Wildlife trafficking violates social norms

The fish and aquarium science authors of “Aquarium fish industry sustainable” (Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, May 31), implied that the personal possession of Hawaii’s wildlife can inspire careers in ocean protection, such as theirs.

If that were the case, one would expect the widespread promotion by zookeepers and ornithologists of wildlife trading in birds, mammals and other animals. Instead, U.S. imports of exotic wild birds for the pet trade have been restricted since 1992.

The personal possession of wildlife goes against today’s social norms and is universally discouraged.

A recent poll of Hawaii residents confirms this norm extends to reef fish, with 81 percent in agreement that only captive- bred fish should be kept in personal/hobby aquariums. It’s one of many reasons why residents are opposed to the wildlife trade operating on Hawaii’s reefs and why they want Gov. David Ige to allow Senate Bill 1240 to become law. People aren’t opposed to aquariums, per se. They’re opposed to the ecosystem degradation and animal suffering that goes hand in hand with wildlife trafficking.

Rene Umberger

Kihei, Maui

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Trump degrades our once-shining nation

The extent of cult-like support that President Donald Trump is getting in the social media for his Morning Joe tweet is nauseating.

This man is changing the character of our nation, where amorality is becoming the new normal.

Can we still prevent the proverbial City Upon a Hill from sliding into the City in the Swamp?

Frank Abou-Sayf

Ala Moana

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Ironically, president promotes violence

Oh, what irony do I see. President Donald Trump tweeted, “Crime and killings in Chicago have reached such epidemic proportions that I am sending in federal help” (“Chicago police, feds team up to fight ‘epidemic’ gun crime,” Star-Advertiser, July 1).

This is coming from a person who makes violence OK through vicious name-calling and lies, and by challenging his minions to act violently toward those who disagree with him.

I’ve pondered why, despite his so obviously deeply destructive character flaws, his base sticks to him. I understand the wealthy, he’s their pawn. But the salt-of-the-earth worker? I believe one part is pure and simple racism; blind white anger, unleashed by the election of a black president.

Another reason, I hypothesize, is a phenomenon called cognitive dissonance reduction. Many, I believe, have concluded that they erred by voting for Trump but, unable to admit they were wrong, have doubled down to convince themselves that they did the right thing.

Sidney M. Rosen

Hawaii Kai

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Plane crash hero set a good example

Kudos to Harley Bone, who responded immediately when he saw the plane crash by the Moanalua Freeway on June 30 (“And they lived,” Star-Advertiser, July 1).

Harley was at a nearby gas station, and zoomed over to help as a good Samaritan.

As citizens, we need to stay alert to our surroundings, whether it be a life-challenging situation, as with the plane crash, or simply helping people day-to-day.

It is imperative that we respond to others’ needs and treat people as we would want to be treated ourselves.

Our immediate response could help others and could save one, two, or three lives, as Harley showed us.

Kudos!

Joyce Cassen, M.D.

Aina Haina

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Developers take advantage of TOD

After reading Dave Shapiro’s insightful column, I can’t help but wonder what our City Council is thinking (“Rail-oriented development wreck can still be prevented,” Star-Advertiser, Volcanic Ash, July 2).

Indeed, little has gone as planned concerning rail, but the idea of affordable transit-oriented development (TOD) has, pardon the pun, gone off the rails.

The City Council used to judiciously apply building code exemptions and tax waivers, but now it seems developers are given a pass to build whatever and however they want, with waning regard for the affordable housing aspects TOD was supposed to bring. Sure, the developers might contribute monies or build affordable housing elsewhere, but nowhere near the TOD area where it would cut into their steep profits.

The voters on Oahu need to wake up and understand these high-priced TOD projects, originally proposed to be affordable housing, will continue to raise the cost of housing across all Oahu.

All the while, Mayor Kirk Caldwell touts the wonderfulness of rail while trying to blame his numerous financial missteps on the Legislature.

Pat Kelly

Kaimuki

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City Council should have listened to Fasi

Another day and another problem with rail transit — cost overruns, construction delays, where to end it.

I remember when Mayor Frank Fasi wanted to build a fixed-rail system and the City Council voted it down. If they had approved it, we may not be in this situation now.

Bill Bowles

Mililani

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All Americans must have health care

It is so important for every American to be able to afford health care. It benefits everyone.

We cannot be in a position where emergency rooms are the primary health care for people — that makes true emergency care so much poorer.

We cannot have families going bankrupt trying to pay medical bills. We cannot have babies and children hitting lifetime caps. We are a glorious country. We are a society, and we need to look out for each other and for the poor and disadvantaged.

Annalisa Hall

Makawao, Maui