Ending rail at Middle Street could create opportunities.

Upon saving hours of travel from Leeward Oahu, a smooth transfer at Middle Street to a fine-tuned bus system would provide commuters with timely access to multiple destinations, including the business district, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Ala Moana and Waikiki.

This concept could increase ridership once its simplicity and low trip costs are acknowledged and accepted.

On the Leeward end, future cheap at-grade light rail or bus connections from Central Oahu would support ridership numbers.

The Middle Street transfer makes possible an exciting local community hub, boosting Kalihi environs with the introduction of coffee shops, restaurants, arcades, theaters, parks and other retail, recreational and cultural establishments.

This action saves money by avoiding construction obstacles. The natural beauty of Aloha Tower to Ala Moana would be preserved and even enhanced with innovative planning.

Ronald Duhaylonsod

Halawa

Trump promoted lie about Obama

Regarding Peter Junker accusing the Star-Advertiser of bias in reporting Donald Trump’s birther lie about President Barack Obama (“Trump birther headlines biased,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 21): Considering the fact that Trump promoted this outright lie for more than five years, why shouldn’t your newspaper — or any newspaper — accuse him of “reveling” in this lie for such a long period of time?

Lying is nothing new for Trump. He lies every time he gets on the podium, his supporters lap it up and only now have some of the media begun to realize that they are being duped. Which is why Dean Baquet, the New York Times’ executive editor, said that “we have decided to be more direct in calling things out when a candidate actually lies.” And he added: “The birther issue represents, well, outright lying. And (Trump) lied over a long period. It is a real word and we will use it when warranted.”

Now if your newspaper had called Trump not only a liar but also a racist bigot, that would be another thing.

Patrick Myatt

Hawaii Kai

Trump better for nation than Clinton

I do want a woman president — just not this one. I refuse to play the woman card. I want the best choice of the candidates. It is either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. We have two choices for Hawaii and the United States.

My main reason for supporting Trump is security. Living in Hawaii we know we must fly to travel. We think we are sheltered in our lovely state – not. I enjoy attending large events such as the Honolulu Marathon. Will terror happen here next (i.e. the Boston Marathon)?

Trump’s position on illegal immigration will help prevent terrorists from entering our islands. Who doesn’t once remember 9/11 when flying?

The economy is my second reason. Many adults live in paradise with parents in multigenerational households for financial reasons. Trump, a successful business person, has outlined an economic vision that will benefit us even in Hawaii.

I do want a woman president — just not this one.

Peggy Regentine

Kalani Valley

Commentary just free advertising

Wednesday’s Island Voices commentary was written by two principals of Architects Hawaii Ltd. (“Development ground rules should reflect needs of each neighborhood,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 21).

It lauds the concept and design of the new Mana‘olana Place, proposed for a site across from the Hawaii Convention Center. The article argues for flexibility in interpreting and applying design guidelines, a position often taken by developers.

The article fails to mention that Architects Hawaii Ltd. is the executive architect for this project. This is a serious conflict of interest that should have been disclosed. Given the authors’ connection to the project, this article is nothing more than a piece of free advertising.

Edward Conklin

Waikiki

Loose change can make a difference

There is an unused resource in our homes. It’s the loose change gathering dust in bottles and containers.

What if we started taking those pennies, nickels and dimes and gave them to people who needed the money? We would not only be circulating the coins back into our economy, we would be encouraging people who need to know that somebody cares and is thinking about them.

As a retired school counselor, I know that some students don’t go on school field trips because their parents can’t afford the bus and admittance fees. Giving away our loose change to a school may be small and insignificant to some adults, but it is big in the eyes of a needy child.

Our government cannot do everything for those who need help. We can do small, simple things that don’t cost much but may inspire both the giver and the receiver.

So look around your house for any loose change and make a difference in this world.

Steve Yim

McCully-Moiliili

To really be safe, don’t eat any sushi

With regard to Scott Sato’s complaint that Genki Sushi is not doing enough to guarantee the safety of its food (“Hepatitis A problem still not fully addressed,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 17), I suggest that he not patronize any sushi restaurant, as it is inherently risky to eat raw fish.

Furthermore, probably only McDonald’s or a similar large national chain is able to fully vet the quality of its food chain.

James Ko

Downtown Honolulu