Under the guise of public hearings about the 0.5 percent general excise tax surcharge to fund the rail project, City Council Chairman Ernie Martin, driven by his ambition to promote himself to mayor, is apparently trying to kill the rail project.

His mischievous plan seems to be:

» With $457 million in federal funds already spent, return the balance of the $1.5 billion to the federal government.

» Kill the rail project.

» Have the Council then approve the surcharge and use the money for something else.

These draconian, ill-advised plans seem to be a part of Martin’s desperate ambition to become mayor.

I have always seen Martin as a man for all seasons with a face for every occasion — a political opportunist.

The City Council needs a new moral compass and a new quarterback. Ernie Martin should resign, now.

Jim Anthony
Kaaawa

Draft Cayetano to run for mayor

I couldn’t agree more with Susan Lai Young’s description of the rail fiasco ("Massive spending on rail transit harms honest taxpayers," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Oct. 29).

At-grade light rail was proposed as a way to avoid elevated, reversible HOV freeway lanes, which would be ugly. Of course, rail proponents now say light rail is insufficient, with elevated heavy rail the only alternative.

Draft Ben Cayetano for mayor in the next election. Halting rail and converting the existing elevated sections to standard vehicle/bus lanes might end up costing "only" $4 billion instead of the $6-plus billion now being discussed.

It also would avoid the huge ongoing maintenance and operating costs of rail for the indefinite future.

Richard Stancliff
Makiki

Obama years disappointing

I recently saw that President Barack Obama was rated No. 3 as the world’s most popular and influential leader, behind Russian President Vladimir Putin and German President Angela Merkel.

At home, the latest rumor is that Obamacare is not doing well: State co-ops are closing due to lack of funds, and members are witnessing large cost increases in their health plans, with higher deductibles than originally promised or anticipated, all opposite to what the public was told would happen.

Americans now realize that Obama is not the unifier he promised to be if elected. The opposite is true: He has divided the country, and his speeches confirm this.

I look forward to his final State of the Union address in January the way I look forward to the next box jellyfish invasion of Waikiki.

Norman Fung

Kaneohe

How about trees without lights?

Your Christmas tree story lacked a "what if?" ("Christmas tree bill would require fire safety measures," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 2).

Would it not be OK to use a fresh-cut tree and/or boughs in a state Department of Education building that caters to children if no electric lights are used?

In the past, I have always donated a 6-foot tree from Habilitat. It would be a shame to see this holiday tradition be void of the pine perfume.

Is it possible to get a common-sense OK?

Sylvia Mitchell
Liliha Public Library

Ticket quota can be a good thing

The Honolulu Police Department does not have a quota for its officers to give tickets for traffic offenses.

I believe it should have quotas to show the public it is on the lookout for the lawbreakers.

Also, are the blue lights on all police vehicles supposed to be on or off during on-duty hours?

I think they should be off to keep the "bad guys" from knowing where the HPD is. The lights should be on only when responding to an emergency.

Whenever I see a HPD vehicle in the vicinity I feel extra safe. The people of Honolulu should, too.

Ed Fukuyama
Pauoa

Japanese visitors need protection

There will always be individuals who will prey on unsuspecting and vulnerable Japanese visitors.

Unfortunately, crimes have happened in Kualoa, Lanikai and, more recently Kailua town. It just happens to be one of the more scenic areas on the island, along with its many shops and restaurants.

I have seen Japanese tourists everywhere on the island, as they seem to want to experience everything about Hawaii.

I’m sure the police will do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike in their districts.

Larry Tamashiro
Downtown Honolulu