The state paying $112 million in renewable energy tax credits for 2014 leaves the impression that rooftop solar has cost Hawaii taxpayers a lot of money (“State paid $112M in renewable energy tax credits for 2014,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 25). From the perspective of one who invested a lot of money to support our state’s move to a more sustainable economy, here’s the other side of the story.

Solar keeps our money where it belongs: here in Hawaii. My photovoltaic system will pay for itself in five years, and because my system will keep working for another 20-25 years, all the money I would have paid to Hawaiian Electric to burn foreign oil will instead be spent here in Hawaii.

I estimate that to be about $75,000 just for my system alone.

It’s also important to remember that if not for the tens of thousands of new solar systems, HECO would still be building fossil-fuel generators and asking all ratepayers to pay for them. Solar customers are investing their own money in thousands of micro-power plants, and that saves money for everyone.

Trevor Orr

Kaimuki

Rename airport after President Obama

This is the right time — the time to rename our Honolulu airport “Obama International” to honor the most successful and honored Hawaii resident in history.

New York has Kennedy International, Washington, D.C., has Reagan International. This is a good way to show Hawaii is great, too.

Mac Pope

Waikiki

Hacks provided needed information

The hacking of government emails relating to the recent U.S. election by Russia is deplorable and has been widely covered in the press.

What is missing is investigating why this is considered tampering with our democracy. Russia did not make up these emails but just revealed what was being kept secret. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s emails revealed how the Democratic National Committee tried to tamper with the Democratic primaries by undercutting U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ campaign.

Other emails from Donna Brazile, a Clinton supporter, showed how she unethically passed to Clinton CNN questions in advance of the debates; and revealed Clinton’s speeches to Wall Street firms.

I am glad to have the information, even though the method of obtaining it was wrong.

Malachy Grange

Waialae-Kahala

Thomas Square just needs maintenance

With all the problems with the homeless, and our terrible streets with potholes big enough to swallow a tank, it is difficult to understand how we can afford to “fix” Thomas Square Park. Why does it need to be improved?

It would be sufficient if the city would just maintain it adequately. Why does the grass need replacing? Why does the hedge need to be removed? Does the park really require commercial development? Does the park really need to be shut for six months?

Who is benefitting from this project? It is amazing how quickly work began after the project was announced.

Fred Harris

Kailua

Let’s show respect for others in 2017

We come to the end of another year with 2017 being an unknown; Donald Trump’s administration is something we cannot control.

We can, however, be thankful for being blessed with Hawaii — its wonderful weather, beauty and mostly a kind people. I say mostly since it is sad that some neighbors or relatives cannot get along.

I work for The Mediation Center of the Pacific, a terrific organization that helps people with their problems, concerns and disagreements. As a mediator, I hear temporary restraining order cases. It is sad that people cannot have courtesy and respect for each other. You do not have to agree or be friends with another person, but respect is important.

So, Hawaii, let’s go into 2017 with something we can control — respect for our fellow human beings — and bring back the true aloha spirit.

Toby Allen

Hawaii Kai

Illegal fireworks are getting through

There is obviously a distribution network in Hawaii for illegal fireworks.

Well before permits go on sale, I have to medicate my dogs because of daily explosions louder than a shotgun. Every year the same scenario repeats.

The penalty for possession or use of illegal fireworks (bombs, actually) is up to five years in prison. Can our mayors please inform us about how many arrests and convictions have occurred each of the past years? I would guess close to zero.

The only way illegal fireworks can enter the state is by sea. Obviously, federal, state and local interdiction agencies are failing us.

Jeff Bigler

Wailuku

Interisland ferries simply won’t work

It’s hard to believe that the state is again looking into an inter-island ferry system, after the previous failures of every short and long-haul operation.

The reasons for failure are many, but mainly financial and political — it costs too much money to carry a small number of passengers across rough channels and the companies that would suffer from competition will again lobby successfully to shut down any operation.

Allowing a small number of protesters to shut out the Superferry from Kauai was also a big mistake, regardless of the reason for its demise.

The risk is enormous and the reward is small. Why would any group of investors want to try this again? The state is wasting money by studying this concept again. Better to lobby another airline to come to Hawaii and compete with Hawaiian.

Jay Lambert

Hawi, Hawaii island