Some educators have expressed concern over incoming Superintendent Christina Kishimoto’s lack of teaching experience.

As a member of an advisory group to the Board of Education’s search committee, I too echo my fellow teachers’ desires for our top administrator to have classroom experience.

Running a large, statewide system requires a wide range of competencies, and I would still be more comfortable if Kishimoto had some actual teaching experience. As teachers, we are required to obtain teaching credentials.

I hope that our new superintendent will be successful in our Hawaii school system by listening to teachers and students. Kishimoto has a wealth of experience, which may well compensate for the absence of teaching experience.

I am inspired by not only teaching others, but also by learning. Therefore, I intend to keep an open mind and give Kishimoto a chance to share her ideas with us.

Sung Man Park

McCully-Moiliili

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Trump prefers deals to global agreements

Agreement or deal?

The Paris climate change agreement among 195 nations to confront the coming consequences of a warming planet, demonstrates a level of justifiable fear, but also of compassion for the poor (who will suffer the most), and hopefully for all species of life.

Our president prefers to strike a deal in which the rich will continue to greedily pocket the profits from the mining of coal, gas and oil.

Compassion or deals: Which will prevail?

William Metzger

Manoa

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President correct to leave Paris accord

Though obviously intended as a symbolic gesture, that one individual would be so presumptuous as to apologize to the world on behalf of a country that duly elected its president is not only laughable but also shallow and misguided (“An apology for electing Trump,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 2). This holds true especially in light of the reason given.

President Donald Trump was right on target in withdrawing the U.S. from a climate agreement that theoretically would reduce the world temperature by a fraction of one degree over 85 years. And at what cost?

Given the facts surrounding the pact, it is easy to see that it was simply a vehicle for those subscribing to a globalist ideology to further their cause.

Thanks but no thanks. He can keep his apology to himself.

Joan Rank

Waialua

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Lack of compassion led to deportation

As I read the story of the deportation of Big Island coffee grower Andres Magana Ortiz, I was saddened, embarrassed and ultimately angry (“Judge rebukes Trump but deportation stands,” Star-Advertiser, May 31).

No matter who voted for whom, I find it difficult to process the lack of understanding and compassion shown in this case and in other such cases. It is especially galling to realize that one man and his entourage has the power to cast such a mean-spirited and un-American pall over all of us.

Randy Castello

Hawaii Kai

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Continue building rail as funds allow

It was good to see the train on the tracks the other day (“Going for a spin,” Star-Advertiser, May 31).

Why doesn’t the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation finish the stations to Middle Street and run the train to that location?

Have a bus route from Middle Street to Ala Moana on the same route as the train would go.

Continue building the rail to Ala Moana as the money becomes available (hopefully through the general excise tax rather than the property tax). This way the rail will generate revenue and the system can be tweaked for any unforeseen faults. Psychologically, the public will see the rail in action and therefore its money invested in the rail will become a reality.

Think about it, HART.

Toby Allen

Hawaii Kai

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Honolulu lacks thoughtful planning

I have lived in cities where generations of enlightened leaders created greenbelts around urban cores by purchasing land and conservation easements.

I have lived in cities where urban sprawl has been contained because large landowners do not own the politicians or determine their 20-year development master plans. I have lived in places where it is not necessary to own a car because enlightened leaders built a network of street-level trolleys and bus services that enhance life in each neighborhood. None of those cities would be Honolulu.

As we now contemplate the sober realities of rail funding, could we all please take a step back? My personal litmus test: What we build needs to make it possible for somebody in the urban core to live comfortably without owning a car. No can do? Then forget Middle Street. Stop at the airport already.

Jan Becket

Manoa

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Enjoy the pleasures of spring in Hawaii

My husband and I recently returned from a trip to Hokkaido. We smelled the lilacs and gazed at the cherry blossoms in Sapporo. We followed well-publicized directions to the best places to view the cherished trees.

Recently I observed our beautiful yellow and rainbow shower trees in full bloom. The drive down Kalanianaole Highway from Kahala to Hawaii Kai was breathtaking. The trees sway down the median strips and along the sides of the road. Petals blew across the highway similar to falling snow.

Take time to look and enjoy our local treasures. Tell your friends to take note and celebrate our springtime shower trees.

Charlene van der Pyl-Chee

Hawaii Kai