The massacre caused by a young man who killed nine innocent worshippers in a historic black church in Charleston, S.C., reminds us that even though we have gone to the moon, we have not learned to live in peace with our fellow human beings on Earth.

This current tragedy was fueled by hatred of a race and misuse of a gun.It was a heinous crime against humanity. Violence can’t be ceased by violence. It can only be ceased by love, forgiveness and acceptance of those who are different.

No human being is superior to another. We are not known by our color, power or possessions, but by our character, humility and good deeds in this world.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "You must be the change you want to see in the world."

Raj Kumar
President, Gandhi International Institute for Peace, Honolulu

U.S. gun laws are fraught with irony

I am a naturalized American citizen but originally from Japan.

Every time I hear about gun problems in this country, I remember what happened to Japan after World War II.

Many positive things happened because Japan lost the war.Women were given voting rights, land reform gave more land to poor farmers, and education became more available to everyone.

What was remarkable was that the U.S. occupation forces took away most of the swords and guns from Japanese.My father was a Navy officer and he had to give up his.I also understand that in Japan not all the policemen are allowed to carry guns. As a result of this, Japan is now one of the safest countries in the world.

I know guns have been an integral part of American culture and history, but it is ironic to see the country that forced Japan and Germany to give up guns is having problems controlling guns.I wonder how many citizens have to die beforeAmericans take some big steps to control gun violence in their own country.

Natsuko Tateishi
Hawaii Kai

Ridership forecast for rail not realistic

So the new rail transit system will serve nearly 70 percent of Oahu’s residents ("Rail line linking West Oahu to downtown will provide transit equity and efficiency," Star-Advertiser,Island Voices, June 14).

That’s nearly three out of four people who will use rail sometime in their lives.

I find that percentage really hard to believe. How will the rail serve any significant numbers of residents in Waialae, Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo, Kailua, Kaneohe, Nuuanu or downtown? The rail won’t serve someone if it just passes over their head.

Why aren’t our leaders campaigning for more federal dollars to build rail extensions to Ewa Beach, Mililani, Manoa and Waikiki? Is it because rail has lost popularityafter cost overruns, road closuresand delays? Or, with all other development going on, has the construction industry lost interest in rail contracts?

Our leaders need to finish the mess they started.

Greg Hama
St. Louis Heights

Powerful pot lobby seeks legalization

As suggested by state Rep. Marcus Oshiro, let us hope Gov. David Ige vetoes the medical marijuana bill and allows Hawaii to benefit from the mistakes of others before we plunge into the unknown.

In California, anyone who claims a headache, finds the right doctor and has $100 gets a license to buy at the pot shops. We can expect the same pattern here. The intent to give compassionate relief to those who really need marijuana has turned into a sophisticated mechanism that could easily be transformed into a legalized for-profit recreational pot industry. The powerful marijuana lobby is preparing the way for this to happen.

How many more hearts of parents have to be broken as the dreams of their children are shattered by the fog of marijuana? Is this the kind of society we want? Our children and families deserve better.

As Oshiro suggested to the governor, let’s not open Pandora’s box.

Ross Moody
Waialua

Electric cars need charging stations

I’ve been driving an electric car in Honolulu for two years.

It’s been mostly good with the occasional bike rider and pedestrian giving me the shaka sign. I recall a couple of tourists crossing Kalakaua in Waikiki who almost stumbled at the curb trying to see the make of my car.

Aside from the free parking at metered parking spaces, the incentives at the state level are virtually nonexistent ("Electric car incentive program considered," Star-Advertiser, June 20). If you’re an early riser, you may be able to snag a public charging station.

Since they are few and far between, and the number of discharged EVs are circling the locations like bees after honey, you’d do well to plan your visits.

If you live in a condo without a charger and you ask the Association of Apartment Owners to consider an upgrade, good luck with that. I’ve been trying to get a 240-volt receptacle installed in my parking stall for more than six months.

Frederick Connolly
Kakaako

Affordable Care Act serves good ideal

I sincerely hope the U.S. Supreme Court doesn’t overturn the Affordable Care Act.

It is an important piece of legislation that affects a huge number of people who might otherwise be put back to having no coverage.

We need to care for others who, for whatever reason, are unable to care for themselves.

Kathie Young
Hawaii Kai