There are government regulations, like driving on the right side of the road, obeying a red light, wearing a seat belt and not driving drunk.

They restrict individual freedom to promote the common good and save lives. The same applies to wearing a face mask in public.

Any infected individual, whether or not symptomatic, who refuses to wear a mask in public endangers the health and life of others.

It is not a matter of individual choice or politics, it is being socially and morally responsible.

Refusal should be illegal. Such stupid carelessness limits the freedom of others, and they may be infected and even die.

Driving regulations are permanent, while wearing a mask is only temporary, simply a common-sense practical measure to help control the pandemic.

Egocentric selfishness cannot be allowed to trump the common good and national security in this humanitarian crisis.

Leslie E. Sponsel

Hawaii Kai

Republicans should urge Trump to concede

The recently completed presidential election marks a triumph for the democratic process in our country. Because of the deep political divide between supporters of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and out of concern for our nation’s future, a record number of voters were motivated to participate. This occurred despite concerns about possible disruptions to the voting process. Voting occurred peacefully and without interference or intimidation.

In spite of unprecedented scrutiny and outside pressure, votes appear to have been counted fairly and accurately. Both the electoral and popular votes have delivered a consistent outcome in favor of Biden.

The supporters of Trump, and especially Republicans in Congress, should accept the verdict of our democratic process. Four years ago, this same process resulted in the election of Trump. The time has come for Republicans to support our democratic process today by calling on Trump to concede the election and cooperate with the transition to the new Biden administration.

Stephen Lung

Kaimuki

Build walkway where it’s actually needed

I’m shocked that the state Department of Transportation is considering building a pedestrian overpass at the location described in the Star-Advertiser (“Proposed walkway over Ala Moana Boulevard in Kakaako raises cost concerns,” Nov. 15).

I can think of many other locations that deserve to have an overpass. If the condo developers at that location want an overpass, let them build it, but not with our tax dollars.

Has anyone making this decision visited the site? I can assure you, nobody is going to use it. From the map in the article, it connects the parking lot of the former Ward Warehouse to the parking for the fishing charter boats.

How about putting the overpass somewhere on the Pali Highway or on Kalanianaole Highway by Aina Haina? Stop wasting our tax dollars with another ill-planned state project.

Gary Nakanishi

St. Louis Heights

Homeless deserve dignity and respect

I was sadly reminded this weekend about the stigmatization of homeless people during the iHeartRadio 98.5 fundraiser, when on-air disk jockeys crudely teased Hawaiian singer Paula Fuga about her emotional story of eating out of a trash can when homeless once a lifetime ago (“iHeartRadio partners with Paula Fuga on campaign to end hunger, cuts 2 DJs who mocked her from morning crew,” Star-Advertiser, Top News, Nov. 16).

Listening to her cry on air broke my heart, and likely the thousands of listeners supporting our Hawaii Foodbank.

Regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, anyone can fall into a crisis at any moment. It is the soul and heart of our local community that lift others up to support them during their time of need. And to those like Paula, who use their talents and past experiences to rally our community behind such noble causes: You are heroes.

People should never be labeled or ridiculed because of their past trauma.They should be celebrated for the journey it took to become thriving, contributing members of our local community.

Because of Paula, I have made a personal donation in honor of her strength. I hope others will do the same.

Kimo Carvalho

Mililani

Paula Fuga a class act, and example to follow

Paula Fuga has to be one of the classiest persons on record.

Despite the insults she endured from two disk jockeys while volunteering to help raise money, the young performer has nevertheless been pono in her response, calling for healing and movement forward in the aftermath, with no negativity whatsoever.

Because of the way she has carried herself during this time — and showing the way she was brought up — it is hard to believe that she was once homeless during her youth. And she also may be a sign that homelessness, and the children involved in it, have a route to the future and there is indeed hope. In the words of the younger generation: You go, girl!

Chip Davey

Downtown Honolulu

Formby best choice for city managing director

In response to Michael Young, does he even know Michael Formby (“Blangiardi, Biden offer more of the same,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 17)?

I’m betting he doesn’t, yet he makes critical remarks about him. Formby was the best choice that Mayor-elect Rick Blangiardi could have made. In fact, if I had known before the election that Blangiardi would have named Formby as city managing director, I would have voted for him.

I have worked with Formby and can tell you that he is a highly intelligent, conscientious man of integrity. He is well versed in all three levels of government (city, state and federal) and is more prepared to help the City and County of Honolulu on its road to recovery than anyone else. Kudos to our new mayor for recognizing Formby’s abilities.

Randy Hiraki

Kakaako

Navy builds dry dock, but not new fuel tanks?

The engineering and resources involved to build a new dry dock are impressive (“Navy plans dry dock, waterfront production facility for subs,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 15).

Why isn’t the U.S. Navy allocating the same dedication of ingenuity, engineering and resources to protect our drinking water at Red Hill?

Brooke Jones

Mililani

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