Private practice has public value

Kristen Consillio’s article accurately describes an expanding problem that can also be recognized as the impending demise of the private practice of medicine and surgery in this country (“Hospitals sap private practices,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 9).

The increasing numbers of physicians willing to work in institutional medicine rather than incur the greater costs of setting up and maintaining private practices should alarm the public. Health care planning dominated by institutional medicine may not be so healthy for patients.

It is a fact that, at least in ophthalmology, many of the innovations in eye care were discovered by private practitioners, not by physicians working for institutions.

Innovative treatments for eye diseases now universally accepted include early surgery for crossed eyes, small incision and intraocular lenses for cataracts and lasers for diabetic eye disease.

Malcolm Ing, M.D.

Nuuanu

Voters must stay politically active

Donald Trump has surprised virtually all who profess to understand American politics by becoming the 2016 Republican nominee for president of the United States.

His success seems to be based on his business experience and his ability to speak to Americans who feel disenfranchised by our ruling government parties, whose policies bankrupt our government and by extension its citizens.

However, as we near the general election, new controversial information about both candidates has surfaced that challenges a voter’s gag reflex.

American voters will choose Trump, Hillary Clinton or a third-party candidate. Once the president is chosen, Americans must remain involved in the political process to ensure that our government leaders understand and respond to critical concerns that citizens face every day.

Our government’s priority must be focused on the issues facing U.S. citizens and formulating policies that ensure fair treatment for all.

John Tamashiro

Pearl City

Are Trump fans just like him?

What will all of Donald Trump’s die-hard fans do after he loses the presidential election?

How will they be able to live with themselves after they have spread his outrageous lies, hate and discontent?

How they can be proud of themselves is unbelievable.

Maybe they are just like him: callous, deceitful, narcissistic and vindictive.

Many of the Fox News announcers are Trump sycophants. When Trump makes grossly offensive remarks, they try to manipulate the media by stating that he didn’t say it like that or it wasn’t what he meant. They and the majority of the Republican Congress are self-serving individuals who are working to make our country worse with their negative comments and actions.

All the revelations about Trump’s businesses and charitable transactions are indisputable, yet his supporters claim he’s a genius and a generous billionaire.

When will Trump’s supporters face the truth?

Howard Char

Kaneohe

Talk about real political issues

I am not in favor of Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump becoming our next president.

The exposure of Trump’s so-called locker room talk has generated a lot of criticism from the general public, Congress and others.

May I suggest that all the critics, male or female, who have made harsh remarks about Trump step forward as qualified to cast the first stone at him.

I would like to meet this seemingly godlike person who is without sin.

Please get back to the real election issues and stop the mudslinging. Our allies and other nations are laughing at us.

James Mun

Kapolei

Tax will penalize those in suburbs

So the state is thinking of implementing a mileage tax so those who drive more get taxed more (“Charging by mile, not by fuel,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 16).

I understand the why, but it just feels like we’re getting taxed for not being able to afford to live in town.

Kwai Leung Goo

Moanalua

DOT deceitful about gas tax

In response to state Department of Transportation (DOT) studies on “replacing” or “switching” gas tax revenues with a mileage tax, do not believe them when they say “switch” or “replace.”

DOT reported fuel tax revenue has flattened. Because these funds could decrease, DOT wants to raise the fuel tax.

Why would DOT need federal grant money to study ways to switch or replace the fuel tax when it is looking to increase the fuel tax at the pump?

Shouldn’t they be figuring out ways to lower the gas tax rate, if they are pushing to switch or replace it?

Do not believe it. A mileage tax will not replace the gas tax, only add to it.

Lance Mahoe

Waianae

Navy statements not very helpful

The Moanalua meeting was an opportunity for the Navy to explain why its plan was rejected and how it will revise it (“Navy hears from critics of its tanks on Red Hill,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 7). However, the community is still in the dark.

We were first told this was a 20-year project. The revised plan adds seven more years.

The Board of Water Supply stated that the water is safe for now, but old metals deteriorate. With time, safeguarding the drinking water will become more difficult.

The Navy said if the jet fuel leaks, it will clean it up with a filtration system. In the meantime, the Navy has not considered asking Congress to assess the eventual retirement of the Red Hill tanks.

The Navy said it needs the fuel to protect us. We need pure water to remain healthy.

Let’s hold more community-sponsored hearings to address what’s best for our children’s children.

Cullen Hayashida

Moanalua Gardens

Lau, Water Board on side of public

Mahalo to Ernie Lau and the Board of Water Supply for their tremendous work keeping the public informed about the Red Hill fuel tanks and safety of Oahu’s drinking water. Lau’s fidelity to the people of Hawaii is appreciated.

Nadia Garcia

Halawa

Ferry could be self-sustaining

If the state built an interisland ferry, would the benefits exceed the cost (“Federal funds will help state conduct study on new ferries,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 3)?

Initial costs would be expensive (the two previous Superferry catamarans cost $90 million each), but over time, a ferry should be able to pay off its debt and start to generate revenue.

Further, the price of a ferry looks a lot more practical than the $8 billion cost of rail, which ultimately will benefit only a small percentage of Hawaii residents.

A ferry would provide cost-effective interisland travel for residents, as opposed to the rising air fares. It also would be a tourist attraction.

Aidan Wong

Kapolei