I invite the House Transportation Committee to come cross the streets of Moiliili with me and my 4-year-old son (“Committee weighs bill to add pedestrians to cellphone law,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 10).

Maybe committee members could explain to him why the “walk” signal doesn’t really mean, “It’s OK to walk now.” It really means, “Wait for one, or two or even three vehicles to ignore their yellow lights and their red lights and barrel through the crosswalk that we have legal rights to.”

The problem is not pedestrians on their cellphones; it is motorists who have been allowed to believe that yellow lights and red lights and yield signs are suggestions, not laws.

If the committee wants to flex its muscles and begin solving the real problem, it should focus on the drivers of the 4,000-pound SUVs who intentionally blast their way through traffic lights and bully pedestrians out of the crosswalks.

Patrick Kennedy

Moiliili

PUC would be right to nix NextEra deal

The article, “NextEra might walk away” (Star-Advertiser, Feb. 16), informs the reader why NextEra might “pull the plug” on the Hawaiian Electric Industries purchase if the state Public Utilities Commission doesn’t approve the sale by June.

The article also informs us NextEra must pay HEI $90 million if the deal fails.

Though appearing impartial, those who read the article carefully can see the onus for a failed deal is being laid at the doorstep of the PUC, which is taking its time in order to “make the right decision.”

This decision is a no-brainer. The fracking to get natural gas, which NextEra uses for energy production predominantly, is a highly dangerous, destructive, water-intensive process that injects 600 chemicals into the ground, contaminating nearby water wells.

This is not clean energy, and it will not transform Hawaii to an alternative energy paradise.

Richard Bradshaw

Manoa

NextEra opponents being unreasonable

The state Public Utilities Commission hearings to analyze the wisdom and value of a NextEra buyout of Hawaiian Electric Industries appears to be like an investigator coaxing a confession from an innocent person.

At some point, the questioning is so onerous that the “accused” decides to admit guilt rather than continue the unbearable pain of the process.

For NextEra and HEI, the confession takes the form of promises to provide what the inter- veners and their constituents believe is possible — cheaper electricity from renewable sources.

James B. Young is on the money (“Reliable energy, not just renewable,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Feb. 16). The reality is that the cost-effective mix of energy sources for Hawaii will include fossil fuels for some time to come, especially at today’s price of crude.

Tom Mendes

Waimanalo

Fairness is also an American value

Cal Thomas’ recent column is based on false premises and mischaracterizes progressive goals (“For liberals, self-interest replaces self-reliance,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 16).

First, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution make numerous references to the concept of fairness. The founders spoke often of “justice” and against the unfairness of King George’s “tyranny” and “despotism.” And calls by “liberal-progressives” for higher taxes on the 1 percent and common-sense campaign finance laws aren’t about the rich having too much “stuff.”

Rather, the motivation is to protect what the founders fought for: a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Our democracy must be more than a contest between billionaires’ SuperPACs. Tax rates for the 1 percent are lower now than at any time in the past half-century.

If Thomas were really concerned about the public interest, he’d worry less about his imagined “gutted paychecks” and more about America’s crumbling roads and dilapidated school facilities.

Joseph Perez

Hawaii Kai

Hawaii should have anti-litter campaign

I recently traveled to Sydney and was impressed by the cleanliness of the boardwalks, beaches and parks there.

I did not see any litter nor anyone actively picking up trash. People would seek out a trash can and throw everything into it, especially cigarette butts. These venues were packed with locals and tourists.

It appears we do a lot of talk about our aina, yet our beaches, parks, streets, neighborhoods and the ocean don’t show it.

Hawaii residents are not leading by example.

Tourists are not advised that it is offensive to litter. How many public service announcements do we see?

The example we are giving to our young people is disgraceful. It will also kill our golden goose of tourism.

Chuck Reindollar

Makiki

HSTA is here for its members, not keiki

Regarding an increase in the general excise tax for education, the Hawaii State Teachers Association indicated (under scrutiny) that the biggest cost item in the bill potentially is teacher salaries (“Statewide GET increase to fund schools clears first hurdle in Senate,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 12).

Most of the $750 million collected annually would be earmarked for teacher wage increases. Isn’t the HSTA satisfied with its current contract?

The HSTA says it is there for the children, and with higher wages, scholars will gush forth from Hawaii public schools. Incorrect!

A Sept. 26, 2015, article in The Economist said that children at Catholic schools perform better on standardized tests than neighborhood public schools, despite spending thousands of dollars less per student.

Almost all go on to attend four-year colleges.

The HSTA is not there for the children. It benefits only its members. Its altruism is false.

If any of the $750 million tax remains after the salary increases, the HSTA will gladly share it with the children.

Arthur Warren

Keaau, Hawaii island