I’d like to share that I ran out to get a second Star-Advertiser on June 5 to be sure I’d have a spare — copy, that is, of Charlene van der Pyl-Chee’s letter extolling the joys of spring in Honolulu (“Enjoy the pleasures of spring in Hawaii,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 5).
What a breath of fresh air in the midst of a recent mix of the dentist, the DMV and jury duty. Here’s hoping she puts her poetic prose to an insider’s guide or blog on the subtle seasons of Honolulu.
Diana Funaro
Makiki
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U.S. shouldn’t have to back Paris accord
President Donald Trump withdraws from the Paris accord.
That’s the best news I’ve heard yet. Instead of nations looking to the U.S. “big brother” for environmental concerns, they can take the example of Hawaii. Make their own preparation to curb carbon emissions and prepare for environmental changes at home.
Read the Paris accord. We don’t need more financial environmental accords, but more individuals and nations working together for the good of the Earth.
The Paris accord is, in essence, a punishment for nations who are meeting their obligations while ensuring the U.S. will pay for others who neglect theirs.
Isn’t it about time for the U.S. to put its own needs in the foreground and be a partner, not an overseer, or financial bottomless pit for the rest of the world? It’s not putting our heads in the sand, but lifting others to have pride in their own nations.
Betty Berry
Makiki
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Offer solutions, not hate, for homeless
Shame on Lane Woodall and her oddly named group CATFIGHT (“Ige ignores impact of defiant homeless,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 6).
Woodall described most people lacking housing as “defiant, dangerous and destructive.” She avers that Gov. David Ige “must stop the sabotaging of our quality of life.” Yet remarkably but perhaps not surprisingly, Woodall offers no policy prescription to address homeless issues — not one.
I ask CATFIGHT members: What specifically are you willing to do to help, as opposed to engaging solely in hateful invective?
Michael Kappos
Waikiki
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Give rail a test run to Middle Street first
I have a common-sense solution to rail. Ask the federal government if it can wait to see if we have enough ridership to Middle Street. If we do, then we can go to Ala Moana. If not, then return the money.
Alvin Goshi
Pauoa