We are all neighbor islands and helping each other has always been the bond of aloha.

As the island of Oahu needs help in funding the rail, the neighbor islands should remember that Oahu taxpayers help in funding some of their improvements for highway, airport, schools and other state-sponsored improvements or operations through the general excise tax.

As the younger generation moves to Oahu, they will benefit in utilizing the rail, buying homes along the rail line, having more family time and fewer car emissions.

All residents of Hawaii should be willing to help in supporting whatever funding method that resulted from the special session of the Legislature.

The neighbor island of Hawaii includes Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii.

Leonard Leong

Manoa

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Don’t be selfish; look beyond ourselves

I cannot believe the selfishness of those who oppose rail because they don’t intend to use it. Outside their narrow world, they can’t see how it will help others.

I don’t have children and never did. On the basis of that, I can protest using any of my state taxes for education, but I don’t, because I believe others will benefit from the use of my tax dollars. I believe that every child should benefit from opportunities that their education can create for them, even if they’re not my children.

When we look outside ourselves and do what we can for others, everyone benefits, because at times, what others do brings us benefits even if we’re unaware of their contribution to our lives. Selfishness hurts everyone, including ourselves.

Gary Saito

Aiea

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Climate-change link to storms is dubious

The devastation in Texas at the hands of Hurricane Harvey has been referred to as evidence of “climate change” and further cited as “ironic,” as the state has historically been known to be very active in the production of fossil fuels said to be at the root of supposed man-made degradation of conditions related to our weather (“Climate change comes to Texas,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 30).

One would think that powerful hurricanes like Katrina and Harvey are some sort of novelty raging across the nation as a symptom of energy production over the last three or so decades.

The real irony is that the very same issue of the Star-Advertiser contains the headline, “Kauai’s Hurricane Hiki set U.S. record for extreme rainfall back in 1950.”

Yes, powerful storms have apparently been around for well over half a century, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest even much longer.

Stephen Hinton

Waialua

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Wishing for a better governor candidate

It looks like the same “back room” good-old-boy Democrats will again determine who will be our next governor.

Gov. David Ige’s do-nothing performance may make loyal Democratic Party voters shy away next time, but don’t count on it. Our swamp-infested state government will keep rolling along, business as usual.

What we need is a first-class outsider as our governor, someone with intelligence, good common sense, a desire to always do the right thing and no connections to union bosses or big business corporations.

That sounds like quite the challenge, even for Republicans, but Lord knows we need a knight in shining armor now more than ever to drain our very deep swamp.

Don’t hold your breath.

Frank A. DeSilva

Haleiwa

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Are first responders up to task in Hawaii?

Imagine how many lives would have been lost if hundreds of private citizens, many from outside Texas, didn’t volunteer their boats and watercraft to go out and rescue stranded people whom the official government rescuers were unable to reach.

The hurricane showed it overwhelmed the capacity of government first responders. Are Hawaii’s first responders up to the challenge, or should we plan to organize and train private watercraft owners to fill in if needed?

Francis Nakamoto

Moanalua Valley

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First-responder pros deserve praise

I grew up in a family of firefighters and police officers. I served as military police (MP) in the Army myself and understand the difficulties of the lifestyle. It’s tough work day in and day out.

The emotional and physical demands can truly take a toll not only on individuals, but also on their families. We’ve long heard criticisms of the Honolulu Police Department and even the firefighters’ response to the Marco Polo incident.

We have to remember these are highly trained professionals in their trades. They work with the tools, resources, manpower and intelligence they are provided and make educated decisions based on that.

As an MP, I’ve worked alongside HPD and trained with its SWAT teams, as well as with the firefighters and EMTs.

I give kudos and high regards to all first responders for their dedication and commitment to helping others.

James Logue

Chinatown

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Stop MS-13 gang from entering isles

I am greatly disturbed and concerned to hear MS-13 gang members entered our islands.

We must be wary and vigilant of these monsters with MS-13 connotations and insignia tattoos.

They must be reported immediately to the Honolulu Police Department so it can do a background check and stop these thugs from entering our beloved state.

Earl Cosma

Aliamanu-Salt Lake