While Hurricane Harvey was unleashing its fury on Houston, wonderful sights have emerged. Americans, regardless of racial origin, religious, political or sexual affiliations, were seen joining hands to help other Americans in distress.
Those iconic episodes of kindness and caring indicate that, despite their political and ideological differences, Americans do care for each other.
The storm is gone. But the gestures of unity that it created should remain in our hearts as a reminder that most Americans are bighearted and compassionate people.
Congress needs to end the era of polarization by finding mutually acceptable solutions to issues that are contentious and divisive such as health care, immigration and tax reform. Passage of bills relating to such issues would improve race relations.
Diversity is a major contributor to America’s greatness. Let’s erase all lines of racial division and resurrect the spirit of togetherness so that together, we can make America, the greatest country, even greater.
Rod B. Catiggay
Mililani
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Pulse would cripple communications
Regarding “The blast zone” (Star-Advertiser, Sept. 9), our emergency responders are missing the obvious: If North Korea set off a nuclear weapon 100 miles or so above us, the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) would instantly and permanently disable every piece of electronics in the state.
On July 9, 1962, our state was hit by a massive EMP, which took down the state’s communications systems and traffic lights, pretty much anything that ran on electricity. It wasn’t an attack, but simply the U.S. testing a nuclear warhead some 248 miles above Johnston Atoll in a military exercise called, “Starfish Prime.” The detonation caused radio disruptions in California and Alaska, and knocked out six satellites that happened to be above the Pacific.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency should stop focusing on nuclear blast damage, and instead come up with plans to keep our food, water and energy supply chains operational.
The military may have hardened parts of its equipment, but there is no practical way for the rest of us to protect everything from computers to cars to refrigerators from one single EMP attack.
Ken Goldstein
Kaneohe
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Miyagi’s expertise reassuring for isles
Thank you for your feature, “Name in the News: Vern Miyagi” (Star-Advertiser, Sept. 8).
It’s reassuring to know the person in charge, if and when disaster comes to Hawaii, believes “we cannot try to catch up after an event occurs or is imminent.”
Planning ahead is one of the definitions of good management. I appreciate knowing he has experience and is knowledgeable of what might happen and respects climate change.
His comments on the threat of missiles from North Korea is very important because he defines the timeline between the siren warning, hopefully at launch, and an actual hit.
His emphasis on preparation, considering the fact that our families might be separated, is facing the reality of life. No disaster or threat will be convenient.
Mr. Miyagi knows his mission: “to protect our folks and save lives.” I feel more secure knowing he is in charge.
Shirley Hamilton
Kailua
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Strengthen Ala Wai’s weak mauka wall
Your recent articles about climate change and the higher tides predicted for the future should include a discussion about the state of the wall on the mauka side of the Ala Wai Canal.
As the canal is scheduled to be dredged in 2018, that would be a good time to fix the crumbling and short wall. During the recent king tides, the water came inland up to 15 feet in some areas.
While they are at it, consider cutting the grass, edging it and taking away the clippings. They could also remove the support wires and poles that supported the trees that were recently removed. The supports are littering the area and are a hazard.
Why is the tourist side of the canal cleaned up regularly and the streets swept weekly, whereas the locals only get once-a-year grass trimming and no street sweeping? Are the locals considered chopped liver? How about some of the $15.6 billion in tourism spending coming over here?
Joanne Lee
Moiliili
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Let’s sing national anthem with feeling
For several summers I have conducted TABSA (Teachers Across Borders Southern Africa) workshops in South Africa. At the conclusion of the teacher workshops, all the teachers sang their national anthem — all five verses, each verse in a different language, a cappella, and always with intense feeling.
In Hawaii we have our national anthem sung by some adolescent or other performer, to whom we listen and offer polite applause. Why do we not, as we should, sing with feeling our national anthem? With the help of the band it’s not that hard. Shall we give it a try?
James Metz
Makiki
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Business plan for Semisub unrealistic
It was an interesting article on Semisub Inc., although the business plan and proposed revenue seem extremely optimistic, to say the least (“Some investors question claims over partially submersible vessel,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 11).
In order to net $2.2 million per month, a quick calculation shows that the 149-passenger ship would have to completely sell out three cruises per day at a ticket price of nearly $200 each. And the 2011 Star-Advertiser article described the ship as having only 40 seats in the submersible viewing area.
What do the remaining 109 passengers get for their money?
Edward Conklin
Waikiki
