First, I am a rapid transit supporter who has done graduate work in urban planning.

Second, I wish people would stop referring to the system as “rail,” which makes it sound like the old sugar cane train slowly rumbling down the tracks.

Third, with respect to the proposed Charter amendment to establish a unified multi-modal transportation system, the answer is both “yes” and “no.” Yes, we need such a system. No, not now, but later. We should recognize that it takes experts with special training and experience to design and build a rapid transit system.

And then, once operational, it should definitely be an integral part of Oahu’s multi-modal transportation system. Let the designers and builders build it, and then let the administrators and managers manage it.

Kathleen Ebey

Aiea

Mass incarceration is a public concern

Jacob Sullum’s commentary (“Obama’s commutations good but still not enough,” Star-Advertiser, Oct. 15) echoes the Friends Committee on National Legislation urging Congress to pass U.S. Senate bill S. 2123, the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act; U.S. House HR 3713, the Sentencing Reform Act; and HR 759, the Recidivism Risk Reduction Act.

Over 40 years, laws and policies have forced thousands, predominantly people of color, into prison for non-violent offenses. Many disappear for years, sometimes life, and at huge taxpayer expense.

Congress, in session for just one more month this year, can, post-election, take these urgently needed steps toward reversing some injustices and ending mass incarceration.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation supports these bills. U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has even become a co-sponsor of the two House resolutions.

If the public speaks up, these bipartisan bills have a far better chance of passing.

Deborah Kimball

McCully-Moiliili

Times change along with political views

It’s funny how things come full circle in politics. Weren’t those who now want Donald Trump to affirm any election results the ones who never thought George W. Bush was fairly elected?

Weren’t those who now want to focus on a man’s sexual history the ones who thought Bill Clinton’s dalliances were a personal issue? And haven’t we heard President Barack Obama whine about Fox News for the last eight years?

I have no doubt this is a two-sided problem and we’ll someday see Republicans change their views for political reasons.

Whenever we see hypocrisy, we should shine a spotlight on it.

Kris Schwengel

Hawaii Kai

State of presidential race shows divide

In response to Rod B. Catiggay (“Clinton can heal divided nation,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Oct. 20): Where has he been?

He should read the column by Ben Shapiro in the same day’s paper (“The Democratic Party normal shouldn’t be business as usual”).

This column, in a nutshell, is the state of the presidential race and why it is the way it is.

Dave Chabriel

Kailua