Mark Coleman asked Thom Williams the question: "Does the Legislature take money that’s supposed to go to the ERS?" (Star-Advertiser, Thom Williams, Name in the News, Nov. 20).

Williams failed to let the readers know the state was skimming all monies over 8 percent that the Employee Retirement System made on its investments. The state was sued to end this practice. This is the main reason the ERS has only a 62 percent funded ratio. To this day, the state does not make its full, required annual contribution to the ERS.

Now the state is doing the same thing with 0.5 percent general excise tax surcharge that it levies against the taxpayers for the rail project. It has been skimming 10 percent off the top and puts it into the general fund. Since 2007, the state has collected $168 million that should have gone to rail.

David Chabriel
Kailua

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We can’t afford Mayor Caldwell

I see that Mayor Kirk Caldwell is all too happy to spend taxpayers’ money needlessly and recklessly.

I refer to the city’s purchase of the junk buildings at 1506 Piikoi St. ("City embraces role as Makiki landlord," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 22).

A little research would have told him that this 50-plus-year-old property, without bedrooms, was recently assessed by the city at $3,926,300. Yet he is quite willing to throw away an additional $1.5 million more to buy it.

It will cost many millions more to make it livable for the homeless. Also, the "details" on the cost to convert these buildings into apartments should have been worked out in advance, not after buying these units.

Like rail, the grand total for this project will never justify its purchase.

Oahu taxpayers can no longer afford the mayor and his spendthrift ways.

James Robinson
Aiea

Shortening rail will save money

The discourse regarding funding between the Federal Transit Administration, our city officials and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation alludes to a financial quagmire.

Recent events and the outcry of concerned citizens reflect the need for crucial changes and decisions.

As a compromise to curtail rising costs, suggestions of scaling back rail to Middle Street make good fiscal sense. This change would lessen the skyrocketing costs and inevitable increased public taxation.

Improving our bus system from the existing infrastructure of the Middle Street bus depot could enhance the transfer of riders.

Monies can be better allocated for the benefit of more citizens by shortening rail.

Lester Nakasone
Niu Valley

What would our Founders do?

Michael Lee asserts that Syrian refugees "should be sent to a Muslim country, like Saudi Arabia, where their values are compatible" ("Security, safety trump refugees," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 18).

There is nothing in the basic principles of Islam that is incompatible with American values.

Furthermore, most refugees from Syria and neighboring countries are victims of war and terrorism, some are Christians and many of them persecuted for their faith.

Such questions may complicate the issue, but it seems useful to ask: What would be the policy recommendations of the founders of American democracy? What would Christ or the Buddha advise?

Terrorism is a most serious concern demanding appropriate actions in conformity with American values and law. However, if discussion and debate is to be more constructive, then it should be based on accurate information and reason, rather than ignorance, prejudice, paranoia, or crass and simplistic politicking.

Leslie E. Sponsel
Hahaione Valley

What would Jesus do?

I believe the time has come for us to dispel, once and for all, the notion that the United States is a Christian nation. Following the example of Christ, a Christian nation would surely welcome the Syrian refugees into its midst.

Jesus welcomed the stranger into his presence. He broke bread with the poor and outcast, and even used the example of a despised Samaritan to illustrate what it meant to be a good neighbor.

I cannot help but wonder what Gospel is being read by so many of the "Christian" governors and candidates for president who would prevent Syrian refugees from finding a home among us.

I used to make light of the slogan, "What Would Jesus Do?" Now, I believe it is the question every professing Christian must ask.

The Rev. Neal MacPherson
Liliha