I was disappointed to read about the cuts to the Hawaii Energy programs due to GEMS (Green Energy Market Securitization). Hawaii Energy has been effective in educating our communities about energy savings and implementing rebates and incentive programs. My family has replaced all of our old appliances with Energy Star models, changed all of our lights to LED, installed a water heat timer and smart power strips.

Hawaii Energy paid rebates and we have seen our electric bill go down significantly. We encourage friends and family to do the same as it is an easy way to save money and help Hawaii meet our energy goals. Fix GEMS so funding can go back to Hawaii Energy.

Jennifer Ignacio

Mililani

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E-book on ‘Peter Boy’ hurtful for family

Outrageous. How unbelievably unconscionable of Lillian Koller to write an e-book outlining the lives and abuses of Peter Boy Kema and his siblings, without authorization from the family. And for what purpose? There can’t possibly be anyone in the state who has not known and agonized over the story, so it can’t have been to “inform.”

What else then, but to sensationalize? Koller states that the information used was in the public domain and that her intentions were good. That’s completely irrelevant. Simply put, it is not her story to tell. To do so without the knowledge and permission of the family is reprehensible.

We see nothing good about continuing to remind Peter Boy’s family of the horrors to which he, and they, were subjected. Such wanton intrusion into an intensely private and painful part of their past is the last thing they need. What we should all provide them instead is our support, love and understanding.

Ellen Akaka

Kaneohe

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‘Peter Boy’ tragedy might bring reforms

Before another keiki dies, I pray that Lillian Koller’s e-book on Peter Boy Kema exposing failures in Hawaii’s child protection system moves officials to make much-needed reforms.

Eleni Davis

Kapahulu

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High costs here will drive too many out

Do any of our local politicians have a clue about how difficult it is for the average person or family to make a comfortable life for themselves here in paradise?

There was an article on MSN recently showing every states’ cost of living compared to everyone else’s. The article said Hawaii’s cost of living compared to the U.S. average is an astronomical 67.4 percent higher! Housing is 130.3 percent higher, utilities are 106.3 percent higher, groceries are 55 percent higher, etc.

Our mayor attends these out-of-state mayoral conventions and learns what other cities do and comes back and implements their revenue-raising ideas here. But maybe what works in Toledo isn’t such a good idea here.

Keep on taxing and you’ll have no one left to ride the rail. Paradise no longer.

Tom Richardson

Waikiki

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Universal coverage best for health care

I am glad U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono is doing well. However, millions of Americans, when faced with a similar prognosis, would simply have to die. She had the best of care, that we pay for. When I asked her about universal single-payer for all Americans at her town hall, she equivocated. Unfortunately, this is what we hear from a number of corporate Democrats.

“If you are unable to afford an attorney, one will be provided at no charge,” the law says. We need the same thing for doctors.

Around 50 other countries know that universal coverage is the only system that can really work. It takes us away from premiums, co-pays, high risk pools, networks, deductibles, tax credits, health savings accounts, pre-existing conditions, etc. Simply put, everyone is covered. Just as I pay for public education, police, fire, roads, parks, military, pensions and other programs, I expect my taxes to pay for health care for all.

This is a plea from millions of Americans: We ask Mazie for the same compassion that she has received, for all of We the People.

Jim Quimby

Kapalama

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City must condemn beach access path

We were shocked to read the front-page story reporting that a public right-of-way to Portlock Beach was summarily gated by a resident “seeking security” (“New gate at Portlock brings years-old issue to forefront,” Star-Advertiser, May 17). We call on the City and County to condemn the land where the pathway is located immediately, and open it to the public as soon as possible.

We hope the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board can move this process forward. We stand ready to provide any assistance we can.

Nobody should have the right to place foot-damaging hazards on any property, as was done on the makai side of the pathway. Surfers and beach-goers need to be aware that this hazard is there. Liability is an issue.

John and Rita Shockley

Free Access Coalition