As a local girl, born and raised in Hawaii, from a family that has been here for generations, I want to thank our Legislature for supporting Senate Bill 1240. This bill reflects a reasoned compromise that allows existing commercial aquarium businesses to slowly phase down, with no new fish-capture licenses to be granted, saving 1-5 million fish yearly.

Mahalo to our community for your support of our precious reefs. Remember our Hawaiian ancestors, as well as other nationalities here, took only what they needed to sustain themselves, ensuring against depletion.

Ask Gov. David Ige to sign SB 1240, so all our keiki will get to see these beautiful fish for generations.

Let’s protect our reef fish and our reefs to help them recover from climate change-induced bleaching. We can have the vibrant reefs return, just like when I was a girl. Without our fish here, no food, no tourism, no hope.

Leilani Datta

Makiki

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Wanting success for U.S., not Trump

I have been told that, even though I didn’t vote for President Donald Trump, I should still support him and hope he succeeds. Succeed at what?

Restricting health care for tens of millions of Americans? Defunding Planned Parenthood, public broadcasting, scientific and medical research? Giving massive tax breaks to the ultra-rich and corporations and then turn around and spend millions playing golf in Florida every weekend and billions on a ridiculous wall?

Cutting spending on diplomacy just to increase spending on weapons of war? Revoking a woman’s right to choose as well as the basic human rights of LGBT citizens? Disenfranchising voters? Delegitimizing the court system and emasculating the free press?

Removing environmental protections? Eliminating what little internet privacy we may have enjoyed? Establishing the use of torture as the official policy of the U.S.?

I want this country to succeed, not Trump.

Greg Harding

Ala Moana

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HMSA pay model for keiki care worrisome

Our organization’s members share many of the concerns that Dr. Harold Nilsson expressed in his Island Voices article (“HMSA’s misguided payment change sets pediatrics back 50 years,” Star-Advertiser, May 1). As it currently stands, payment transformation does not do enough to promote innovations, such as new preventive procedures. It also reduces the incentive for doctors to care for more children with complex or special health conditions.

Although the payment transformation model raises many anxieties for our members, we stand committed to working with HMSA to improve the health of Hawaii’s keiki.

Dr. Mae S. Kyono Dr. Michael S.L. Ching

President and vice president, American Academy of Pediatrics, Hawaii Chapter

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Leave parks natural, minus commercials

Maybe if we set up a commercial concession stand on Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s front porch, lined with advertising, he would understand why we do not want commercialization of our parks (“Playground in vision for Ala Moana Park,” Star-Advertiser, May 9).

We have so little of nature left. Leave what we have alone, now that Kakaako is a territory of Howard Hughes Corp.

Michael Ferguson

Kakaako

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Remember who did, did not contain costs

I always thought our elected officials are supposed to make decisions for the good of the people. With the mayor and City Council wanting to raise property taxes to complete a financial monstrosity to Ala Moana Center instead of considering less-costly alternatives, they will not only bankrupt the city but its residents as well.

If the mayor, City Council members and the legislators who ousted Sen. Jill Tokuda can be impeached, let the proceedings begin. If not, do not re-elect!

Brian Chang

Mililani

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Rail inflation will pay off as investment

We tend to think behind instead of thinking ahead. It should be our state’s policy to think ahead, not just plan ahead.

For example, the rail project. In the last 10 years, real estate has doubled in value, along with everything else. So why are we so surprised that the rail project has also doubled in cost?

Think a minute. Has not the value of the future completed rail project also doubled in value — perhaps even tripled? The voters had the intuition to vote for and approve this project. Now, let’s stop whining and get it done.

Bill Miller

Pearl City

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Odd that air bags are part of safety check

What is the problem with our government officials (“Honda says isle owners at high risk,” Star-Advertiser, May 11)? I’ve been a safety check inspector for 45 years — I know that the air bag is a requirement to pass a vehicle safety inspection, even though it can kill a person. Honda confirms the dangers of the airbag. At last count there are more than 40 million air bags being recalled.

The intent of the safety check, according to the Hawaii Revised Statutes, is to prevent vehicles from stalling or causing accidents. How does an air bag accomplish this goal? Common sense would be checking the oil level and coolant level as part of a safety check.

By including air bags in the safety check, the state of Hawaii should be liable for requiring that an air bag that can kill you, is mandatory for you to drive your vehicle.

Frank Young

Kakaako