Don’t criminalize walking with phone

The effort to cite pedestrians for using a mobile device is an attempt by government to control how we live our lives (“Distracted walking,” Star-Adver- tiser, Feb. 10).

If we allow government to dictate how and what we do in public, we may as well live in China or North Korea. On the other hand, I strongly believe that any pedestrian — who whether through negligence or bad behavior — causes an accident, injury or property damage, should be held liable, and possibly cited.

However, should government criminalize an act specifically because it could cause a problem? Then maybe we should not let people drive cars, fly in airplanes, or even walk around our streets. The safest place is usually in our homes, so maybe everyone should stay home.

Banning the use of electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle is legal because driving a motorized vehicle is a privilege and not a constitutional right. Walking around is.

Stan Sagum

Waianae

Trolleys can solve Lanikai traffic mess

Lanikai residents can hire two of those trolleys used in Waikiki to transport people to and from the area, using existing bus stops for pick-up and drop-off (“City to prohibit parking in Lanikai over holiday,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 11). Charge $5 per ride to help cover costs, and use any extra money to help maintain the area.

Is that so hard?

Lawmakers make it seem so difficult.

Lloyd Yamashiro

Ewa Beach

Poor judgment led to TMT fiasco

Is there anyone living in Hawaii who was surprised by the headline in the Star-Advertiser (“TMT board eyes other sites,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 11) or the announcement by the Thirty Meter Telescope board that it will actively develop a Plan B alternative for the stalled $1.4 billion construction of the TMT on Mauna Kea?

$1.4 billion of potential leaving Hawaii. $1.4 billion in state revenue that isn’t about tourism. $1.4 billion that demonstrates Hawaii’s commitment to STEM programs. A $1 million yearly loss of state revenue that benefits the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs as well.

Will the TMT just be added to the ever-expanding list of poor business implementation decisions, with our state wasting millions of dollars of taxpayer and investor money?

One wonders if Hawaii can go any lower in the rankings for ease of business development.

Greg Schmidt

Hawaii Kai

Hawaiian ashamed of opposition to TMT

I have been following the Thirty Meter Telescope controversy with growing concern and sadness. The recent news suggests that the TMT developers very likely could look to Chile as a new site. Of course I cannot blame them.

As a proud Native Hawaiian, I am extremely ashamed. My people in an earlier time studied, revered and trusted the stars to guide them safely through the waters of the Pacific.

Today they stand on their self-anointed righteousness to challenge others who would do the same. It is clear that the stars have so much more to teach us. I can’t think of a more appropriate spot in the world than on the sacred land of our ancestors.

Fiona M. Beckley

Kapolei

Reliable energy, not just renewable

Surely there is nothing more important to Hawaii’s future than an ample, reliable supply of electrical power that is available on demand under all conditions of sun, wind, wave and natural disaster.

Without adequate electrical power, we can’t pump water or sewage, refrigerate perishables, operate seaports and airports, maintain public safety, and run a tourist industry. Argue all you want about the mix of fossil fuels versus renewable energy used, but having enough when we need it should be our overriding concern and objective.

The current energy debate has become ideological, and therefore illogical. If we are not careful, the day will come when there isn’t enough electrical energy to sustain us — and the people to blame for the shortfall will be long gone.

James B. Young

St. Louis Heights

Feral-cat feeders need to do more

While I agree in principle with Pamela Burns of the Hawaiian Humane Society that criminalizing the feeding of feral cats should be avoided, the better way to word such a law would require that people who want to feed feral cats (thus encouraging them to multiply) also trap them and have them spayed, either at the HHS or at their own expense (“Efforts to ban ‘invasive’ animals should always be done humanely,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Feb. 10).

There should be a stipulation that their traps have their names on them and that they check them regularly to prevent cats from getting dehydrated while trapped.

The public also could be encouraged to report any scofflaws who do drive-by feedings without setting up any traps, so that the police can catch them in the act.

Over time, such a law might significantly reduce the feral cat population.

David Yasuo Henna

McCully

Praise for volunteers who care for cats

After reading the article on the effort to help feral cats in Kahuku, I was moved to write to express my admiration to the volunteers — the veterinarians who spent their day off saving lives (“Mobile clinic helps to curb feral cats in Kahuku,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 19).

As an owner of a feral cat, I so admire the patience and love shown by these volunteers.

My story is wonderful: I have a beautiful cat.

Linda Hoffman

Waikiki