Pedestrians should wait for cars to stop

I have noticed a trend that is affecting road-crossing accidents. People today do not look both ways before stepping into the street.

In fact, some don’t look at all. They just step out in the crosswalk, assuming the drivers will see them and stop. This is wrong. Didn’t your mother teach you how to cross a road?

“Look both ways when crossing the road,” my mother said. I’ll add, “And keep looking both ways as you cross the road, it could save your life!” This is especially true in a multiple-lane situation. Just because the car in the first lane has stopped doesn’t guarantee the drivers in the next lanes will see you and stop.

I won’t cross the next lane until the driver has stopped. I value my life. All walkers should do the same.

Whiting Hyland

Kailua

Climate change a bipartisan issue

As a visitor concerned about climate change, I was struck by your headline on more hurricanes hitting the islands (“More hurricanes predicted to reach Hawaii,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 6).

It’s clear that climate change already makes living more difficult. Hurricanes here will damage forests, power lines, food supplies and, of course, tourism. What if the harbor is damaged and no ships can unload for a month? Or the airport shuts down for two weeks?

I support a steadily rising fee on carbon-based fuels to cut fossil fuel consumption, coupled with a dividend to all households, so that we can afford the higher prices. Hundreds of volunteers with Citizens’ Climate Lobby will meet with members of Congress in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 13 to ask for bipartisan action.

Hurricanes, wildfires and storm surges don’t care if you are a Democrat or Republican; why should either party hesitate to act?

Henry Slack

Decatur, Ga.

Middle Street can be major transit hub

A recent commentary (“Change rail route for UH, flooding,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 7) was inspirational in its foresight of environmental changes and recommendations.

I advocate ending the rail line at Middle Street, which I envision as the major hub of Honolulu’s public transportation. Instead of constructing fixed rail to Waikiki, Ala Moana Center, downtown or the University of Hawaii at Manoa, an enhanced express bus system would be less disruptive and cost-prudent. More scheduled express buses during peak traffic hours can carry riders nonstop to those destinations. Buses can traverse alternate routes in situations of obstructions.

Besides the disruption of business and traffic flow in the construction zones, rail also would eliminate affordable housing and commercial properties, especially in the Kalihi area.

A wiser strategem would save millions and allow our government to fund essential programs such as education. Time to change course.

Les Nakasone

Niu Valley