In regard to Richard Borreca’s column, my main issue is his and others’ statements that Donald Trump’s position is “racism” (“Invoking FDR to support racism doesn’t fly in Hawaii,” Star-Advertiser, On Politics, Dec. 11).

It is not racism to ban individuals who follow the Islamic faith. It might be Islamophobia, but not racism. Much like Christians, Muslims are not defined by their racial, national or cultural origins.

Calling someone a racist often is a cheap shot meant to hurt, shock, demean and dismiss the individual. It causes any dialogue to cease.

The dialogue needs to be focused on the questions: Should we, can we, how or are we going to control entry into our country? What is the purpose of our borders and immigration policy and procedures?

I don’t know the answers, but I do know that banning any one group or not doing any vetting are not solutions. Neither is stopping the conversation.

Stephen Short

Mililani

Ige should share his NextEra stand

Gov. David Ige has opined more than once about his opposition to the proposed NextEra/Hawaiian Electric Industries merger, but he has not shared his analysis of the consumer’s benefits under the proposal.

Ige should explain the consumer harm that will result from the proposed merger and how the community would be better served by the existing Hawaiian Electric Co.

We have already felt the negative impact of the HECO proposal, which the state Public Utilities Commission approved, to terminate the net energy metering program for homeowners who want rooftop photovoltaic systems. Over time, existing NEMs will become extinct due to future changes to existing contracts.

The alternative programs offered are not economically viable. While a myriad of alternatives to the proposed merger have been offered, there is only one proposal under review by the PUC. And it appears that the answer to that question has been predetermined.

John Tamashiro

Pearl City

Honolulu was kind to runners

A standing ovation for the behind-the-scenes volunteers for the 43rd Honolulu Marathon.

I had planned to run in 2006, but somehow that became 2010, and then 2014, when I actually paid the registration fee. But, of course, something came up. So for 2015, nothing was going to get in the way.

From the expo to the concert at the Waikiki Shell to the aid stations, everybody was sincere and helpful. I really liked the occasional homeowners with garden hoses turned on full blast to keep us cool. I got an authentic “my home is your home” vibe all week.

Thanks, Honolulu, for putting up with us runners. See you in 2016.

Brent Dahl

Portland, Ore.

5 a.m. fireworks a really bad idea

Just two questions this Sunday morning, Dec. 13:

>> Whose really stupid idea was it to have a fireworks show off Ala Moana Boulevard at 5 a.m.? It was totally inconsiderate to the thousands of people who live in all the condos in the area who are trying to sleep, but were awakened by the roar of fireworks that lasted for 10 minutes.

>> Whose really stupid idea was it within Honolulu Hale to sign off on the permit that allowed the fireworks show?

Thankfully my favorite race, the Great Aloha Run, is not operated by such inconsiderate bakatari.

Bob Gillchrest

Pawaa

Windward road is in poor shape

Kamehameha Highway between Windward Mall and the Hygienic Store is a Third World highway.

It is unconscionable that our island visitors and local residents are forced to travel it daily. It needs to be put at the highest priority for repaving.

I was told that it is at the bottom of the list for Kaneohe district repaving.

If you think this is acceptable, please drive on it every day. There is no way that it should be allowed to remain in its present deteriorated condition.

This needs the highest attention so we residents can protect our cars and have some assurance that the road will be improved in the very near future.

I would appreciate an immediate response to this urgent need.

Elizabeth Takesono

Kaneohe

H-3 to be lit up for president

In the 18th century, illuminations, which included firing guns and lighting fireworks, were held to celebrate major events, such as the anniversary of the reigning sovereign’s birth, or the arrival of a new colonial governor.

Three centuries later, as we prepare to welcome President Barack Obama for his annual holiday vacation, the more obscure Halawa Valley Grand Illumination is also well underway, with every street lamp lining the H-3 now in working order and casting its harsh orange glow into the tropical night.

Call it a Christmas miracle, or, more likely, it’s a temporary security measure enacted to assist the Secret Service and local law enforcement officials protect the president’s motorcade.

Regardless, once the president departs, I suspect all but a few of these street lamps will be snuffed out, leaving local drivers once again to wind their way through the Koolaus in the relative darkness.

Greg Connor

Kailua

Unenforced laws are useless laws

Sheesh! I almost fell off the sofa when I read in the following sentence: “A state law already calls for the counties to require safety check inspections for mopeds through inspection stations in the same manner it’s done for motor vehicles” (“City measure on mopeds aimed at reducing noise,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 9).

The two key words here are “law” and “require.”

For a long time I have been procrastinating writing a letter to the editor suggesting that very thing. Maybe if I had, it would have brought to light the existence of the law sooner.

For 17 years, how many elected and appointed persons who have been responsible for enforcing the law have not done their jobs, and yet have continued cashing their paychecks underwritten by the taxpayers?

In the private sector they would be fired for such negligence.

Robert Stewart

Waikiki

Let Uber take on Handi-Van duties

After my recent surgery, I was given a “temporary disability” certificate through my doctor to ride the Handi-Van for 30 days.

Unfortunately, the service is quite problematic. The reservation process is not efficient and often leaves riders stranded. The vans are filthy and smell bad. Trips are canceled on short notice.

Imagine the number of riders on Oahu with more permanent medical conditions who rely on this Handi-Van service daily. This is unacceptable for a tax-funded program.

I suggest the city give the contract to Uber. The company’s many satisfied customers prove it can get the job done — no problem.

Karyn Herrmann

Hahaione Valley