I wonder if any of our state and county politicians have noticed how this bottomless-pit electric train project has transformed from a public accommodation project into a private vehicle for the owners, resident stores, their workers and customers of the Ala Moana Shopping Center? The owners and tenants of the center must be salivating at the prospect of the taxpayers picking up the tab to enable their profits to skyrocket.

In the best of all worlds, which we don’t have in this situation, it would be nice if the Ala Moana Center offered to pick up some of the cost for the last leg of the rail right up to their front door. Can anyone doubt that the center will garner the most economic benefit from the rail than any other entity in our community?

Art Todd

Kaneohe

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It’s simple: no money, no rail

Regarding the May 19 article, “Rail board considers its options for current, future cost,” I have a suggestion: If you don’t have enough money, stop. If you don’t have the money, you can’t do it.

Is that concept too basic for any of you to grasp?

Jeanne Moore

Downtown

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Use breath of life to infuse peace

More and more in Hawaii today, one is witnessing the gracious sharing of “ha,” the breath of life. Replacing the chest bump or firm handshake, this ancient mindfulness practice of inhaling and exhaling the life force of Aloha powerfully connects one to the other in deep and loving ways.

In these chaotic and anxiety-induced days of uncertainty and fear, how magnificent it would be for all of Hawaii’s leaders, residents and visitors to share the ha, one with the other, in daily practice, that love, kindness and compassion may spring forth and peace and happiness may prevail.

Let Hawaii nurture the ha.

Kehaulani Lum

Aiea

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Trump needs to govern, not divide

Donald Trump is embarking on his first meeting with foreign leaders in the Middle East and Europe, and I fear he could embarrass the American people with his temperament. His first four months has been nothing short of turmoil, with multiple false accusations, firing of Cabinet leaders, name- calling distractions and interfering with the investigations of Russian intervention of our political process. Even staunch Republicans are beginning to back away from his performance, which is unfortunate since they control the Senate, House and White House, and much good could be accomplished with the right leadership.

I predict if Trump continues down this path of divisiveness, Republican support will fade and he may not last to finish his term, as whispers of impeachment swirl from allegations he tried to interfere with legal proceedings concerning obstruction of justice of the FBI’s investigation of retired Gen. Michael Flynn and fired FBI Director James Comey.

Hal Omori

Mililani

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E-books trying to prevent abuse

Rob Perez’s recent front-page story on the first in a series of four e-books by Hawaii’s former director of Human Services, Lillian Koller, “Peter Boy Kema: Hawaii’s Most Notorious Case of Child Abuse and Murder,” was misguided and irresponsible. The purpose of the book was clearly to tell Peter Boy’s story to prevent other children from suffering similar abuse, torture and death.

Koller was villainized for having exposed suppressed facts of the case supporting the recent conviction of the parents. Perez exploited the embarrassment of Peter Boy’s siblings over people knowing what they had suffered, as if the objective of the book was to embarrass them.

Some, apparently, would prefer the facts of the case remain buried with Peter Boy, giving the parents complete immunity and supporting impunity in future cases of child abuse and murder.

Scott Ray

Haleiwa

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Already, activities ruin natural calm

Bill 78, just passed by the City Council, is vague. It could open the door to more commercial activity, as inflatable water slides and bouncy houses are currently permitted in parks. This activity doesn’t fit the statement that it “must blend in with the surrounding environment.”

I live across from a small park fronting the ocean, lined with residents. Water slides and bouncy houses, humming generators, plus party tents take up three-quarters of the park. This does not “preserve and protect the Hawaiian sense of place.” The water slides hook up to park showers, with water often flowed over into the parking lot. After several months of complaints to Councilmember Kymberly Pine and the Parks and Recreation Department, I received a letter that water slides will not be permitted but inflatables are allowed. As as for “Hawaiian natural beauty”: I cannot see the sunset, or see or hear the ocean beyond the inflatables with humming generators.

Mary Ellen Apostol

Waianae