The state of Hawaii and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency are wise to prepare the citizens of Hawaii for the possibility of a nuclear attack from North Korea (“Nuclear siren alerts foolish idea for isles,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 1).

In the highly unlikely event of a missile attack, Hawaii would have approximately 10-15 minutes to prepare once sirens are sounded.

If the people have learned ahead of time to prepare — shelter in place; shelter if possible in a building with thick concrete walls; stay tuned to AM/FM broadcasts; practice emergency procedures in schools; prepare for 14 days’ worth of food and emergency supplies — one can expect that there will be far fewer panic- induced injuries and casualties.

Otherwise, one may expect a massive tie-up of highly essential communications and logistical support, mass confusion and panic, very possibly greater numbers of injuries and casualties, and ultimately much finger-pointing at government and civil defense agencies whose responsibility it is to keep Hawaii safe.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Myra Taketa

Mililani

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HI-EMA prepares for possible disasters

In response to Kevin M. Roddy (“Nuclear siren alerts foolish idea for isles,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 1) and Phil Lahne (“Focus on roads and housing, not sirens,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 1), the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency remains committed to helping our residents and visitors prepare for, survive and recover from foreseeable disasters, including a potential nuclear attack.

Providing the public with accurate information based on existing science helps everyone make the best decisions possible for their own safety and survival.

In short, good information leads to better decisions, and we will not shirk our duty to serve the public because it makes them think about unpleasant things.

Science tells us that a large majority of the population would survive a nuclear attack by a North Korean warhead; education and preparation can help increase that survival rate, as they would in the face of many disasters. We will continue to encourage the public to get the facts, prepare appropriately, and be ready to participate in their own rescue.

Vern Miyagi

Administrator, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

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Trickle-down tax cut won’t help economy

It is as simple as the rich win, all others lose.

Tax breaks for the rich are permanent and all others phase out over time. After President Ronald Reagan’s trickle-down tax cut turned the tax code upside down, he had to raise taxes several times to stabilize the economy.

Federal Reserve policy saved his bacon and all of ours. Coming out of a recession, government spending, not a tax cut for the rich, should be used to jump start the economy.

History shows that trickle- down economics does not work. Corporations and the rich do not pay too much in taxes. General Electric paid no taxes.

As for Obamacare, all was fine until President Donald Trump’s rhetoric engendered uncertainty in the health insurance market. Repealing the insurance mandate will set health care on a real death spiral that the Republicans talk about. It’s all on them.

The economy is still President Barack Obama’s until Trump and the Republicans screw it up.

Melvin Sakamoto

Palolo

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Dems not only ones linked to harassment

Now that U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and others have demanded the resignation of U.S. Sen. Al Franken, who apart from his sexual misconduct has been one of our most active and compassionate members of Congress, it’s time to negotiate with President Donald “Art of the Deal” Trump (“Franken’s support fades as Hirono, other Democrats call for resignation,” Star-Advertiser, Top News, Dec. 6).

Franken should volunteer to resign on two conditions: One, that Roy Moore withdraw his U.S. Senate candidacy in the upcoming election, and two, that President Donald Trump also resign. Why should Democrats be the only ones to face consequences for their actions?

John Wythe White

Haleiwa

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Police won’t enforce fireworks laws

Regarding Brian Yamane’s plea that we turn in illegal fireworks detonators, I say good luck (“Report pyrotechnic punks to the police,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 5).

My neighbor blew off a homemade bomb, witnessed by his 2- and 4-year-old sons. The police came but I was told nothing could be done despite his admission and the remnants of the device on the ground.

The police will not pursue scofflaws and will turn a blind eye unless you witness and document the incident (i.e., video).

Until the police get on board we must hunker down in the war zone that is Hawaii.

Happy holidays.

Camille Komine

Kaneohe

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Russia, China will carve up N. Korea

North Korea is in mortal danger.

Sure, the United States is getting ready for the kill. But Russia and China are circling like vultures. While the U.S. ponders the situation, look for Russia, then China, to swoop in soon and begin dividing up the place. That fits with understanding why Russia and China have left the regime in place.

In the end, the United States and Japan will be thanking them for occupying North Korea.

The immediate danger is that North Korea will strike out at us and our allies when their northern neighbors invade. Long-term, having Russia and China in charge of North Korea will be worse than the current situation.

Charles Kerr

Kalama Valley