HECO should use natural gas

I’m gratified to know that Hawaii is taking the lead in using eco-power for our island state.

Granted, there are new challenges for Hawaiian Electric Co. with power surges from the solar-powered panel proliferation. They are not insurmountable.

The recently did a feature on Hawaii’s eco-power efforts: The power-grid surges were featured, but included in the story was the possibility of "steady" power from Hawaii island geothermal generation fed through underwater cables to Oahu and the other islands.

If HECO can think past generating power from petroleum by switching from diesel to low-cost compressed natural gas as a first step, Hawaii could show the nation the way to supply major electric power without resorting to the rising cost of fossil fuel generation.

We all need to pressure HECO to move forward.

John and Rita Shockley
Makakilo

Protecting fish also helps reefs

In Kailua-Kona on Hawaii island, there will be a public hearing today regarding a West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area rule amendment package.

This has been almost a decade in the making.

If passed, it offers more protection for the reef ecosystems of West Hawaii.

It would limit the species of fish that commercial aquarium fish collectors can take, ban spearfishing on SCUBA, add an additional protected bay, and include protection for rays, sharks and some invertebrates, among other things.

Sadly, there are organizations claiming to be conservation-minded that are systematically recruiting people to kill this package.

This is not a total ban on the aquarium trade. Compromise is often necessary to achieve goals. Please support the WHRFMA rule amendments.

Sue Kellam
Friends of Pebble Beach, Captain Cook

Libya incident begs questions

Unfortunately distracted by the Susan Rice-Benghazi controversy, we should be asking questions about the circumstances surrounding the murder of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and the CIA security team.

» Why were two security forces withdrawn from Libya just a few weeks before Sept. 11?

» Why were Stevens’ requests for more security at the embassy refused numerous times?

» With Washington able to observe, in real time, the events occurring over nine hours, why were the nearby CIA security teams refused permission to go to the embassy? After the third refusal, they disobeyed their orders and went anyway, enabling them to save a few of their comrades and secure Stevens’ body.

I believe the answers to these questions lie in the Obama administration’s policy of mollifying Muslim "feelings," and also a refusal to acknowledge that al-Qaeda is alive and well.

The election is over but I doubt there will be any reexamination of our policies when the administration is still calling the murders at Fort Hood "workplace violence."

Carol R. White
Punchbowl

Shooting range needs funding

If gun permit applications are on an increase, and are predicted to set a record for the City and County of Honolulu, why are the hours for the only public shooting range continued to be cut?

Since Oct. 1, 2010, the range is open just 21 hours per week, from a previous 28 hours — a 25 percent reduction in hours.

Long waits of more than two hours are common for a shooting position.

If something is not done to remedy this problem, shooters will "take to the hills" and shoot in unauthorized areas, without proper supervision. This not only leaves the shooter vulnerable to criminal prosecution, but also would be a safety hazard to people and the surrounding areas.

It’s time that the shooting public band together and demand more funding from our city officials to properly fund the only public shooting range on Oahu.

Audrey Hedani
Kalihi

Kakaako towers are too fanciful

I think that the only person who would love the two super-tall, slim towers that are projected for Kakaako is Dr. Sheldon Cooper of the TV show, "The Big Bang Theory."

With his Iron Man helmet and lightening bolt shirt, his style would fit right in with the fantasy-future style of the projected towers.

They both look like pulp illustrations of manned rocket ships, as seen in fantasy magazines of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s.

The architects involved in the tower design must have had fanciful formative years, curled up in their cozy spots, reading Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov. And the style of those illustrations burned their way into creative consciousness.

The results are tower designs that appear to be ready to take us to Mars.

This is paradise. We don’t need even a suggestion of blasting our way out,

Beverly Kai
Kakaako

Keep tax breaks for middle class

Dec. 31 is coming soon: The Bush tax cuts are due to expire.

Keeping tax breaks for the middle class will help the economy and, in addition, a slight rise in taxes for the wealthy will help pay down the deficit.

This simple formula will help create some certainty for businesses and families and promote the improvement of the economy.

Please let congressional leaders know, before the end of this year, that middle-class tax breaks must continue. It matters.

Hope Busto-Keyes
Wailuku

Season’s reason seems to be lost

It is a sad state of affairs that in the midst of a season to celebrate the birth of Christ, the only things to be found are commercialized decorations.

I visited six major island retail stores recently, thinking to just quickly pick up a small nativity to mail to our son. I located one small, very cheaply made nativity.

I enjoy the festivities of the season as much as anyone, but have we really become so commercialized that the reason for the season is lost to us?

It is sad. Am I missing something here?

Celeste Moss
Laie