I was dumbfounded by Ethics Commission Executive Director Les Kondo’s statement that the Hawaii State Code of Ethics exempts lawmakers from conflict- of-interest restrictions when it comes to voting or participating in official matters as legislators (“Senator vying for dispensary pleaded guilty to drug felony,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 21).

If I understand this statement, there is no such thing as a conflict of interest for state legislators when it comes to voting on legislation.

Adding to my consternation was House Speaker Joe Souki’s position on conflicts of interest regarding state Rep. Derek Kawakami’s request to be excused from voting on legislation to amend the medical marijuana dispensary rules.

Souki said he “does not like to excuse members,” and was quoted as saying, “You just state your conflict of interest and vote.”

Does anyone wonder why Hawaii’s citizens have so little faith in our government — and why so few bother to vote?

Tony Turbeville

Makiki

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Many here support independent Hawaii

Those attending the ‘aha must think big.

Many of us non-Hawaiians know the truth about American responsibility for Queen Liliuokalani’s overthrow, the illegality of annexation, and the hoax of the statehood vote.

We support a path to eventual restoration of an independent nation-state of Hawaii.

Today, the United Nations is composed primarily of formerly colonized countries like Hawaii. They know the struggle for independence. Many are anxious to help.

By the final years of the monarchy, Hawaii achieved almost 100 percent literacy. Our palace had telephones before the White House. Hawaii was the first nation with widespread electricity and a trolley system run by it. King Kalakaua was the first monarch to circumnavigate the world, establishing bonds. He was the first foreign leader to ever address Congress. Hawaiians were leaders of the world in innovation and futuristic planning.

Let us all, Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians, work together to restore that nation and continue that tradition.

Kioni Dudley

Makakilo

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A few patches not same as fixing roads

I have lived on the North Shore since the 1970s. The roads were filled with potholes then, and each year promises were made to fix the roads.

Nothing has ever been done to repave the roads in all these years. A few patches here and there don’t qualify as fixing the potholes.

The government wrings its hands, blames the rain and uses the excuse of no money (“After years of neglect, crews race to fix roads,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 7).

I wonder where all the tax money goes that is designated for roads. Maybe it is time for a change in government. There is no other state or country that has such terrible roads as Oahu. Even highways on the neighbor islands are superior to Oahu’s roads.

Perhaps the tourists who have left Hawaii might come back for visits, rather than go to other states, if Hawaii fixed the roads.

Jo Breeden

Kahuku

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Rep. Tsuji brings shame to Hilo voters

Shame on state Rep. Clift Tsuji, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

For the second year in a row he killed a bill (House Bill 2564) that would have created buffer zones around schools to protect against pesticide drift. What kind of a person won’t protect kids from pesticide poisoning?

As a former banker and “biotech legislator of the year,” he appears more concerned about protecting chemical company profits than protecting the common good, including children’s health and safety. Tsuji brings shame on the entire Hilo district that he claims to represent.

Let him go back to work for the bank instead of being a tax-paid mascot for Monsanto and other special corporate interests.

Jim Albertini

Kurtistown, Hawaii island

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Drivers no longer notice traffic lights

I am in agreement with Patrick Kennedy’s letter about the “walk” sign and not being able to walk in an intersection (“Crosswalks a danger due to bad drivers,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 22).

I had to change my bus route so that I don’t have to get off the bus at Ala Moana Boulevard and Punchbowl Street. When the yellow light is on, cars, trucks and 18-wheelers speed up to go through the intersection and well into the red light.

In the meantime, pedestrians ready to cross have to wait and by the time we enter the sidewalk, the timer is on and we have to run across, after waiting to make sure all three lanes of traffic are stopped.

What happened to the good old days when drivers paid attention to traffic lights?

Carol-Louise Carper

Kailua

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NextEra unlikely to meet energy goal

My mother always told me a good person doesn’t need to be reminded to follow the law.

Unfortunately, NextEra needs some reminding for it to keep its promises. House Bill 2567 would hold it legally accountable for the many promises it has made.

Without this bill, it’s unlikely NextEra will take us to our 100 percent renewable energy goal by 2045 goal or make sure its purchase will have a substantial net benefit, given its track record.

In addition, a company that relies so heavily on fossil fuels will not like being charged for doing so once the carbon fee and dividend system is implemented.

We need for Hawaiian Electric Industries to remain locally owned and continue to rely more and more on renewables to really have a green future.

Gerardo Avila

Manoa