I take issue with David Rolf’s contention that only the market should drive the use of electric cars (“Let market drive use of electric cars,” Star-Advertiser, April 26).

His argument might have more validity if the market were actually free. Imperfect at best, the market alone should not guide the behavior of citizens.

Rolf represents the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association, an organization dedicated first to its own survival and, secondly, to the perpetuation of the established automotive manufacturers who are committed to the burning of fossil fuels, an obsolete technology that’s detrimental to the world’s climate and harmful to our health.

One of Hawaii government’s primary responsibilities is to protect its citizens. Mandating clean air and water in the 1970s, for example, has paid off handsomely for Americans.

It’s not only right, but prudent that government should set lofty goals. If we don’t aim high, surely we will fall short. Today’s cars are safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient because of government mandates.

Should we allow Exxon/Mobil alone to guide our children’s future?

Craig Stevaux

Kaneohe

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DOT’s Fuchigami leading reforms

It’s unfortunate the Star-Advertiser’s recent editorial unfairly blames Hawaii Department of Transportation’s Director Ford Fuchigami for supporting the creation of an independent airport corporation.

In fact, Fuchigami should be praised for having the courage to lead the charge to create this critically needed entity.

While HDOT does a fine job on many fronts, Fuchigami correctly realizes that creating a new, independent body is the best solution to allow our airports to operate more efficiently.

Many other states have already made this change with impressive results.

Far from “abdicating responsibility” or “admitting failure” this initiative represents the kind of bold, courageous leadership we need more of in Hawaii.

We applaud Fuchigami for enabling Hawaii’s airports to be best in class.

Blaine Miyasato

Co-chair, Airlines Committee of Hawaii

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Reopen search for DOE superintendent

Kudos to the Star-Advertiser for its full report on the superintendent of education finalists (“Search for next schools chief is narrowed to 2,” Star-Advertiser, April 27).

It is clear that there are serious red flags in both candidates’ backgrounds, reminiscent of the red flags in some past leadership hires at the University of Hawaii, with Evan Dobelle and M.R.C. Greenwood being most prominent.

The UH choices cost Hawaii greatly in finances and in educational progress for our university students. We can’t afford to overlook the red flags in these candidates’ backgrounds and risk our entire state’s public school system. The search should be re-opened.

Caroline Ward Oda

Wailupe

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Sponsorships will litter Oahu with ads

When groups wanted to put huge signs in our skies, on trucks and all around Oahu, the city said no. The groups took the city to court. The judge ruled that since all groups were treated the same, no groups were above Oahu’s sign ordinance.

Those groups and others are just waiting for the crack in the rule that will give them a way to put their goals above the visual beauty of our island.

What is the city’s answer to any court challenge to our sign ordinance with Bill 78 becoming law (“Council passes park-sponsorship measure,” Star-Advertiser, April 27)? All are treated the same, except if they pay for the privilege? The city would not have an answer in court, and when we see the signs go up, we will remember the City Council members and the mayor who weakened our famous, admired and copied ban on signs.

Paula Ress

Kailua

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‘Waving the flag’ can lead to unwise wars

My late father performed as a vaudeville dancer in the 1920s and early 1930s. He told me that whenever a performer’s act bombed, in order to avoid cat calls, booing and vegetable barrages, the inept performer would grab an American flag.

The orchestra would start playing “Stars and Stripes Forever”; the performer would strut across the stage waving the flag while exiting as quickly as possible; and of course, the audience would stand up and cheer — for the flag.

The modern version of this fraud was amply demonstrated by our latter invasion of Iraq, during which many Americans were vilified for refusing to support “the flag.” The power of patriotism can influence people to unite behind leaders who pursue such avoidable military actions.

I pray and hope this is not a major motive in our current faceoff with North Korea. I am a retired Air Force officer and combat veteran of the Vietnam War. I also served as a B-52 combat crew member during the Cuban missile crisis, when calm thinking and proper negotiations played a primary role in eliminating that threat of war.

Joseph A. Cammalleri

Hawaii Kai