Waianae remains the home of a huge population of good and productive people, but it is riddled with poor roads, a harmful landfill, poor bus service, traffic problems, high crime rates, tweaking drug users and a large contingent of homeless families residing in bushes just a short walk from a homeless shelter.

Are we destined to continue to allow our political leaders to engage in projects that merely benefit themselves and the rich and powerful, such as a costly rail system that doesn’t go to Waianae; shifting homeless people from downtown to country areas; expensive high-rises in Kakaako; and the proposed construction of a Chinese-owned resort in Ko Olina?

Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Gov. David Ige and legislators need to do something for the populace. Reduce taxes, fix roads, provide affordable housing, eliminate the homeless problem and create city and state jobs.

Tony Gonzalez

Waianae

Poll of Muslims didn’t tell much

I read with interest Byron York’s column on Muslims and their views on violence (“Worldwide polling shows Muslims don’t all think alike,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 10).

While he debunked Donald Trump’s statements, York may have been subtly making the same point. Focusing just on U.S. Muslims, he presents Pew Research numbers that 13 percent say violence is, at least in some cases, justified.

My first reaction was the one I think he wanted: That seems like an unacceptably high number. But then I really can’t say if that is an abnormally high number unless I have comparison numbers, notably for white Christians who do, in fact, commit most mass shootings.

Furthermore, thinking violence is in some cases justified and acting on it are two different things. So, I conclude the column was trying to convince me that Muslims are more inclined to violence but, in truth, it didn’t tell me much of anything about whether Muslims are different than others.

Jim King

Hawaii Kai

Writer showed own gullibility

I’m disappointed to find the Star-Advertiser printing a letter filled with insults in response to another letter.

According to Robert Thurston, Mike Landes’ letter exexemplifies the “utter insanity and gullibility” of typical Hawaii voters (“DOE’s problem is not lack of funding,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 20).

Those of us who support the Hawaii State Teachers Association’s recent proposals wholeheartedly agree with Thurston that “lack of coherent leadership, lack of accountability and a failed structure” are significant problems.

However, while attacking “typical liberal Democrats,” Thurston displayed his own gullibility by championing vouchers that supposedly allow parents to send their children to schools of their choice, despite overwhelming evidence of the detrimental effects of a voucher system on public school education and little evidence in its favor. Hawaii spends less money per student on public schools than many other areas of the country with lower costs of living.

Taxation arguments aside, without better and, yes, more accountable funding, education in Hawaii will continue to languish.

Andy Jones

Language arts teacher

McCully

Poor reputation is well-earned

So, as an island archipelago with no passenger ferry system, we turned away the Superferry, a transportation marvel. I know. I rode it.

Next, we have questionable votes on the most expensive publicly funded and, yes, also very questionable project in Hawaii’s history: rail. We now set back the Thirty Meter Telescope project right at the start of construction of the world’s most advanced telescope, a scientific marvel.

We certainly bend over backwards to earn our very embarrassing reputation as the worst state in the nation, and now possibly the entire world, in which to do business.

Bob Vieira

Pauoa Valley

Don’t ‘lock down’ during marathon

I write as a resident, physician, former marathoner and a concerned citizen to express my concern with the policy that “locks down” traffic south of Waikiki to Diamond Head during the Honolulu Marathon.

Police should be allowed to exercise discretion, allowing legitimate entrance and exit during race hours. Most important, I am concerned that a medical emergency could arise in our neighborhood and assistance would be delayed.

Timing is critical in emergencies like heart attacks, strokes and drowning. I urge officials to revise the current policy, which is unrealistic, insensitive and dangerous, and exposes the city and marathon organizers to liability. Remember, residents do not sign a waiver required of the racers. We deserve the same attention to safety as provided race participants.

“Lock down” is necessary for certain emergencies. A marathon does not qualify.

John Garvie

Waikiki