Readers of the Star-Advertiser’s online edition can respond to stories posted there. The following are some of those. Instead of names, pseudonyms are generally used online. They have been removed.

"Silversword struggling, scientist says," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 17:

» It befuddles me as to why efforts have not been made to propagate the silverswords to the other islands. Certainly, the climatic condition conducive for its propagation can be found on the other islands.

» I thought it was my imagination that compared to my high school years, tradewind days have become less prevalent and Kona weather less of a rarity. Back in the ’70s it seemed like every day was a tradewind day. But no, rather a documented 27 percent decline. That’s very concerning, and should be a wake-up call to those of us who think Hawaii is immune from global warming’s effects.

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"Flooding hassles in Hauula have hui ‘looking at litigation’," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 17:

» That duckbill valve is entirely unnatural, it needs to be removed. So, too, is the diversion of the stream into that U-shape. Of course, then, flooding will occur and the natural balance and health of the stream will be adversely affected. Remove the parking lot and allow the stream to flow in its original form. If you still want a parking lot, put it where the U-shape is, and people can cross the stream over a little bridge. But leave the stream alone.

» The incompetence and lack of understanding our island ecosystem is unbelievable. This is a repeat of what happened on the East side. The widening of Kalanianaole Highway 12 years ago destroyed some lava tubes that were flowing cool, clean mountain water to Maunalua Bay. Now we have warm water, invasive seaweed, dead ocean life and some destroyed families who were evicted from their lifelong homes — and the homes sit with blue government "Keep out" signs in dilapidated condition to this day when you drive past. Great for the homeless but bad for the community, and the smart ecosystem that was an ahupuaa.

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"Governor asks $439M for new spending plan," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 18:

» Why is the governor hitting taxpayers for areas not part of core government required services? Taxpayers are already covering K-12 schooling. If parents and other special interest groups want preschool education, let the parents pay for it. They are responsible for this expense, not taxpayers.

» Early childhood education is probably the most important item in Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s budget. It’ll probably have a bigger effect on our kids than any new teaching methodology.

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"Retailers plan all-nighters as Christmas nears," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 19:

» This shopping obsession is getting nuts. People need to be staying home with their families and enjoying time together, not spending the night in a department store.

» If people don’t go to bed on Christmas Eve, how is Santa going to deliver his gifts?

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"De-Occupy members challenge law in suit," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 20:

» You mean these guys are still around?

» Where in the Constitution does it say that people are allowed by right to store their junk on public property?

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"Firecracker permits on the rise this year," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 20:

» Just ban it completely. Our poor dogs and elderly have to suffer for a couple hours of enjoyment. Please remember that our kupuna and our animals also need to be happy for the new year.

» My tutu is 80 years old and every New Year’s she enjoys the fireworks. At midnight, she wets a paper towel to put over her nose and goes out to see the New Year to thank God for letting her see another year. All the kupuna in our neighborhood do the same, so a lot of them enjoy it and look forward to it. It’s something they enjoyed in their childhoods and now they enjoy their grandkids and great-grandkids enjoying it.

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"Warning signal aims to ease dangers at Moiliili crosswalk," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 21:

» Pedestrians have to remember that vehicles aren’t required to stop. And even when they are required to stop, pedestrians need to pay attention.

» Exactly, pedestrians should check for traffic and be sure it is clear before stepping into the crosswalk. I’ve seen too many people cross the street without even looking to see if cars are approaching. I’ve even seen people walk into the crosswalk (without lights) as cars are driving by and forcing cars to stop. Why are people in such a rush to cross a street even though they are not in a rush to get where they’re going? People need to use common sense and have patience when crossing the street.