Poor little Kailua. First it was Mitch D’Olier and Kaneohe Ranch trying to turn Kailua into Carmel-by-the-Sea. After they did their damage, our town was fobbed off to Alexander & Baldwin, who have even grander ideas of how to turn it into a golden goose.

And what have we, the residents of Kailua, gotten out of the deal? Small, useful businesses have been trickling out of town, no longer able to pay the higher rents. In their place we are given shops devoted to tourist wares.

Another gift of greed is the disappearance of affordable rentals, replaced by illegal vacation rentals and the appearance of ever- more homeless. It has been a lose-lose for our town.

So it made me proud to see some of Kailua’s young adults stand up and say, “no more” (“Petitions hope to save Pali Lanes,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 2). Don’t take down Pali Lanes, a place dear to our hearts. A&B has become The Big Bad Alexander & Baldwin Wolf and we don’t want to be swallowed.

Mollie Foti

Kailua

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Ken DeHoff served heroically in war

Critical information about Ken DeHoff was left out of William Cole’s recent article (“Ex-director kept eye on steady growth,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 1).

The recently retired director of the Pacific Aviation Museum is a bona fide hero in my book.

During the Vietnam War, DeHoff piloted the Cobra attack helicopter. He was shot down a number of times, and finally broke his back during a particularly violent and fiery crash in North Vietnam; as a result of his actions, he was awarded the prestigious Air Medal.

His crash-related injuries required three years of constant hospitalization. The doctors doubted that he would ever walk again, but Ken proved them all wrong. Upon his medical discharge from the Army, he returned to flying in various capacities until the opportunity to lead the Pacific Aviation Museum arose, which is where he has served spectacularly this past decade.

Ken DeHoff did a superb job as the director, but what is even more impressive is what he gave our country in the form of blood, sweat, and tears.

Bob McDermott

Ewa Beach

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New Year’s bombs hazardous to health

I believe these firecracker bombs are capable of giving people brain damage, like concussions. Every time they were set off near my home, my body would snap like it was hit by an electric shock.

Starting New Year’s Day, I have been very dizzy and harder of hearing. These are a serious health hazard. I can only imagine what pets, with very sensitive hearing, must go through.

I long for the days of the 50-count Duck brand firecrackers that were set off by the thousands. Thank you, lawmakers, for banning them; you gave us the bombs instead.

Bert West

Kalihi

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Fireworks thwart security measures

When considering such extreme quantities of explosives represented by illegal fireworks being imported with impunity — under the noses of all the levels of supposed security put in place the last two decades to fight terrorism — one could be made to believe that our state and national security measures are either complicit, woefully ineffective or unnecessary.

Gary Pardy

Haleiwa

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Cancer-causing metals in fireworks

Not only do fireworks cause fires, personal injuries and emotional distress to pets, children and many adults — they may also be a cause of cancer.

A recent study in San Diego showed that the residue of fireworks and firecrackers has trace elements of cancer-causing metals. This residue is found on the streets all around the island the morning after the New Year’s celebration. Then when it rains, this residue is washed down our storm drains and eventually into the oceans, where it affects our fish and coral.

It’s time to outlaw all fireworks, not just for our safety, but to save our oceans.

Wim Blees

Mililani

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Trump’s foreign policy belligerent

What a dumb article concerning the nuclear air-raid siren (“Response mixed to second nuclear air-raid siren test,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 3).

How foolish Gov. David Ige and Hawaii appear with the sirens. Please pay more heed to retired Army Col. Ann Wright and others in the community who object to President Donald Trump’s belligerent foreign policy.

Hawaii of all places should be challenging Trump’s sanity.

Pearl Harbor should be enough incentive to question our country’s military aggression, nuclear threats and presidential decisions.

Patricia Blair

Kailua

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There’s no need for nuclear-attack sirens

The sirens are beating the drums of war (“Response mixed to second nuclear air-raid siren test,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 3).

The sirens heighten the drama of impending conflict and devastation to the North Korean populace and Pacific Island popu- lations, including Hawaii. The electronic wailing does nothing to reduce stress, ensure safety or increase healthful relaxation.

The sirens have nothing to do with patient international diplomacy, dialogue or harmony among nations.

Arlina Agbayani, public relations officer with the state Emergency Management Agency, needs to know colleagues and myself would like these nuclear- attack sirens stopped. They are not necessary.

Gary Harrold

Hilo