Death threats to the employee who made the unfortunate mistake and sent out a missile alert? That is one of the worst pieces of news I’ve heard (“Fallout,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 16).

Of course let’s fix the system so someone doesn’t inadvertently set off a panic again that could lead to something really bad. But death threats? Come on, Hawaii — we’re better than that. We all should be better than that.

At least I hope so.

Molly Strode

Kuliouou

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Everyone makes mistakes sometimes

What have we come to? Death threats to someone who made a mistake?

I wonder if all those who made a death threat to the person who mistakenly pushed the wrong button never made a mistake in their life. Yes, it was a serious mistake. However, he or she who has never made a mistake can cast the first stone.

Joan Marcoccia

Waialae

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More information on aftermath needed

I think the state needs to provide more information to the public about the consequences of a nuclear attack.

Those who were on the road and rushing to get home posed a danger to other motorists that could have resulted in accidents and possible deaths. Those who were out in the ocean would have had difficulty finding shelter in time.

But I don’t think the state has provided sufficient information to the public about the aftermath of a detonation. While many could have survived the blast, a lot more would die from what followed — radiation exposure.

Melvyn Masuda

Waialae-Kahala

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Prepare public for other contingencies

Did anyone really know what to do when they got the “incoming ballistic missile” message?

Some would say preparing is futile, as a nuclear attack will destroy all life. However, complete annihilation depends on a perfectly functioning weapon with pinpoint accuracy, something I don’t believe North Korea possesses.

What would happen if the explosion happened 10 miles offshore? Does the state have emergency infrastructure that can pop up at a moment’s notice to handle a wide variety of contingencies?

Perhaps the errant message was actually a warning of how underprepared Hawaii is for such an attack.

Daniel McLaughlin

Wilhelmina Rise

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Attack warnings a waste of time

Let’s get real. Why is North Korea spending the time and money to develop nuclear missiles capable of reaching the mainland if they want to target Hawaii?

Stop the nuclear warning tests and sirens. Spend time on likely dangers.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency should focus on developing a more useful emergency alert system — one with manual messaging (not this pre-worded stuff) that can describe the details of the alert.

Imagine being able to message the time the tsunami would hit Hawaii with updates on the expected impact areas and wave size, and shorten updates to five minutes.

Dan Suehiro

Mililani

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Forget LNG, focus on renewable energy

“Compared to renewables, LNG isn’t clean or cost-effective” (Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Jan. 11) contains important information about liquefied natural gas methane emissions and their impact on climate change.

Oceanfront erosion threatens our recreation and economy. The University of Hawaii’s Chip Fletcher has warned us about seawater intrusion on low-lying coasts and into Oahu’s fresh- water supply.

Policymakers must consider the economic impacts of different fuel mixes to power our lifestyles. Allocating money for a “bridge” — short-term LNG infrastructure that will exacerbate climate change — wastes resources that could fund grid modernization, energy storage and other improvements.

The state Public Utilities Commission and elected officials should focus on how to eliminate fossil fuel use, considering not only “resilience” and the financial costs of alternatives, but ensuring that poorer residents don’t pay a greater share of their resources than wealthier ones.

A truly renewable energy future will help prevent the worst impacts (and costs) of climate change.

Beppie Shapiro

Wilhelmina Rise

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Get used to hearing criticism of Trump

Yes, Donald Trump won the election. If we lived in a dictatorship, we’d have to “get over it,” as is often said in letters and op-ed pieces, and be quiet. But speaking up is a privilege and right in our democracy.

This president tweets outrageous comments; in the background, his Cabinet heads quietly decimate their departments. In the State Department, experienced, knowledgeable staff to advise the president and secretary of state on foreign affairs are gone and not replaced. Scott Pruitt said the Environmental Protection Agency should be eliminated; Trump named him head of the department.

The next GOP targets are “entitlement” programs: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

I’m old enough to remember when Congress worked in a bipartisan way, legislating through compromise. Now they don’t, so I will continue to read, listen, speak out and let my representatives know what I think and that I care.

Those who don’t agree — get over it.

Judy Goldman

Ala Moana

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Diamond Head repairs going well

Congratulations to the construction crew doing the rock fall mitigation work at the Leahi (Diamond Head) State Monument.

In all the repairs completed so far, they have expertly crafted the repairs to blend in with the adjacent rock formations so that not only will the repairs be functional and improve the safety of the hike, but the path will be aesthetically pleasing. It is really looking good!

The frequent trail closures have created an inconvenience and some visitors have no doubt had to forgo the attraction, but I think all hikers will appreciate the finished product and it will be a safe hike once again. Thanks.

James Metz

Makiki