embraced the change, banking on a future dominated by electric and hydrogen vehicles. Why has our Legislature let the bills for 100 percent renewable transportation by 2045 languish?

Lisa Marten

Kailua

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EV drivers should pay their own way

In reference to (“Disregard of law causes EV parking shortage,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 27):

>> There is no reason for a shortage if each EV (electric vehicle) charging station requires credit card payment and the facility can get a portion of the fees.

>> It is insanity that the electricity should be free unless property owners believe they get a return on the investment.

>> The idea that we the taxpayers will pay for the free electricity is the craziness that got Hillary Clinton defeated.

>> The government can subsidize the purchase of EVs, but I will not pay for their continued use by others.

>> Legislation is needed to ensure that EV users contribute to road maintenance.

>> Only a vehicle with a built-in small engine charger makes any sense. If I had a electric car, I would have a Honda generator in the trunk.

Robert E. Freeburg

Kakaako

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U.S. shouldn’t be run like a business

Brian Hamilton seems to believe that because President Donald Trump is a successful businessman, he will be a great CEO for America (“Voters chose an entrepreneur for president, so here he is,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 26). This is illogical.

First, the U.S. is not a business.

Second, Hamilton’s premise that our system is “broken” doesn’t jibe with 4.8 percent unemployment, a stock market that rose from 6,500 to 19,500 points during President Barack Obama’s tenure, millions of new jobs, and our improved standing in the world.

Third, Trump should “take a destructive approach.” Bannon 101, I would guess. We have to destroy the country and start over? Not for me, thank you.

Fourth, Trump has “a bias for action.” Is action fighting with the media and bragging about how wonderful he is?

Fifth, Trump is willing to make mistakes. Making a mistake in a business deal may result in a drop in the bottom line, but a mistake in the geopolitical world can cause nuclear war.

Michael Mills

Ewa Beach

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Ala Moana towers blight isle for money

I have a nice view of Diamond Head from my condo, although the full iconic profile is blocked by high-rises in Waikiki.

For residents of the state, and particularly for visitors throughout the world, that view is both uplifting and a reminder of the best aspects of Hawaii.

When eight considerably higher towers are allowed near Ala Moana due to transit-oriented development zoning, much of that view will be gone forever (“Ala Moana TOD leaves affordable housing wanting,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Feb. 26).

Something beautiful and spiritual for many will be trumped by the worship of money and mass transit for a select few.

I was ready to dismiss the spiritual pain of Hawaiian cultural practitioners as they contemplated the Thirty Meter Telescope on top of Mauna Kea.

Then I imagined Diamond Head’s profile almost completely blocked, and topped by a shining 18-story monument to an elite who neither understands nor respects my views.

Dan Binkley

Makiki

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Sex work isn’t same as sex trafficking

It’s unfortunate that anti-prostitution religious and rescue industry figures are conflating the separate issues of sex work and sex trafficking, condemning the former while purporting to advocate against the latter (“Measure aims to decriminalize isle prostitution,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 4).

This isn’t helping.

Respected groups fighting against trafficking, like Freedom Network USA, and for human rights, like Amnesty International, have consulted studies that show that removing penalties for charging or paying for sex would make the sex trade safer, and empower sex workers as well as trafficking victims to seek help if and when they need it.

Currently both are involved in what is considered a crime, which not only gives would-be abusers leverage against them, but puts each at risk for arrest, which could jeopardize other jobs they might have or be seeking.

Decriminalization would not affect other laws, yet would make it easier to report and address human rights violations without stigma or fear.

Douglas Upp

Downtown Honolulu

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Parents could pay to help teachers

What if parents paid $100 per month for their children to attend public schools? Yes, parents pay taxes, but so do parents who send their children to private schools. Yes, the concept would need to account for financial assistance.

Even so, the concept would generate hundreds of millions of dollars per year to support public school teachers.

Charles Wassman

Mililani