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.

"Isle soldiers prepare for Afghan mission," Star-Advertiser, Dec 31:

» We have it all wrong. We should be bringing all of our troops home from that God-forsaken country, not sending more over there to kill and/or be killed. When will we learn?

» Afghanistan was always a wasted war, a massive waste.

———

"The crowds swell along with waves on the North Shore," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 1:

» The traffic actually backs up to halfway on Joseph Leong Haleiwa bypass road and crawls from there.

» Tourists come here to experience the beauty and power of nature that emanates from the high surf on the North Shore. Images are perpetuated by the Triple Crown surf meets held annually out there. If it means more dollars for the state, so be it. Unfortunately, it also equates to more diligence and effort on the part of the lifeguards and rescue personnel. We always have those persons who overestimate their skills and experience in risky situations.

———

"Fireworks injuries, blazes fall sharply from last year," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 2:

» It was the most quiet and most boring New Year’s Eve ever. Oahu residents should be given the opportunity to vote on this fireworks ban.

» My neighborhood had so much illegals fireworks going off for three hours. My question is, where were the police?

» I noticed a significant increase in aerial fireworks and what also appears to be an increase in homemade devices. While fires and noise were down from previous years, I believe this ban has created a situation similar to South Central L.A., where there is an increased danger of an innocent bystander being hurt by illegal activity. I say give people back their sparklers and let those who want to endanger themselves do so.

———

"Focus on service propelled Gabbard," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 2:

» Don’t expect too much and be disappointed when Tulsi cannot deliver. Remember, she is the junior representative in a body where seniority means everything. It will be years before she can be an effective rep of us folks back home.

» She is OK as a powerless freshman representative but her weak academic background and lack of experience do not make her a Hillary Clinton. She won office because people could not stand Mufi Hannemann anymore.

———

"Get it off!: Tattoo removal is a long process," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 3:

» Never tattoo your girlfriend’s name on your skin. Your new girlfriend might not like it.

» Think before you ink.

———

"Obama returns to Oahu to resume his vacation," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 3:

» The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 should include unnecessary back-and-forth trips on Air Force One.

» President Barack Obama’s contribution to the national debt should not go unnoticed, but since he was elected to office for another term, I guess the debt has gone unnoticed. Not to say that other presidents didn’t contribute to the debt, because they did for the past 50 years.

» I hope he enjoys his stay. He still a long road ahead. I wish the best for him and his family.

———

"Getting state ID card takes 2- to 3-hour wait," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 3:

» The city knew the lines were going to be long, so get more staff to handle the crowds.

» This is a state issue. They dumped this on the counties but did nothing to assist them.

———

"Revenue from taxes predicted to rise 5%," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 4:

» This is good news but let us not overcommit. The good fortune could end at any time.

» Oh great. So now that the Council on Revenues thinks it will rise 5 percent next year, the budget will not be trimmed.

» If, in fact, revenues do rise, rather than spending like a drunk sailor on new projects or restoring those funding cuts to certain programs, which proved that they didn’t need the money they were receiving, start by using some of the increased revenue to reduce the unfunded liability of the state retirement system, road repairs on state roads, repairs to aging schools, etc.

———

"Customers lament loss of old reliable Macy’s," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 4:

» I remember my mom frequenting downtown Macy’s during her lunch hour. She could find deals there that were not available at other Macy’s locations.

» Mahalo for service to generations.