I’m surprised no tour companies or operators have stepped up and defended the practice of granting free travel to those who accompany or lead tour groups (“Field trip advisory appealed,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 29).

This is a common practice. I’ve been offered free travel and accommodations for myself, if I would lead a tour group of five others to Israel; 10 others to Japan.

It is a practice that has been going on for years, generally offered to those who could recruit people to travel with him or her and perhaps make use of educational expertise while on the journey.

Since it is a benefit available to the general public, I don’t see what the state Ethics Commission’s beef is all about when it tells teachers that they cannot do it anymore.

Bob Gillchrest
Pawaa

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HECO best equipped to analyze its costs

I don’t think the governor should have any position on bringing in LNG (liquefied natural gas) for power generation.

Hawaiian Electric Co. is better at analyzing fuel costs now and in the future than any state agency.

No matter how much solar and wind energy we can produce, the electric company still has to be ready to produce nearly 100 percent of Honolulu’s energy at any time. It has to obey all state and federal laws in doing so. That is enough of a contribution to reducing the global warming problem.

Any additional reduction by Hawaii is so infinitesimal to the problem as to be meaningless, whereas higher electricity costs in Hawaii lower our standard of living. This is true today and could be worse in the future, if “out of a hat” goals make future energy even more costly.

Harold Loomis
Kaimuki

Don’t let LNG ploy distract us from goal

I believe the point that Richard Borreca and the Star-Advertiser editorial board are missing in their respective pieces is that no corporation is going to invest the hundreds of millions of dollars in building liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and generator conversion costs and then shut it down 10 or 20 years later without a whimper (“Ige’s opposition to LNG needs more explanation,” Star-Advertiser, On Politics, Aug. 28; “LNG still makes sense as ‘bridge fuel,’” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Aug. 28).

It’s not a short-term disposable investment. If they build it, it’s not going away. The governor is right and clear-sighted. LNG is a diversion that would delay the inevitable with the lame argument of being cleaner than coal. If HECO has that much money for LNG, it has the money for renewables. Don’t be fooled.

Mike Hanson
Mililani

Perhaps FEMA could donate some trailers

Perhaps our Washington representatives now on Gov. David Ige’s team can finagle some Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers from the feds for the Compact of Free Association migrants.

Moreover, maybe together they can initiate a plan to help these essentially displaced people relocate to other areas of the U.S. with better work and housing opportunities in communities able to welcome them.

Shirley Samuelson
Kahaluu

Why go hiking when weather threatens?

In the article “Oahu is drenched” (Star-Advertiser, Aug. 27), there were several hikers needing assistance on the Maunawili and Ka‘au Crater trails.

Why were these people out hiking in the middle of a flash flood warning?

This is why we need a law to make them pay for their rescue. This was reckless and irresponsible. Not only were they endangering their lives, but they are risking the lives of their rescuers.

There’s no excuse for not knowing the weather forecast. All local major television networks have an app they can download to their smart phone. It’s free. If you don’t have a signal, use your head. Look up. Look at the mountains. If there’s heavy rain falling, get off the trail. That water will be coming down the streams real fast. Don’t hesitate. Move. Get going.

Pay attention to Mother Nature. Look for her warning signs. She plays no favorites.

Robert K. Soberano
Moiliili

Treat motorists and bicyclists equally

City officials can’t be faulted for attempting to keep up with other cities regarding dedicated bicycle roadways (“Bike path planned for South Street draws resistance,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 29).

It’s a sign of the times.

Vehicle registration fees and taxes support the roadways and their upkeep and maintenance. Bicycles, tricycles, unicycles and other wheeled vehicles allowed in the dedicated lanes should:

>> Be current with registration and placards in plain view. Riders should have insurance, a license, and after a safety training, running lights forward and aft and an audible alarm.

>> Obey all rules of the road. Stop at stop signs and traffic signals, signal for turns and lane changes, avoid using electronic equipment while traveling and answer for traffic violations and law enforcement citations.

The motoring public does and so should bicyclists.

Then and only then will I feel comfortable that our city officials and planners are doing the best for all, equally.

Kenneth A. Sur
Salt Lake