What irony! One of the states that has withdrawn, refined and exported such large amounts of oil for our benefit, is now suffering from the climatic effects of that same commodity, as drought and severe storms return to Texans and their oil fields.

How many Katrinas and Harveys must we endure before our bought-out politicians realize that compassion for all beings comes before money in their pockets for their next vote, their next campaign?

Climate change is here, folks. Return to the Paris agreement, Mr. President. Wake up, America!

William Metzger

Manoa

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Who should get taxpayer money?

So state Sen. Russell Ruderman argues that the rail project won’t benefit his constituents, and neighbor island taxpayers should not be forced to pay for the troubled rail project on Oahu (“Neighbor isle leaders protest tax hike for rail,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 27).

Since the rail really only benefits 1 percent of the residents living on Oahu, shouldn’t we, the other 99 percent, be given a free pass, too? If we all thought that way, perhaps all state tax revenues should benefit only the island it is collected on, too.

Judy Lee

Kakaako

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Union works for firefighter safety

I’m a recently retired fire captain with more than 28 years of service, and I’m concerned with how Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves and his executive chiefs handled the Marco Polo fire.

Some people want to dismiss the concerns raised by Bobby Lee and the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association.

Being a firefighter is a dangerous job and our union’s responsibility is to protect and fight for our safety when the HFD leadership fails to do its job and properly protect firefighters.

I hope the ongoing investigations into the handling of the fire exposes why these protections weren’t provided.

I’m grateful that our union continues doing its job to make certain our firefighters get the protection they deserve to keep them safe.

Brian Derby

Kaneohe

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Hawaii can take more visitors

I have been working in Waikiki since 1958 and at the Hilton Hawaiian Village since 1990.

In the 1950s, Hawaii saw a little over 200,000 visitors. I have watched Hawaii grow to more than 8 million visitors and yes, Hawaii does have the capacity to accommodate even more.

The problem expressed by local folks is that tourists are moving into their residential communities. Computer apps like Airbnb have made this possible.

One solution to the problem expressed in Sunday’s story, “Too many tourists?” (Star-Advertiser, Insight, Aug. 27) is obvious: Enforce our residential zoning codes.

Another solution is to provide more things to enjoy within Hawaii’s tourism- zoned areas. For example, the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s fireworks show keeps thousands of visitors in Waikiki where they enjoy Waikiki’s restaurants and retail centers.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority and its affiliates are doing a great job of presenting Hawaii to the world; they need to keep up the good work. Remember, tourism is Hawaii’s economic engine. Let’s keep them coming.

Bob Hampton

Chairman, Waikiki Beach Activities, Ltd.

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Don’t malign pit bull breed

“If owners can’t control their dogs, they shouldn’t take them out in public” (“Pleading for better control over pit bulls,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 26).

It’s frustrating, not to mention without merit, to specifically subject pit bulls to this stereotyping. Many times, other dogs, such as Chihuahuas, labs or other breeds, become aggressive toward my dog, who is certified service canine, adult/canine therapy team.

At Kailua Beach, where the leash law is disrespected by many, unleashed aggressive dogs approach my dog.

A while ago, an Australian visitor at Lanikai beach said, “If it were not for the responsible pit bull owner who had their dog on a leash, the Chihuahua would be dead.” The Chihuahua was the aggressor.

It’s not the breed but the irresponsible owner. Socialization with other dogs and people between three weeks or months is ideal. I have a short, blue-nose American pit bull, 4 years old, training since three months.

Leonard Chong

Kailua

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Wahine uniforms need upgrading

I have always been a fan of Wahine volleyball and will continue to be for many more years to come.

I believe that in time, Coach Robyn Ah Mow-Santos and her staff will bring the team up to its full potential. However, I feel the dress code for Ah Mow-Santos and her staff should be a little more Hawaiian or more dressy in nature than dressing like it’s another practice session. Let’s dress the staff and team into brighter colors and let us, the fans, know what color to wear to make it an all-Hawaii team effort. Go Bows!

Rodney Cazimero

Hawaii Kai