New York City has a fine idea for reducing pedestrian accidents and deaths. More than 2,300 traffic lights have been re-timed so that the walk signal comes on seven seconds before drivers get a green light, giving pedestrians a head start.

I am frequently frightened by drivers at the intersection near my home as they race to make turns. Many drivers acknowledge that I have the right of way when the walk signal appears, but others do not.

I am an alert and cautious walker. I recognize that cell phone users may place themselves at increased risk if they use their phones while crossing streets, but I do not believe that distracted pedestrians pose a risk that is at all comparable to either distracted or aggressive drivers.

I wish Honolulu would consider New York’s approach to pedestrian safety.

Patricia Shapiro

Kahala

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Intimidation harms civil servants, public

One thing is grossly overlooked by the media in the state Department of Taxation’s computer fiasco (“Employees warn of problems with new tax system,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 19).

Why is a state civil servant treated like a Mafia informant, by disguising his or her identity and voice on TV news, to express professional concern about potential wrongdoing in a government operation?

We are not giving state employees civil service status to protect their jobs and income for the duration of their employment. Neither is this the main objective of the public employees union.

The main purpose for such status and protection is to enable the state employees to serve the public by exercising their skills with personal and professional integrity. And, to be able to stand up to the potential wrongdoing of the short-sighted and self-interested political class, without the fear of retribution and retaliation.

Hamid Jahanmir

Makiki

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GOP tax bill helps the grossly rich

What the Republicans are doing with changes to the tax laws makes me wonder if they are attempting to change the rules in order to perpetuate their financial monopoly. The problem is they’re playing with the livelihood of their trusting constituents.

It becomes a dangerous situation when our citizens begin to perceive that there are few ways for advancement when laws are passed that favor the wealthy at the expense of those who are one unforeseen event away from financial collapse.

The current estate tax structure allows single people to shelter from estate tax as much as $5.49 million. If you are married, you can transfer any unused portion of your exemption to your spouse by electing portability of your exemption. Isn’t a $10.98 million exemption enough?

It’s a travesty that they can pass a law that exempts the grossly rich from paying any estate tax.

Stuart Shimazu

Kaimuki

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Trump, supporters try to smear Mueller

Now that the noose is tightening, President Donald Trump, biased Republicans and fake Fox News are feverishly trying to say that special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation is biased and rigged.

Not so. Mueller and former FBI Director James Comey are both longtime Republicans. If Trump fires Mueller, it will cause a constitutional crisis like the world has never seen. Trump knows the road to collusion leads to him; that’s why he is panicking and in danger of trying to fire Mueller.

Don’t worry, Mr. President: Just issue pardons for your son, Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and others in the White House whom you favor. You don’t want to issue a pardon for Vice President Mike Pence. Remember, he was trying to get rid of you before the election after the “Access Hollywood” tape came out.

Roland Ho

Waikele

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‘Poor doors’ a sad sign of segregation

“Poor doors” (“Council panel holds up tower over ‘poor door’,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 6)?

Wow. Currently that is the only word that comes to mind. But let my blood pressure return to normal and I’m sure I can find a few more.

Hawaii is the melting pot of America, a beautiful place where you may live in a certain area depending on your ethnic background or income, or just to be close to family. But that’s a choice, your choice.

Now we have been introduced to another negative mainland influence, segregation of the classes. How sad. How very sad. What’s next, showing an I.D. with a chip at Ward Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard to a sentry that proves you are entitled to enter a wealthy condominium area? Oh, but wait: You can pass if you take the back road to the poor door.

Yes, I have many more words, but I think my point is understood. What is happening to our beautiful island? How sad, how very sad.

Tina Luke

Salt Lake

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Parents must set a good example

It saddens me how Stephen Brown and Hailey Dandurand ruined their lives by allegedly killing Telma Boinville on the North Shore (“Pair charged with murder in North Shore slaying,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 13). Now an 8-year-old girl has to go through life without her mother.

Too often we blame schools, drugs, alcohol and gangs for the problems of our young people. But there is a group that we need to hold accountable to our children — the parents.

Parents are responsible for raising, caring and teaching their children. The job of a parent is to prepare their children for life. Too often the parents have their own demons to handle and are unable to raise their children. Parents pass down the lifestyle and habits they live to their children.

What kind of legacy do we want to pass on to our children? It is time for parents to step it up and be the parents.

Alan Kim

Moiliili