I think it’s time taxpayers demand that fees be assessed for rescues, in particular those involving elective outdoor activities.

This past Sunday there were some 15 to 20 cars parked at the Board of Water Supply property in Nuuanu, where the public, tourists and locals alike, have been accessing a narrow stream bed to a waterfall. It was pouring rain at the time and more cars were pulling up.

In light of the past week’s weather, waterlogged land, recent rescues and pouring rain, it shows that many individuals are not able to make their own safety decisions.

And in the interest of being politically correct, no one is saying out loud that these individuals had no business going out in that weather, with that equipment, in that physical shape or at that time of day.

Bonnie Lau
Nuuanu

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Schatz ignoring the popular will

In congratulating U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz for having been chosen to address the memorial at the USS Arizona, I also call attention to his support for, and the growing opposition by the people to, the Iran nuclear deal.

While being characterized as nonpartisan, it sure seems to lean heavily toward a party-line vote behind President Barack Obama.

Despite certain political posturing, because of the critical international importance, including hostages, sanctions and oversight, we expect every senator and representative to set aside party or election considerations and just go with the people. Should Schatz revise his position, it is likely he would nonetheless be re-elected, while generating a greater sense of respect for his office.

Will his legacy as successor to U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye reflect a traditional party loyalist or a man for the people?

Phil Broms
Niu Valley

Condo ads seem to be insensitive

Of course the housing market is red hot (“Mainland cities tapped for homeless tips,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 13).

How could it not be when developers like the Kobayashi Group and MacNaughton Group come and build multi- million-dollar high-rise condos that all but wipe out the concept of affordable housing?

I love the way the Star- Advertiser has the advertising for these uber-luxurious condos a page or so away from articles on efforts to solve our homeless crisis.

Ah yes: “Vida,” where a “private elevator transports you directly to your foyer where you are welcomed by a panorama of clear blue. Ocean waters and open sky blends seamlessly” … with the tarps of the homeless encampment at Kakaako?

Real sensitive, guys.

Deborah Pearson
Salt Lake

‘100%’ goals really just 50%

I’m not sure many people picked up on the significance of Richard Borreca’s column (“Sometimes in Hawaii we do math differently,” Star-Advertiser, On Politics, Sept. 1).

To paraphrase his revelation: What the public has been led to believe about 100 percent renewable energy isn’t 100 percent at all. In fact, it’s only 50 percent.

Here’s a summary of the formula: renewable energy production divided by fossil fuel-based production. In other words, if renewable energy increases to a level that equals the fossil fuel-based production, you get 100 percent.

But anybody who completed sixth-grade math will quickly conclude that renewables would only be 50 percent of total usage. I think it’s safe to say that a lot of people have been misled.

I respectfully suggest that the Legislature amend the law to correct this misleading formula and perhaps in the process set a 2045 goal that is more challenging than 50 percent.

Clint Churchill
Kailua

Energy policy lacks foresight

With a strong El Nino expected to keep Hawaii hot and humid through winter, air-conditioner sales booming, A/C installation services swamped, and the state Department of Education buying 1,145 A/C units for sweltering schools, the news alone tells us that Oahu will have higher electricity needs in the future.

Add in previous reports of high electricity costs, NextEra, delayed photovoltaic permits and controversial offshore wind farms, and you have the bigger picture of electricity in Hawaii.

We need some vision in our government. Someone able to visualize an incremental solution to solve this problem. Overheated schools are not just this year’s news, yet the DOE waited until the classrooms were 100-plus degrees and teachers and kids are having heat stroke to take emergency measures.

Have some foresight. Please.

Dawn Garbeil
Kailua