Utility should become a co-op

I applaud Gov. David Ige’s resistance to the NextEra deal that would shortchange Hawaii’s control of its own energy destiny (“Ige opposes NextEra deal,” Star-Advertiser, July 21).

In light of the Luddite tendencies of Hawaiian Electric, I submit a modest proposal: Hawaii should become the first state to make its energy department a publicly owned utility. Our isolation provides us a unique opportunity to forge this model for other states, giving priority to wind, solar, wave and algae alternatives.

Freed from the necessity to profit for investors, revenue would be reinvested in research and development for new and improved energy generators and conservation. Solar would no longer be restricted because it conflicts with the need to reward investors in an outdated oil-based system.

The University of Hawaii could be the engine to generate new technologies that lead to energy breakthroughs in the future, and the state could use this revenue to fuel it.

Don Brown
Waialae Nui Ridge

Express Yourself

» Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime telephone number.

» Mail: Letters to the Editor
Honolulu Star-Advertiser
7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210
Honolulu, HI 96813

» E-mail: letters@staradvertiser.com

» Fax: 529-4750

» Phone: 529-4831

Many drivers ignore the law

I almost became another pedestrian statistic because Hawaii drivers fail to follow the law, which gives pedestrians the right-of-way in marked crosswalks.

As I crossed the intersection of East Manoa Road and Lowrey Avenue in a marked crosswalk on a “walk” signal, a delivery truck turned left from Lowrey to East Manoa and did not stop until it was in the crosswalk bearing down on me. Clearly the truck driver needed better training.

Hawaii drivers need to drive with aloha and pay attention to the law.

Perhaps pedestrians need to blow horns and wave flags just for their own protection when crossing a street.

Kai Nelson
Makiki

Create a camp for homeless

It is obvious that the sit-lie bans and other efforts like fines are all failing.

Just drive along Ala Moana Park and Atkinson Drive, where many visitors drive daily, and you will see another homeless encampment.

Create a camp area where these homeless can pop their tent and live until they get their lives in order. Build a stainless-steel bathroom facility that can be hosed down and easily maintained. Limit time to live there, issue passes or something. Have police officers or security guards regularly tour these grounds. That’s doing something.

The violations and violent acts of aggression to law-abiding citizens are only getting worse.

Clifton T. Johnson
Waikiki

Press Navy to fix its old fuel tanks

The Board of Water Supply and the Star-Advertiser have brought public attention to the serious problem of past and future jet fuel leaks from massive storage tanks at Red Hill.

“Leak” is not the right word for 27,000 gallons of fuel that have already spilled from Tank 5 in 2014. Each of the 20 ancient, 1940s-era tanks holds 12½ million gallons of fuel. They do not meet Environmental Protection Agency standards, and sit just above our major source of water. Disastrous consequences are not only possible, but probable.

The current proposal of the Navy, state Department of Health and the EPA is to “have further study, more frequent testing, and yet-to-be-determined upgrades to the tanks” that will take more than 20 years (“Draft plan for Red Hill fuel tanks prompts concerns,” Star-Advertiser, July 18).

This is not a solution.

Support our state legislators and our City Council to pressure the EPA and Navy to take action now.

Mary Brandt
Nuuanu

Positive article on Obama rare

The Star-Advertiser published a rare positive commentary on President Barack Obama by Dick Meyer (“An extraordinary president,” Star-Advertiser, July 19).

It seems that all we hear about the president are criticisms. To say that he has endured much is an understatement as he tries to unravel the nation’s problems.

It also seems that his worst enemies are from within, rather than from countries that hate and oppose us. Even members of his own party have given him stiff challenges.

Despite all the roadblocks and personal attacks, he has brought the nation’s economic woes back to manageable terms, successfully brought health care to millions, brought home the troops from the Middle East and prevented the collapse of Wall Street and General Motors. So it was refreshing to read something nice about the president, for a change.

Gary Takashima
Waipahu