I’m glad to see someone finally address the overpopulation of Honolulu (“Next mayor must grapple with a crowded Honolulu,” Star-Advertiser, On Politics, July 19).

This is the primary issue from which all our biggest problems are evolving. However, I was disappointed that none of the mayoral candidates seems to grasp the problem. Building more, turning Honolulu into Hong Kong, will destroy everything special about Oahu. To a great extent, it already has.

I just don’t understand Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s solution — selling out Oahu to his developer buddies who only see Hawaii as a way to make money, not something to protect.

Has anyone considered that many of our problems, such as insufficient infrastructure and housing, are saving us from even bigger problems? Who wants to push through throngs of people the way they do in Manhattan? Who wants to go to beaches like those in China, where you can’t even see the sand because of the mobs of people?

Mathew Johnson

Kaimuki

To register protest, vote for third party

Dale Hood speaks for many when he says voting this year feels like “going through the motions” and is something he cannot bring himself to do (“There are reasons not to vote at all,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, July 19).

However, it is important to remember that declining to vote is interpreted by our political system not as a protest, but as acquiescence. There is no record of votes refused.

A better option is to support a third-party candidate. Former Gov. Gary Johnson and Dr. Jill Stein offer principled and honest options for conscientious voters, and both will be on the ballot in Hawaii. Third-party candidates will be on the ballot in many state races as well.

True, few are likely to come close to winning in 2016, but voting for these candidates sends an actual message that change is needed.

We are always building a society for future generations, and must always think beyond the current election cycle.

Steve Kohoutek

Makakilo

For better or worse, people should vote

I respect Dale Hood’s decision not to vote. However, if one does not vote, one loses the reason to complain.

Also, this country is founded on freedom and democracy, and not voting is giving up.

I agree that we live in a one-party state, which is very frustrating, and the choice between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton is not easy.

I urge people to not give up and go out and vote, for better or worse.

Toby Allen

Hawaii Kai

Uber drivers need background checks

I strongly support Bill 36 CD2, which would require Uber drivers to have background checks and be subject to some of the same regulations as cab drivers (“Uber rejects regulatory bill ahead of Council action,” Star-Advertiser, July 19).

Uber recently received $3.5 billion from Saudi Arabia as an investment. Good for Uber and good for the Council, which wants parity with other drivers who are certified to drive the public. Kudos to Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi, who introduced the bill.

Judith Pettibone

Makiki

TNR can be effective to control feral cats

The chairwoman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Suzanne Case, argued for mass eradication of free-roaming cats, which is impossible to achieve, objectionable to the public and not a genuine solution to the challenges associated with the presence of cats outdoors (“There’s nothing humane about treating ‘cats gone wild’ like pets,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, July 17).

The Humane Society of the United States values cats and wildlife and acknowledges the problem of free-roaming cats in Hawaii.

However, wildlife and cat advocates can and should work together to reduce these impacts wherever possible by effectively and humanely reducing the number of free-roaming cats and curtailing their presence in environmentally sensitive areas.

This can be done using Trap, Neuter and Return. Case strongly understated its potential and premises.

A 2011 survey found that 85 percent of Hawaii residents favor non-lethal TNR programs over trap-and-kill roundups. We know Hawaii can do better.

Katie Lisnik

Humane Society of the United States

Washington, D.C.

GOP convention like a gruesome accident

In the Big Q reader poll on July 19, you asked: “Do you plan to watch any of the Republican National Convention, which began Monday?”

One of the the choices should have been: “Yes, in much the same way as I am unable to look away when passing a horrifying and gruesome automobile accident on the side of the highway.”

Kevin Batey

Kailua

HEI’s $60 million can cool classrooms

Due to the failed NextEra merger, Hawaiian Electric will gain $60 million after taxes (“What’s next for HEI?” Star- Advertiser, July 19).

As a public relations gesture, NextEra donated hybrid solar air conditioning units to cool 18 classrooms on Molokai. It seems reasonable that HEI would use part of its $60 million windfall for a similar gesture.

Ronald Wong

Salt Lake