The Emmys reached their lowest ratings after a political Donald Trump-bashing show (“Hulu hits a home run,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 18).

The Emmys are held to recognize talent on television. It has turned into a liberal-left political show where the actors give their personal views. This is hypocritical because these overpaid actors often live in gated communities with armed security, wear designer clothes, and are chauffeured to the event.

They say they speak for the poor and fight climate change while flying on private jets and living apart from the person on the street.

I and many others will not watch future awards shows until they get back to their purpose, which is to recognize outstanding acting.

Chuck Reindollar

Makiki

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Crumbling building named after queen

In Honolulu, like other major cities, one can find a number of significant buildings named for people important to Hawaii or its history, or to reflect the local culture.

For example, the Federal Building is named for Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. One can also find the Bishop Bank Building, the C. Brewer Building, the Judd Building and Alii Place. But there’s one building that stands out above all — setting a new standard for naming buildings that you will never see anywhere but here in paradise.

Simply drive up Queen Emma Street toward Vineyard Boulevard, and look left to the Ewa side of the street across from St. Andrew’s Priory School. There it stands: the lovely “En Emma” building, currently a boarded-up structure that has been under reconstruction for umpteen years.

Lucky we live Hawaii!

Peter Hochman

Kahala

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Cities do succeed in helping homeless

I recently visited your fine city and read C. Richard Fassler’s commentary, “Apply tough love to Waikiki homeless” (Star-Advertiser, Sept. 10).

He argues that a tough-love approach be used with homeless people. Mother dogs use tough love when raising their young, turning out more independent and self-sufficient pups. The same should apply to humans.

In the city of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, great strides have been made in eliminating homelessness. The local government made it a priority to do something about the problem, and for the last two years, there has been great success. It continues to be a focus of the local government, as well as for mental health and addiction workers.

Rather than looking to the animal kingdom to solve the problem of homelessness, I suggest Fassler look to places in the world that have had success in eliminating the problem, and work with local governments and health authorities to enact realistic solutions to eradicate the problem.

Dale Wallace

Tsawwassen, British Columbia

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Commission needed to reduce spending

We have a commission, complete with the requisite consultant, that meets every five years to see how our taxes can be raised or adjusted (“Remaking the tax code,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 17).

Here’s a thought: How about a similar commission that meets regularly to see how our government expenses can be reduced, operations made more efficient and deliver more services for less money?

Maybe then we wouldn’t need the commission to figure out what taxes and fees need to be raised.

John Lopinto

Kailua

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More taxes make Hawaii too expensive

The state is now considering increasing liquor taxes and fees on sugary drinks (“Remaking the tax code,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 17). It smacks of taxation without representation.

The locals can’t afford to live here as it is. Hawaii is making Florida looking better and better, even after the hurricane.

Aloha? Mahalo? Hardly.

John Baker

Haleiwa

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Rail transit project misguided from start

Honolulu’s rail transit project started as a guessing game.

Instead of the ballot asking voters about the type of wheels to be used, it should have asked if we wanted a rail system.

Before finishing the rail project, line up three large buses and set them on a Zipper lane from Middle Street to Ala Moana Center. It would be cheaper, prettier, safer and easier to board and maintain.

No one has mentioned the money that will be needed for eminent domain, given that the path of the rail will affect businesses and homes.

Lawmakers should consult experienced contractors before making final decisions.

Isabella Ventula-Chong

Kapalama

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Hurricane revealed dangers of chemicals

Oil and chemical companies claim their products are safe, which is not true. If you come into contact with them by breathing, ingesting or by skin contact, they can do severe damage.

Hurricane Harvey has shown that these companies cannot keep their chemicals from contaminating the environment. With earthquakes and the possibility of war, it should be a priority for these companies to provide containment that can withstand these possibilities.

It’s time for us to re-evaluate the use of these dangerous substances, not only for us, but for all the countries of the world.

Glen Murray

Waikiki

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Governor should support public’s view

Regarding Lee Cataluna’s column, “Hanabusa brings vigor to the race for governor” (Star-Advertiser, Sept. 6): Has she forgotten that Colleen Hanabusa endorsed Hillary Clinton over our Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic primary election? Did Hanabusa just follow U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye’s instructions?

Inouye implied that Obama was out of touch locally because he attended Punahou School. Well, more than 75 percent of Hawaii voters chose Obama in the primary caucuses.

I clearly remember my wife and I stood in line for more than two hours in the primary to counter the Inouye/Hanabusa endorsement. I am an 85-year-old lifelong Democrat and want my governor to fully support the people of Hawaii without reservation.

Richard H. Endo

Kakaako