Perhaps I missed it, but where is Nainoa Thompson on the Thirty Meter Telescope Opens in a new tab and Haleakala Opens in a new tab observatories issues?

As a master navigator who perpetuates Hawaiian sciences (astronomy, oceanography, meteorology, geology, ethnobotany, ornithology and marine biology) and cultural history, from grade school to the universities, Thompson is a respected member of our communities. He could be a great voice of mediation for both sides of the heated spectrum — the scientists and “protectors” of the “sacred mountains.”

Now that Hokulea has returned from her successful world tour and embarks upon interisland voyages, please let his voice speak out for all to hear — as we are all in the same canoe. Imua!

Mark Thomas

Kalihi Valley

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Ticket drivers, not pedestrians

This new anti-pedestrian ordinance is government-sanctioned victim-blaming (“Texting Opens in a new tab against law when in a  Opens in a new tabcrosswalk Opens in a new tab,” Star-Advertiser, July 28).

Once again Honolulu is privileging cars over humans and preemptively absolving potential manslaughter. Our exorbitant pedestrian death rate is a direct result of poor infrastructure — inadequate, narrow sidewalks and mid-block crosswalks with no traffic lights. For example: the Nuuanu side of Pali Highway and all along South King Street.

This transparent effort to extort fines from pedestrians will save no lives and, if anything, further encourage reckless driving. Legislators keep talking about keeping the country country, increasing walkability and implementing Complete Streets — and frankly, this is not the way.

During my commute, walking down Ward Avenue, I am almost killed several times a day. Drivers make eye contact with me, see me step into the crosswalk, then speed up and sometimes honk and swear at me as they zoom onto the Ward onramp. Why don’t we fine them instead?

Adele Balderston

Makiki

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Honolulu firefighters deserve much praise

Well, they’ve got nothing on our own Honolulu Fire Department, which in the past several weeks battled the blaze at the Marco Polo condo  Opens in a new tabtower Opens in a new tab, put out brush fires in Kunia, air-lifted into a wilderness mountainside to gather the remains of victims of a tragic plane accident, and worked with paramedics to extricate another plane from under the freeway.

That’s not to mention its regular duties rescuing stranded hikers from cliffs by helicopter, being first responders to medical/homeless situations (usually arriving ahead of the ambulances), working in water safety with their own boats, and being prepared to meet haz-mat situations. And, of course, there are the fires. What do they feed these guys — Super Taro?

The HFD — from Chief Manny Neves on down through assistant and battalion chiefs, captains, and especially the rank and file — deserve a shout-out for their professionalism and enthusiasm.

Chip Davey

Downtown Honolulu

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Protect monk seals and WWI memorial

Our family kupuna served in World War I. Their memorial is sacred.

Saving the Hawaiian monk seal Opens in a new tab is part of our legacy. The Endangered Species Act prohibits disrupting protected species behavioral patterns. Demolish the Natatorium’s seaward portion to protect monk seals and maintain the land portion to honor our WWI veterans, who served to protect our rights and laws.

Lest we forget.

Ken Lesperance

Waimanalo