What makes Ala Moana Center the only rail terminus that makes sense (“City, state need to ensure rail goes the distance,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Dec. 11)?

Whether the rail ends up at Ala Moana or Middle Street, riders will still have to change to another mode of transportation to get to their final destination.

Four years ago, the mayor campaigned on a pledge to finish rail on budget and on time. Now he says we need to finish at whatever the cost or lose the federal grant. Would it not be cheaper just to give up the money?

Construction costs continue to increase and no one really can say what the final cost will be to complete the original rail plan. Some predict upwards of $10-plus billion.

The less expensive taxpayer option with the rail still serving its purpose would be to end the rail at Middle Street.

The Legislature should say no to any city request to extence the general excise tax surcharge.

Bob Volkwein

Aiea

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Translate rules at Hanauma Bay

Debbie Jaso of Anchorage was distressed about reef trampling at Hanauma Bay (“Punish scofflaws at Hanauma Bay,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 8).

Last week, I witnessed numerous Asian tourists walking on the reef, many wearing reef walkers or Crocs, suggesting advanced planning to step on the coral.

The mandatory video is narrated in English. There are headsets for different languages but no announcement offering them, and most visitors behind the front row would not notice them. I suggest the docents make announcements in Japanese and Mandarin recommending the headsets.

Also, during the wait outside before the video, why not circulate laminated sheets in foreign languages explaining the importance of not stepping on the reef? Minor procedural changes at minimal cost would reduce the damage by uninformed non-English-speaking tourists.

The current communications in place for many years need improvement. It would be worth trying something new to protect the coral so that future generations can continue to enjoy this amazing experience.

Jennifer Lum-Ota

Waialae-Kahala

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Electoral College no longer makes sense

On Dec. 19, the Electoral College will cast its votes for president, based on the myth that red states and blue states exist.

Supporters of the College claim that we have to avoid the “tyranny of the majority” by giving smaller, more rural states a chance to outweigh urban populations, because we are a constitutional republic, not a democracy.

To promote the “tyranny of the minority,” by weighing some people’s votes more than others based on location, is discriminatory. But it has now happened twice in 16 years.

The U.S. Constitution once allowed slave owners to cast an extra three votes for every five slaves they owned, but federal amendments after the Civil War ended that blatant favoritism.

The Electoral College is obsolete. One person, one vote should be the rule.

David Chappell

Kaneohe

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Don’t let dynasties perpetuate wealth

President-elect Donald Trump again brings up the dynasty-perpetuating issue by saying he will get rid of the estate tax. I am not in favor of dynasties (like the Trumps) and prefer that the estate tax continues to apply to those who have a gross amount of wealth. It just makes sense to level the playing field once in a while.

The 2016 estate tax exemption for married people is $10.9 million. If your spouse dies, you can acquire their unused exemption of up to $5.45 million for a total exemption of $10.9 million for your estate.

Why allow estates above $10.9 million to escape the estate tax? Why allow dynasties to perpetuate their wealth? Let’s be vigilant and not allow those in power to game the tax system.

Stuart Shimazu

Kapahulu

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Give Trump a pass? What about Obama?

Peter Junker said that the public should give the incoming Cabinet members of the president- elect the opportunity to prove themselves and give them our trust and cooperation (“In real world, skills can be transferable,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 9).

I find that comment rather odd since our current administration has faced constant criticism from Day 1. Obstruction and continuous threats of government shutdowns became extremely common.

Apparently he would like us to give the new incoming administration a free pass while simply forgetting previous political gridlock.

Ryan Tin Loy

Nuuanu

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Hawaiians, allies can create a movement

Regarding the appalling Standing Rock situation: Imagine the freezing cold. The oppression. The blatant disregard for basic necessities. The loss of constitutional rights promised these indigenous peoples.

Out of the cold winter air, a delegation of Native Hawaiians emerges after traveling thousands of miles, leaving a tropical home and braving severe temperatures to stand behind another culture in its stand against tyranny. It is unprecedented, powerful and gains attention on a global scale.

Hawaii will never be Standing Rock, but Hawaiians and their allies can demonstrate their resolve through their strength, compassion and spirit. Please consider the ramifications of such an alliance.

I am a guest honored to live here, a haole. I would proudly represent the kingdom, with a flag appropriately signaling a nation in distress.

Phillip Petty

Mountain View, Hawaii island