Here’s a novel idea for City Councilman Ikaika Anderson and the Council’s Planning Committee. Instead of rezoning more pristine agricultural land in Malaekahana to create needed housing, why not enforce the current zoning laws on illegal vacation rentals to create the additional housing units? I have 100 or so illegal units just in my immediate neighborhood of Sunset Beach.

Jack Lutey

Haleiwa

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Reminder: Federal judges not political

The summer will be filled with discussions about Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings as the next justice on the United States Supreme Court. Those discussions would be well-served by keeping in mind that the United States Constitution intentionally separates the power in the federal government between three branches: the Congress, the president and his departments, and the courts. Only the courts are un-elected, and federal judges, once appointed, are appointed for life. We choose the president and Congress by voting for them.

Because the courts are not elected, federal judges should completely refrain from acting like law makers. So when you hear folks complain that Kavanaugh is likely to rule one way or another on a political issue, remind them that federal judges are not supposed to be political.

James Hochberg

Downtown

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U.S. borders not wide open to the unvetted

I hear the frustration from letter writer Alice Abellanida, where she claims there’s U.S. “hysteria on abolishing” the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and “opening our borders” to “unvetted and undocumented people” (“U.S. defense includes military and vetting,” Star-Advertiser, July 10).

But first, why are we wasting ink on opinions that are obviously false? The U.S. is NOT opening its borders to unvetted, undocumented immigrants. Second, the plea to abolish ICE is justified, considering its “unvetted” inhumane enforcement separating children from parents. Surely, we don’t need ICE if our immigration policies are humanely documented and enforced. Third, if we repeat such false statements as Abellanida’s, regarding demands to open our borders to unvetted, undocumented immigrants, misinformed people will end up believing the media, repeating false statements.

Finally, our military’s kuleana is not to enforce regulating our borders. If anything, I would question why we have 800 military bases in 70 countries.

Brad Baang

Waianae

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Future depends on well-informed voters

My hat’s off to those 66 percent of respondents to a June Star-Advertiser “Big Q” question: “Would you engage during election season reading candidate profiles and viewing debates?”

Those individuals chose, “Yes, want to make informed decisions.” Hurrah, people who plan to vote as informed citizens!

The optimism of our country feels so affected by events. Loud protests serve their purpose, but the real power is at the ballot box.

I’m even heartened by my 18-year-old grandson, who just turned old enough to vote and is registered to do just that.

It starts at the state level when we support with our votes those candidates who most reflect the desire to properly handle local issues. From there, our power as voters goes nationwide.

We need more voters and especially need more young voters. Their futures depend on paying attention to issues that certainly will impact them.

Gladys Lucas

Mililani

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Hui car-share launch is game-changer

The car-sharing “Hui” is a game-changer (“Toyota launches app-controlled car-sharing in Honolulu,” Star-Advertiser, July 11).

Cab drivers will hate it. If you only need a car for an hour to go from A to B, it is a lot cheaper than a taxi. And Uber and Lyft will get a run for their money if they don’t drop their prices. The giant car companies like Toyota can out-spend all competitors if they need to, to gain market share. My only question is: Will they go “sustainable” and switch to electric soon? We should hope so, for the environment that our keiki are going to inherit in tomorrow’s Hawaii.

Steve O’Harrow

St. Louis Heights

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Joyful photo of girls in Pahoa lifts spirits

Thank you for the excellent June 25 front-page photo of the five young ladies in Pahoa, enjoying “comfort food.” It was refreshing and heart-warming to open the newspaper to see these youngsters in action — laughing, sharing a meal and enjoying each other’s company, especially during such trying times in their community. The best part is they were not carrying, or texting on, cell phones.

Considering the daily bad news and violence we are exposed to via the media and across the country that can consume one’s hopes, this photo lifted my spirits in many aspects. Kudos!

Barbara Taum

Kailua

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Shortsighted actions will burden our kids

This is regards to William Metzger’s letter about climate change (“Congress ignores climate change,” Star-Advertiser, July 5): He got it right when he stated “How sad, how stupid, how shortsighted.”

I remember when officials decided that we were going to have an above-ground rail system for $4 billion, and I said that we would be fortunate if it totaled $8 billion. I often wonder if these people in government ever think about what the children of tomorrow are going to be burdened with for the rest of their lives. Shortsighted is definitely an understatement.

It would be a change for all if those running for office were able to think ahead and not just jump in the water at the newest idea. Let those who are able to do so step forward.

Carol P. Britton

Nuuanu