Steven MacBride asks a lot of “why” questions about those opposed to President Donald Trump (“Anti-Trumpers mean-spirited,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 23).

They all have the same answers: because we refuse to be bullied by a president who has little respect for democratic government or the value of dissent. Because we do not trust his incompetence and lack of personal integrity. Because he goes totally against so much of what we consider to be pono.

Hooponopono requires all parties to at least be in agreement to come into better understanding and community. Trump won’t even do this with his own party. Why would we expect him to consider being open and honest and caring with us?

We don’t. Not because we don’t want to, but because we have a little bit of integrity and discernment that says, “‘Nuff already. Stop this stupidity.”

Mark Yasuhara

Aiea

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Pleading for better control over pit bulls

Recently I witnessed a pit bull attack on a Labradoodle. He had the Labradoodle by the throat for what seemed like five minutes. It was so painful to see.

The Labradoodle owner started pounding the head of the pit bull to get him to release the grip on the dog’s neck. The pit bull owner stood by helplessly, in sheer fright and disbelief. She was walking two pit bulls.

I later learned the Labradoodle was OK. But please, let’s get these pit bull owners to not subject the public to these painful attacks, since this was the second one in a month. If the owners can’t control the dogs, then they shouldn’t take them out in public.

This took place in Makiki, where many people walk their dogs.

Ursula Belschner

Makiki

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Alps rail raises Oahu project comparisons

The Gotthard rail tunnel, which was completed last year, took 17 years to build at a cost of $12.5 billion for the 35.5-mile project. The rail line is the world’s longest and deepest traffic tunnel and cuts right in the heart of the Alps.

Honolulu is building a 20-mile above-the-ground single-line rail and the final cost is still up in the air. The Alps tunnel’s cost came to $352 million per mile ($12.5 billion divided by 35.5 miles).

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation says its train will cost $8 billion for the 20 miles; that’s $400 million per mile with no tunnels or excavation.

How could this be? If I am correct, where is all the money going?

We neighbor islanders need more information since some are looking at us to pay a share of the cost.

Sam Wallis

Hilo

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Invest state funds in creative housing

Instead of buying the votes of state workers by putting the state’s budget surplus into the state retirement fund, Gov. David Ige should use the money to build boarding housing and to retrofit city buses for the homeless.

Acquire the land and provide the necessary social services we already pay for with taxes.

We can’t get rid of homelessness, so the next best thing is to help our brothers and sisters in need.

Spencer Miura

Waipahu