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More bus riders a solution to pollution
Bus riders on Oahu are a solution to pollution and they ease the squeeze of humanity on this crowded island.
Far from being penalized for their contribution, their fares should go down and they should be greeted at every major stop with a brass band and a cup of 100% Kona coffee (“City proposes moderate increases in bus fares,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 16).
We want a livable, sustainable city. Doubling the number of bus riders is a huge step in that direction.
Howard C. Wiig
Manoa
Good job on repairs on Kamehameha
I just want to celebrate and share my great appreciation for the wonderful erosion-control work done along Kamehameha Highway in Haaula and Kaaawa, and how quickly it was planned and executed.
I think we should make every project an emergency, to avoid all unneeded chatter, pessimism and interference, so maybe we can get things done.
Ryan Routh
Kaaawa
India president’s policies divisive
The regime of President Narendra Modi is rapidly promoting India’s descent into an authoritarian, divisive and violent society, following the extremist dictates of Hindu nationalism.
India is more like a continent with many nations, given its diversity of ethnic cultures, states and religions.
Modi’s policies, for which President Donald Trump has lauded him, have unleashed anti-Muslim riots, killings, destruction of mosques and other barbarities.
Modi’s actions in violating India’s constitution and attacking and isolating the 7 million citizens of the Kashmir also have been condemned by many countries around the world, but, unsurprisingly, not by Trump, who has only praise for Modi.
It is time that we, our representatives, churches, world leaders and the media, speak out against the horror being unleashed in India by Modi’s followers and his autocratic and sectarian government. What Modi is doing in polarizing Indian society is what Trump is striving to do to ours, with his anti-immigrant, white nationalist positions.
Small wonder Trump and Modi have embraced each other’s warped visions and aims.
John Witeck
Kamehameha Heights
Don’t impose more gun restrictions
As a public safety worker, I’m disappointed in our police chief, state Sen. Karl Rhoads and state Reps. Chris Lee and Gregg Takayama using the Hibiscus Drive tragedy and the deaths of two Honolulu police officers to remove more of our rights in what already is one of the strictest gun-law states (“HPD chief pushes for new gun limits,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 27).
None of these proposed laws would have changed the outcome. Even House Bill 2709, which is a good idea, would not have made a difference in this case, as it seems that the weapons used were from before the 1994 gun registration, so were “unknown.”
Our lawmakers need to stop further degradation of our rights. The U.S. Constitution says that we are born with these rights. As usual, this will only affect law- abiding citizens, not criminals. Do you think criminals obey laws? People who want to kill will find a way to work around strict laws. Stop reducing our ability and freedom to protect ourselves.
Eric Hammond
Laie
Hope rises for more Hawaii preschools
Mahalo for your editorial (“Expand existing pre-K programs,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Feb. 23). It’s right on the mark.
I’m cognizant of the nonpartisan effort of former Gov. Linda Lingle’s “blue ribbon” committee slated to do exactly what you are suggesting about preschools and early childhood learning.
I knew personally a number of the people on the committee who were experts in early childhood learning.
Yes, it takes a long time for things to materialize at the Legislature. This year, I think there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for positive movement on long- overdue preschools and early-learning support.
D. Molentia Guttman
Makiki
Stop buying, selling of wild animals
In the discussion about wild animals as the source of novel diseases, little mention is made of the terrible cruelty of the wild animal trade.
Animals are trapped, caged and transported, sometimes across continents, to be slaughtered and consumed as irrational folk medicine or for conspicuous consumption.
Others are confined for life as vanity displays. New diseases will continue to evolve from wild animals. If not out of humanity, then for public health, the wild animal trade must be stopped.
Diane Shepherd
Manoa
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