Our state legislators are expert at complicating otherwise simple issues. Proposals to increase the transient accommodations tax (TAT) statewide and other “out of the box” revenue solutions to pay for rail are unwarranted.

Complaints that the general excise tax is regressive have merit, but the extra half-cent surcharge on Oahu is not the problem. Everyone pays 4 percent GET statewide, but none of that money goes to rail; only the extra 0.5 percent paid exclusively on Oahu does.

That’s an extra 50 cents for every $100 spent that no one is noticing now.

Extend that Oahu-only surcharge indefinitely and there is enough to complete rail and pay operating costs, without one dime coming from the neighbor islands.

In fact, the 10 percent “skim” taken by the state to “administer” the surcharge actually benefits the neighbor islands.

If we want to address the regressive nature of the GET, let’s do so, but that discussion is not about rail.

Joseph Perez

Kakaako

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Taking down statues can unite country

Taking down the statues of Confederate generals and other Southern notables is a final symbolic ending to the Civil War.

It is clear that there has been lingering resentment and anger in the southern states over their loss and their subsequent treatment by the North.

This was natural and to be expected and has been demonstrated by continued use of the Confederate flag and a variety of other actions, including that of racism and restriction of voting rights.

Yes, it is our history, but it is time to let go and be more of a united nation. It is sad that President Donald Trump does not recognize what is going on and does not lend his support to this unification.

Paul Tyksinski

Kailua

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We need dialogue, not more division

I would like to respond to Greg Harding (“Add description to Robert E. Lee statue,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 17). Many historical monuments are seen as symbols of repression or having historical value. We can never erase the events of the past.

We can, however, come to compromise about monuments that are offensive or controversial. But don’t use a word such as “traitor” to describe Robert E. Lee, when the intent of the monument at the time it was erected was good. While you may disagree with Robert E. Lee and what he represents now, he was a leader of many American soldiers who fought and died for their side. Just imagine the fear and horror along with the honor and love they experienced, and wish for peace for all the Americans who fought in this war.

The Civil War did happen. Let’s not repeat the history because we can’t have a dialogue.

Emi Arnold

Hawaii Kai

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Dogs should walk, not ride in carts

Thank you so much for raising the awareness of this unhealthy occurrence (“Don’t put dogs in shopping carts,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 16).

This has been a sore spot with me for a very long time. Dogs do not belong in shopping carts where we put our food. I have spoken to managers and called the corporate offices. This is a health hazard. I do not even agree that dogs belong in the stores. I realize there are service dogs, but they can walk — animals are meant to walk. I would assume the store would be liable for the behavior of the animal. So please, no dogs in shopping carts.

Marilee Y. Lyons

Haleiwa

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Clamp down on noisy motorcycles

Mahalo to the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Honolulu Police Department’s Bicycle Patrol and Emergency Medical Services for organizing and escorting a recent night bicycle ride on Ala Wai Boulevard and the Waikiki section of Kalakaua Avenue.

It was a quiet, peaceful and fun rally for all of the approximately 150 cyclists and their children. They appreciated the mayor and the city’s efforts to make Oahu a bicycle-friendly island with increased bikeways to encourage safe and healthy commuting.

Many of us could not ignore the contrast of modified motorcycles, some apparently with straight pipes — no mufflers — roaring down Kalakaua in their look-at-me splendor. These modifications to motorcycle and car mufflers are illegal, disturb the peace of the aina and could easily be controlled by honest safety check stations not approving these noisemakers. Everyone would benefit if motorcyclists became bicyclists as well.

John Nakao

Ala Moana

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‘Iolani students show talent, compassion

Hats off to ‘Iolani School’s sixth-grader Elvis Imamura and eighth-grader Logyn Okuda for bringing joy to many children and their families by sharing their musical talents at two events this summer (“2 teens use their talents to spread happiness,” Star-Advertiser, Incidental Lives, Aug. 15).

These invigorating teens play a variety of instruments. One instrument that they have in common is the drums. I guess one might say that they are on the same beat.

Besides being musically inclined, they are passionate in charitable and volunteer work. They hit it off at events for HUGS (Help, Understanding and Group Support) and Shriners Hospital for Okuda’s eighth-grade community service project.

Their performances brought smiles and happiness to the children, which is the best feeling in the world, Logyn said.

Mahalo to Elvis and Logyn for spreading happiness to people through their talents and acts of kindness.

Alexis M. Liftee

Nuuanu