The geniuses at the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice have advised the Honolulu City Council to impose a 3.5% tax on homeowners who choose not to occupy their homes all year round. The group blames these part-time residents for Hawaii’s growing housing shortage.

However, instead of trampling on private property rights (in the way of communist China), perhaps the center should consider a more constitutional way of alleviating the housing shortage: Get rid of the state Land Use Commission and release a small portion of the 95% of Hawaii’s undeveloped land for more housing. Duh.

Cindy Dold

Manoa

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

In the spirit of this season, take a moment to count your blessings. Recent times might’ve been tough — politically, economically or otherwise — but surely there are positives.

Here’s your chance to reflect on what you appreciate. Today through Dec. 9, we’ll be accepting “Count Your Blessings” letters (150 words max) or essays (500-600 words). A collection of these will run in mid-December.

Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Bldg. 2, room 200, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.

>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.

>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210 Honolulu, HI 96813

>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), 529-4750 (fax), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter