We know that Hawaiian Electric Industries is totally broken because it:

>> Recently expanded its coal-burning power generation contract;

>> Still seeks to waste millions with an expensive conversion to liquefied natural gas, another dirty fuel:

>> Severely betrays Hawaii ratepayers with the nation’s highest energy rates despite Hawaii being immensely rich in renewable energy resources.

Surprisingly, even one of HEI’s own executives describes HEI as an “extremely weakened team.”

However, we cannot allow a slick, profit-motivated company that uncooperatively and irresponsibly refuses to disclose its energy plans, programs and timelines to drain Hawaii of its shrinking dollars. So the big question before Hawaii and the state Public Utilities Commission is: What is NextEra really going to do for us?

Essentially, Hawaii has two poor choices between HEI and NextEra. Logically, it has no choice but to seek better energy provider alternatives.

Ed Uchida

Hawaii Kai

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An email could save state cash

In the front-page article about bringing back an interisland ferry system, state Department of Transportation Director Ford Fuchigami said he has inquired about the Superferry vessels and was told the vessels are not being used (“Ship ahoy?” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 4).

In the very next paragraph, state Sen. Lorraine Inouye said that she and Fuchigami will travel to Washington, D.C., in March to learn more about the status of the vessels.

Two people traveling to Washington could cost thousands of dollars.

A free email could ask the same questions: Are the vessels being used, are they seaworthy, and would the state of Hawaii be able to buy the vessels back?

And by the way, aren’t we paying four elected officials residing in Washington to look out for our interests? Surely someone on their staffs could make these inquiries.

Gregory A. Poole

Mililani

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State ivory ban not necessary

Politicians support the agenda of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) by introducing ill-conceived ivory-ban legislation based on lies and deceit.

HSUS makes false claims, misquotes facts and helps fund media propaganda that influences lawmakers.

The ivory trade is federally regulated and enforced, along with international law. Individual state legislation is a waste of time and taxpayer money. It entails loss of revenues, criminalizes law-abiding citizens and is an unconstitutional taking.

Precious legislative time should focus on meeting dire needs of the people. Local issues should supersede legislation to address Africa and China’s illegal ivory issues.

Deliberation on solutions to ease the suffering of Hawaii’s residents should be paramount.

Michele Lincoln

Lahaina

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Obama policy on ISIS working

Some polls show that Americans’ top concern is national security.

To stoke those feelings of anxiety, the GOP presidential candidates wasted no time in revving up the engine of their hate and anger machine. They claim that President Barack Obama’s feckless policy is indicative of his lack of desire to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria because “he hates America.” They are engaging in the worst form of demagoguery for political gain.

Instead of offering a viable alternative plan, the Republicans keep on recycling hackneyed slogans such as, “We need leadership and to find the courage and resolve to uproot ISIS.” Empty rhetoric can’t defeat the enemy.

Obama’s strategy to pummel ISIS with relentless airstrikes is working. According to intelligence reports, the U. S.-led coalition has been inflicting heavy ISIS casualties.

Protecting America from terrorism is not a game. Republicans need to stop playing politics and join Obama in destroying ISIS’ terrorist network.

Rod B. Catiggay

Mililani

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Express train makes sense

Robert Rodman’s proposal about an express train should have been part of the plan from the start (“Rail should feature an express option,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Feb. 4).

Although it would require more land, five train stations would be better, with new housing near the stations and not densely packed in Honolulu.

Businesses like the Ala Moana Shopping Center would invest to build stations so they would have their business available to all riders. The stations would serve as a hub for bus service so parking wouldn’t be an major issue.

Let’s have a real rail system with rail stations like the mainland.

Lance Miyake

Kahala