The article, “If no can, no can,” was very informative (Star-Advertiser, Dec. 29). However, it failed to mention that consumers who purchase beverages that are sold in tin containers do not get their deposit money back. Recycling companies accept them but do not pay the consumer. This means that the state gets to keep the whole deposit.

Is this a form of taxation without representation?

Stella Yasuda

Aiea

Lift ban on fireworks to better control them

This New Year’s Eve, 90 percent of the fireworks I saw were illegal aerials.

While the Honolulu Police Department seized 2,200 pounds of illegal fireworks in Waipahu, and apprehended one individual in Kapalama for selling fireworks to an undercover officer without a permit, there was no accounting of how many pounds that individual had sold (“Police seize 2,200 pounds of illegal fireworks in Waipahu,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 31).

Local news media also reported that only 10 percent of all domestic shipping containers are inspected. This leaves a large opportunity for illegal fireworks to enter Hawaii where they are illegally sold for profit.

Since our local law enforcement has little control over illegal fireworks that are entering our market anyway, it may be a good idea to lift the ban.

Counties may have more control over fireworks by requiring citizens to purchase permits. And they should consider taxing all aerial fireworks. By doing so, government could regulate the sales of fireworks and make some much-needed money.

Noah Chong

Kapolei

H-2 freeway needs more dedicated merge lanes

The H-2 freeway lacks proper engineering for merge lanes.

In the last four months, there have been three closures of two or more lanes for the H-2 town-bound lanes due to accidents occurring between the Mililani Tech Park onramp and the Mililani offramp.

Someone from the state Department of Transportation needs to drive to Mililani Tech Park, turn around, and get onto the H-2 via the town-bound onramp and experience the feeling of trying to merge onto the H-2 within such a short distance coming down an incline with an angled blind spot.

There should be a dedicated merge lane even if it is before a bridge. There is enough space for a shoulder lane. Wouldn’t a third lane with low-cost restriping solve this?

Just a simple thought from a fed-up, non-paid, non-engineer motorist.

Byron J. Kaneshiro

Wahiawa

Latest ‘Star Wars’ is not a family movie

I became nauseous during the first five minutes of the movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” because of the mass killing on a defenseless encampment. The killing continues throughout the movie.

As a military parent, the opening scene took me back to the Iraq War as seen on the news. Thus far, the movie has earned $1.54 billion worldwide for the Walt Disney Co. In my opinion, this is not a family movie.

“Joy” is a family movie that can inspire young and old minds alike in fulfilling their dreams.

It is the story of Joy Mangano, who invented the Miracle Mop. Her tenacity paid off, and today she is a multi-millionaire, selling her products on the Home Shopping Network.

Johnnie-Mae L. Perry

Waianae