The true impact of the recently enacted federal tax reform law is becoming apparent.

Donors supporting university sports functions, owners of valuable real estate and the well-to-do in high local-tax states may need to pay more federal income taxes.

People who cannot afford health-care premiums or choose not to buy insurance will no longer pay a tax penalty. Those people who normally itemize deductions on their taxes may be able to simplify their returns by taking the standard deduction.

Some may pay more taxes and some may pay less. It is clear that the poor and middle class will pay less taxes. The well-to-do may have to pay more. Every taxpayer will face different results.

The significant development is that businesses are giving bonuses to employees, granting pay raises and planning increased business activity.

These indicators do not fit the definition of the predicted Armageddon.

John Tamashiro

Pearl City

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Wisconsin’s private prisons reveal risks

A “public-private partnership” may work in some states, but in other states it doesn’t work (“State prison officials consider private partnerships,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 27).

In my home state, Wisconsin, all of the prison/jail support systems are privatized and there is talk of privatizing the entire system.

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) is the largest taker of taxpayer dollars, outpacing the Department of Education. Today, our DOC is in shambles. The FBI has taken over a DOC internal investigation of misconduct at the Lincoln Hills juvenile detention center. For-profit businesses with fewer oversight and regulations will open the door for criminal conduct.

There is a proven way to reduce prison cost by adopting treatment alternatives instead of prison.

As a returning “snow bird,” I have found that Hawaii and the Hawaii people have improved my hope for a more just society. Hawaiian culture is made of people who live the meaning of ohana.

David Corey

Kenosha, Wis.

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Mayor’s housing talk doesn’t match action

Isn’t it ironic that Mayor Kirk Caldwell expressed concern about “monster houses” changing the character of residential neighborhoods (“Caldwell looks to rein in ‘monster houses’,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 20)?

The mayor is quoted in the article as saying, “The spread of monster homes is a serious issue that affects the well-being of families in long-established neighborhoods, and we need to get a handle on the situation before it spirals out of control.”

He also said that “we cannot allow these oversized structures to change the character of our communities.”

The irony is that the mayor has been very lax in enforcing current vacation rental laws, and has established a task force to expand permits for them. These rentals have limited the housing supply and have similar affects on the character of residential neighborhoods that he decries for monster houses.

Is he concerned about the housing crisis and the character of neighborhoods or not?

Leigh Prentiss

Kailua

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Hiking mishap brings out spirit of aloha

My wife and I spent the first week of July vacationing in Honolulu. The experience was great. The people were friendly and helpful.

One day we hiked Manoa Falls, but it rained so I left my wife midway and took photos at the top.

On the way down, my knees went dead and I fell across the trail. People on the way up and the way down had to step across my 240-pound body. One going up was a doctor. He took a history from me and said “spinal stenosis” when he left.

Two families adopted me on the way down. I could do about 200 yards at a time and had to rest periodically about seven times. They stuck with me and my temporary disability that kept numbing my leg muscles. I fell in love with both Hawaii families, their children and their loving, giving hearts.

I am scheduled for spinal stenosis surgery soon. Mahalo! I felt so blessed by Hawaii’s people.

J. Michael Rooney

Punta Gorda, Fla.

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Freedom from religion also needed

As much as we need freedom for religion, we need freedom from religion.

Having been born into a conservative religious family that firmly believed the mandate, “Go into the world and preach,” I know their thinking.

Even with a disclaimer, government people are wrong to allow any religious display. It is not an issue of laws but of respect. It gives the impression of official acceptance and promotion.

All religions are human- created beliefs. People are free to put up displays in their church and home yards. But don’t rudely stick them in the faces of non-believers at government facilities.

Fred Metcalf

Kalihi

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Heed JFK, Trump on societal contributions

President Donald Trump is a businessman, not a politician.

For the first time in years, workers are being recognized for their positive contributions to this great country.

It’s no longer popular to live off your fellow Americans and take up residence on property that belongs to all citizens. Pride in workmanship is returning to our country and there is an invitation to contribute your time and skills to our society.

President John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Together, that’s what will make America great again.

Trump has faults. So did Kennedy, so do we all.

A happy and healthy 2018!

Betty Berry

Makiki