MADD would like to clarify some points in your report on proposals to lower the blood alcohol content (BAC) level for impaired driving from .08 to .05 (“Bill would lower legal blood alcohol limit to .05,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 6).

Adults would have to down two or three standard drinks in one hour to reach .05, after which they metabolize alcohol at the rate of one drink per hour.

The primary sanction for impaired driving in Hawaii is not jail, but temporary license revocation. And with the in-car breathalyzer, offenders can still drive — sober.

Contrary to alcohol industry propaganda, .05 BAC will not subject drivers to “all the life-ruining consequences of [DUI].” That’s an insult to those with real ruined lives: the drivers, pedestrians, passengers, cyclists and others killed by alcohol-impaired drivers every year in Hawaii, along with their stricken families.

Is Hawaii satisfied with its perennial role as one of the worst states in alcohol-related traffic fatalities? It’s a high price to pay to keep the alcohol industry happy.

Carol McNamee Arkie Koehl

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaii

Bill a good step toward curbing illegal fireworks

I’m glad I don’t live in state Rep. Dale Kobayashi’s district. A recent article, “Bill would raise scrutiny level for fireworks” (Star-Advertiser, Feb. 6), shows just how out of touch he is with reality.

As the only one among two house committees opposed to House Bill 1810, which would allow explosive- sniffing dogs to randomly inspect incoming container ships for illegal fireworks, he claims his constituents are more concerned with burglaries and violent crimes. He goes on to say, “I represent a lot more than, really, our holiday traditions being a concern.”

Say what? That’s one of the most outrageous statements I’ve ever heard. Are blowing bombs and firing off illegal aerials at all times of the day and night from November through January a cultural tradition? What kind of tradition is that? A “break-the-law” tradition?

The sheer magnitude of citizens breaking the law is mind-boggling. This is not to say that burglaries and violent crimes are okay, but let’s look at the big picture. Thanks to Rep. Gregg Takayama for introducing HB 1810, we are now moving in the right direction to hopefully put an end to the insanity.

Brian Yamane

Moanalua

Brewbaker out of touch with economic realities

I read Maureen O’Connell’s interview with economist Paul Brewbaker (Star-Advertiser, Name in the News, Feb. 7), to get some ideas about solving Hawaii’s problems, but found Brewbaker out of touch with our current crisis.

Asked about the thousands of illegal, short-term rentals that have taken so many needed rentals off the market, he replied in a rather arrogant tone, “Don’t tell me who can stay in my house. …” These illegal rentals are, he said approvingly, the result of “financial innovation.“

What does he advise? Simply “manage” the vacation rentals and “build more houses.” No mention of the increasing dysfunction of an economic system that will increase the number of deluxe houses and vacation rentals instead of affordable residences.

And when asked about how to make this economy “yield prosperity on a scale so that everybody benefits,” Brewbaker denied that “wealthy investors” are causing rising inequality, which he attributes to “the evolution of economic structure and technology.” He doesn’t address recent economic restructuring that reflects the huge power of finance capital and overseas investors and the powerlessness of workers.

Noel Kent

Manoa

Sanders better choice for America than Trump

I support U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders for president. He is a better choice than President Donald Trump on issues of climate change, immigration, health care and the economy.

Trump is a denier of scientific evidence that shows that we will soon pass the point where we can no longer recover from our abuse of the Earth’s resources. He does not acknowledge the contributions of immigrants to the growth of the U.S. Instead he discourages their efforts to emigrate here.

He almost succeeded in dismantling the Affordable Care Act, which would have left those with preexisting conditions with no affordable insurance.

The economy was growing before he became president. His tax cuts favored the top 1% and left everyone else with no benefit from our continued economic growth.

We’ve had enough of Trump’s mean-spirited policies that favor the rich over those with the most need.

It’s time for a change.

Stuart Shimazu

Kapahulu

Noisy anti-Trumpers need to settle down

Let’s all calm down.

Every day the news has examples of people who are so mad that Donald Trump is still president.

It’s hard to tell whether that rage comes from Hillary Clinton losing in 2016 or from the fact that billionaire Trump led a full life and is not considered a traditional style of politician.

The fact is that Trump has executed unconventional diplomacy and elevated the status and stature of America’s presence to new highs. But none of it is publicized in today’s media because of one reason or another.

Since the 2016 elections, the Democratic Party has been shouting impeachment, and the noise level has gone up and continues to grow.

People who never thought about politics now become unglued at the very thought of President Trump. If you hear the word impeachment often enough, it’s hard to not believe it.

Let’s all settle down and let the 2020 elections decide America’s future.

Ted Kanemori

Kaneohe

State epidemiologist an asset during epidemic

A great mahalo to Dr. Sarah Park, our state epidemiologist, for the coverage of the coronavirus epidemic (“No sign yet of coronavirus in Hawaii but officials are on alert,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 30).

Park is not only a scientist but a great communicator to our community — a scientist with the ability to communicate in the language we can all understand. In the past she has done the same regarding the rat lungworm disease.

She is indeed an asset to the people of Hawaii and the scientific world. Thank you for being here for us.

James Kataoka

Mililani Mauka

Green takes charge while Ige is away

With the recent news of the coronavirus, tourism will take a drastic hit if found in Hawaii. Imagine if it is discovered in Waikiki.

While Gov. David Ige is away, I sure am glad Lt. Gov. Josh Green, a doctor, is in charge of the situation.

By the way, when Ige returns, will he finally solve the Thirty Meter Telescope standstill ?

Steven M. Nakamura

Kapolei

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