The very idea that a doctor has to have approval from some obscure firm in Arizona to treat a patient is a perfect example of why single-payer universal health care is critical (“Not what the doctor ordered,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 24).

The Affordable Care Act was a good start, but is fraught with problems that need to be fixed — primarily because of millions spent by insurance companies and Big Pharma to protect their profits.

I have never understood the American system, which allows insurance companies to make billions off the backs of sick people. It makes no sense, and other advanced countries eschew this method.

Economist Robert Reich says that single-payer would save $6 trillion over 10 years. It is time we move to cut costs and improve our system. Money saved could be used to send more young people to medical school.

Jim Quimby

Kamehameha Heights

_____

Don’t politicize medical licensure

I am writing as a Hawaii physician since 1985, and one who has always accepted Medicaid and Medicare patients.

The legislative proposal to link medical and dental state licensure to acceptance of these insurers, who reimburse us at less than a quarter of the market (HMSA/UHA/Kaiser) rate, does not address the root cause of the problem and is somewhat offensive to a highly trained professional (“Opening day kicks off with hints of bills to come, daylong protest,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 21).

Licensure is based on years of education and training, and should not be politicized in this way.

Would it be reasonable to mandate attorneys to work for 25 cents on the dollar for clients who cannot afford them, or forfeit their license to practice? Or that grocers be forced to mark down their goods for shoppers using food stamps?

Of course not.

The obvious solution is to reimburse physicians and dentists at the fair market rate. Our kupuna, low-income residents and dedicated medical professionals deserve nothing less.

Steve London

Makawao, Maui

_____

Invest in education and a bright future

As a teacher, I implore taxpayers to fund adequately the public education system that prepares our future leaders for greatness.

Every year, teaching positions are eliminated, classroom supplies dwindle and elective courses disappear. Students endure deteriorating facilities and insufficient access to technology.

Education makes our society richer because individuals who make more money will pay more in taxes. According to the U.S. Census (2005), a male high school graduate earns $937,685 less than one who graduates from college. By funding public education properly and improving the success rate of our students, everyone wins.

Furthermore, schools bestow non-economic benefits upon students, including the development of morals and values, adherence to rules and laws, and artistic and cultural appreciation. Countless studies have echoed the statement that inputs do equal results.

If we are continually presented with the proof that additional funds ensure future success, why do we continue to shortchange our successors?

Jessica Dahlke

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii island

_____

Excessive vehicle noise harms health

A couple from Oslo said they’d never return to Hawaii because of outrageous motorcycle noise (“Motorcycle noise giving Hawaii a big black eye,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 23).

They are the lucky ones — they escaped, but we put up with this day and night. The ear-splitting noise comes from not just motorcycles, but motor scooters and souped-up cars and trucks. There are drag races up and down the H-1 at 1 a.m. on weekends.

All this noise wakes us at night, drowns out conversations and TV dialogue during the day, and is a health issue.

At these decibel levels, the noise causes hearing damage and stress bad enough to increase blood pressure, elevate heart rates and cause surging stress hormones. Doctors know the damage that excess noise and stress does to our bodies.

This can be stopped, but it takes the cooperation of law enforcement, city and state officials, those who supply illegal mufflers, those who buy and install them, the parents of the kids who have them — all of us.

Ruth Heidrich

Makiki

_____

High-speed chase was too dangerous

Your report, “Man sought after stealing car at gunpoint,” (Star-Advertiser, Jan. 25), came close to having a different headline.

As we were rounding a curve, a speeding car passed another car and was heading straight at us. In less than a second, my husband quickly jerked our car right. Immediately following in hot pursuit were four police cars.

Had we collided with the suspect or any of the police cars, the crash would have taken a number of lives.

The police should not have been pursuing at that rate of speed. Yes, the crime sounds serious, but was it worth the lives of innocent people?

We are still shaken by this experience.

Candace McGovern

Stuart, Fla.

_____

Why is the state spending rail funds?

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation estimates that extending the rail tax surcharge through December 2027 would generate an additional $1.52 billion — bringing to about $4.81 billion the total tax revenue from the surcharge since it was imposed in 2007. The state is taking 10 percent for collecting the tax surcharge. What is the state doing with $481 million of our rail tax dollars?

James Arcate

Manoa