More and more I’m impressed that Gov. David Ige is that rarest of politicians — one who doesn’t just talk about what’s best for the people of Hawaii, but actually acts for the people.

First he opposes the Hawaiian Electric Industries sale, which would be disastrous.

Now I read that Ige continues to have his priorities straight: favoring the University of Hawaii Cancer Center over UH athletics and maintaining rather than re-building Aloha Stadium (“Gov. Ige wants stadium maintained, not rebuilt,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 15).

I encourage him to stand firm. His instincts are spot-on.

Mark Stitham

Kailua

Religion should not be campaign issue

Columnist Doyle McManus quoted part of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s remarks at a Des Moines forum last month: “If the body of Christ rises up as one and votes our values, we can turn this country around” (“Supporters believe Cruz can win the presidency,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 16).

It is appalling that religion has dominated so much of the dialogue or, should I say, diatribes, of the Republican presidential contenders. It used to be that a politician’s religious beliefs were off limits. Not today. Now, at least for the evangelical base of the GOP, it is essential for a candidate to dramatically display his or her Christian street creds.

What a travesty of the separation of church and state.

Stan Satz

Waikiki

Trump disregards U.S. Constitution

The Honolulu Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) condemns the divisive rhetoric of Donald Trump, Republican candidate for president.

In his attempt to offer a solution to terrorism via a “temporary measure” excluding Muslims from entering the U.S., he showed a complete disregard for the constitutional ideals of this country.

Trump attempted to justify his proposal by likening it to the December 1941 enemy alien proclamations, which ultimately led to the incarceration of Japanese Americans — one of the most unjust, cruel and racist chapters in U.S. history.

Hawaii knows the story of forced removal, incarceration and illegal detention. President Barack Obama designated one of these internment sites, in Honouliuli, as a national monument this year, and JACL was present at that historic moment.

JACL-Honolulu stands in opposition to any policy or leader advocating a religious litmus test for refugees seeking asylum.

Alison Kunishige

Vice president, Japanese American Citizens League-Honolulu

It’s possible to carry ‘god’ notion too far

What would be the difference between the Thirty Meter Telescope protesters and believers in a “sky god” who hold the skies “sacred” and protest use of the sky by airplanes that would desecrate the expanse with exhaust, spent fuel and sound vibrations?

Beyond acceptance of their right to believe in any “god” they chose, would we seriously bow to their protest and reconsider using air transport?

Kenneth F. Nelson

Palolo

Cycle track about safety for bicyclists

In response to Ray Graham’s critique of the King Street cycle track, I’d say one person’s “despoiled King Street” is another’s safe cycling route (“City’s bike lanes seriously flawed,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 10).

On the mean streets of Honolulu, it’s tough being a cyclist. So, when the city does something right, I’m quick to defend it. Even with the bike path, King Street still has four to five lanes dedicated to motor vehicles.

It’s time to take a 21st-century approach to transportation and build out a complete cycling infrastructure in Honolulu, even if that means taking a lane away here and there. I agree with the author, though, that tiny, debris- filled bike lanes won’t entice new riders out of their cars.

Dedicated bike paths like the one on King Street or the Nimitz Bike Path under the H-1 freeway are the way to go.

Jack Hallin

Hawaii Kai

Bill 85 being sold under false pretense

Whom does City Council member Ann Kobayashi think she is kidding (“City Council weighs new bill regulating Uber, Lyft,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 15)?

Kobayashi is quoted as saying that her co-sponsored Bill 85 regulating Uber and Lyft is a consumer-protection measure: “We’re not trying to regulate the industry. We’re trying to protect the public and protect the drivers, too.”

Balderdash. Further regulating an already highly regulated industry is exactly what Bill 85 is intended to do. If passed, this bill will double the cost of an Uber or Lyft ride. How is this consumer protection?

The only protection this bill provides is for the traditional cab companies.

Charlie Ciszek

Kailua

Glenn Miller made war more bearable

It was Dec. 15, 1944, when Maj. Glenn Miller was lost in a single-engine aircraft flying from Bedford, England, to Paris, France. He was a day ahead of his dance band, The American Band of the AEF, that was joining him for a tour of parts of recently liberated Europe.

Miller and his AEF Band originally arrived in England from the U.S. in June 1944 and immediately started on an exhaustive tour of U.S. bases throughout England. This consisted of live performances, recordings and broadcasts to Europe.

According to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, Miller made a great contribution to the World War II effort through his music, bringing the “boys and girls in the service” that much closer to home.

Who can forget “Moonlight Serenade,” “In the Mood,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and so many others?

Derek Peart

McCully-Moiliili