Economic growth can be damaging

Nearly everyone seems to have swallowed the absurd idea, with which we are bombarded continuously, that anything impeding economic growth and more jobs is to be rejected, regardless of how devastating it is to the environment and to the future welfare and even existence of humanity.

More development does not mean a better life for our residents. It means more migration to the islands, more overcrowding, more traffic and a continuous lowering of the quality of life.

This is true not only in our state but across the country, and not only among Republicans but equally the Democratic establishment.

Creating jobs just for the sake of more jobs is only relevant if the jobs are useful to society.

Bob Karman

Hawaii Kai

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Feral cat control works at Shafter

Fort Shafter is exemplary in reducing the feral cat population. With a little community help and policies with actual teeth, the cat population on Fort Shafter has been greatly reduced.

The federal and Army Garrison policies are very clear about what is permissible. Supporting cat colonies without TNR (trap, neuter, release) can be punished with fines and loss of post privileges.

Fort Shafter is a great example of what is possible to protect the native species and land. The majority of cat feeding stations are gone and it does appear bird nesting is on the rise, specifically the ducks who nest at ground level.

The state of Hawaii should look at Fort Shafter as a micro example of what is possible for the state.

John Learch

Fort Shafter

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Islamic rebellions harm Philippines

After five months of fighting, the Philippine army has driven radical Islamist rebels out of Marawi, the largest Muslim city in the mostly Christian country. But the victory took far longer than expected and the price was heavy — hundreds of dead, thousands left homeless, and a city in shambles.

It looked depressingly like a scene in Iraq or Syria where the so-called Islamic State had taken root and had to be driven out. And that was no illusion.

The fact is that Islamic extremism has taken root in the Philippines. Indications are that the battle did not end with Marawi.

Muslim rebellion is an old story in the Philippines. The Spanish conquerors never fully subjugated Min- danao and the small islands of Sulu. Over the centuries, the so-called Moros rose up many times against Spain, the United States and the Philippine government in Manila.

But this is worse. And the government seems to be too incompetent to cope with the challenge.

This threat — and there are others — puts in doubt the Philippines’ aspirations to become a progressive, stable and prosperous country.

Carl H. Zimmerman

Salt Lake

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Coach Rolovich keeps his word

Our granddaughter won 100 Aloha Bucks that University of Hawaii football coach Nick Rolovich draws from his wallet, to use or to pay it forward.

When asked what she planned to do, she replied, “Give it to Liholiho Elementary to purchase balls that are in bad shape.”

The coach responded, “Why don’t you use the money for something you like? Let me take care of the rest.”

True to his word, athletic balls arrived at Liholiho Elementary seven days later. Is Coach Rolovich honest? Yes! Can you trust Coach Rolovich? Yes! Through Coach Rolovich’s actions, our granddaughter has received high-fives at school from countless students and teachers.

Coach Rolovich came through for her and for the students. Who is true to his word? Coach Nick Rolovich.

Joyce Tsugawa

Waipahu

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Armed citizens can deter shooter

Carl Myatt dismisses the ability of openly armed guards who are employed to defend others and civilians who carry weapons for self defense (“Carrying guns won’t guarantee protection,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 16).

Armed guards and highly qualified civilians authorized to carry concealed weapons deter potential shooters. If deterrence fails, they could counter a shooter in a matter of seconds.

God bless the police, but it could take minutes for them to arrive and take action. In defending themselves and their loved ones, civilians with concealed weapons would also prevent others from being shot.

Unlike Myatt, if I am caught in a massive shooting attack, I truly hope there are present many armed guards and authorized civilians with concealed weapons to immediately take out the shooter(s).

Russel Noguchi

Pearl City