Net metering can improve economy
Add 6,000 jobs to the economy (“Virus could cost 6,000 jobs,” Star-Advertiser, March 11)? Why not? Home solar-energy installations through the re-enactment of net metering could be the way.
Since the state Public Utilities Commission took away net metering after NextEra was run out of town (good riddance), a lot of solar companies (and jobs) went away or have been on life support.
Perhaps the Legislature could do something bold and exciting, and provide huge incentives via grants and tax breaks that could accomplish three things:
>> Bring back net metering at least for a couple of years, to incentivize solar installations to meet our green energy goals, instead of using up more precious lands to put up giant solar farms. Use our existing roofs and share the wealth with all of us.
>> Use this power to charge our electric vehicles at home while we sleep. Ever try to find a public charger?
>> Provide jobs in many sectors, giving our economy a badly need boost during the coronavirus outbreak.
We need swift action now.
John Caudell
Kailua-Kona
Irresponsible media driving virus panic
The Star-Advertiser headline screamed, “Virus could cost 6,000 jobs” (March 11). Since when is “could” a factual occurrence?
I had always thought that a newspaper reported news, and that opinions were reserved for the editorial page. This is yet another example of the hysterical media scaring the population into believing the apocalypse is upon us.
Just this last week my daughters were visiting from the mainland and we went to the dinner cruise and luau and people were enjoying themselves and having a good time.
Shocking, right? Get over it. The world is not coming to an end.
It is irresponsible journalism like this that is going to drive the tourists away and make people here in the state lose their jobs.
It will burn out. Stop driving the hysterics gripping the nation and work to report the facts to the readership, not rumors and innuendos. Keep your opinions to the editorial page.
Robert W. Holub
Ewa Beach
It’s a fact: COVID-19 is very dangerous
Let’s not panic but let’s make plans based on facts. This coronavirus is 10 to 20 times more lethal than the flu. This virus can spread to others while carriers have little or no symptoms. Like other international tourist destinations, our community likely already has undetected cases of this virus.
Our biggest regret will be to say, “Don’t panic,” and pretend that there is no health and economic danger looming.
Isidro Villaflor
Liliha
Take care of your overall health
When it comes to battling the coronavirus, much attention is given to disinfecting, quarantining, washing hands and not touching your face. But let’s not forget that exercise and eating right helps to maintain good health.
The coronavirus can be devastating for those who already are in poor health. It’s been reported that people with diabetes or whose lungs are weakened from smoking cigarettes could be more susceptible to the virus.
Exercise and eating the right foods can help boost the immune system. Instead of focusing on after-the-fact test kits or reacting in fear like a germophobe, be proactive and do the things that will benefit your health and wellness.
Guy Morgan
Moanalua Gardens
Give unemployment benefits a boost
I hope Gov. David Ige will step forward to discuss unemployment benefits available to employees either laid off or cut back, and where and how to apply.
The state should suspend the one-week waiting period so workers can receive benefits as soon as possible and not have to wait three weeks to receive a check.
Families and workers should not be evicted or go hungry.
Employers should not be penalized because this “act of God” is not their fault.
Unemployment benefits should be extended by six months for those currently on unemployment and going on unemployment.
David Moskowitz
Waikiki
Nothing affordable for the houseless
I am an active volunteer and helper within a houseless community living on 19 acres in Waianae.
Many of the “homeless” are natives of Hawaii nei. Therefore, they are not “homeless” but houseless, because they can’t afford housing even with jobs paying $15 an hour.
The main issues with our houseless communities don’t come from the lack of housing, but rather, the qualifications set for eligibility combined with affordability.
We have beautiful communities that are thriving on the true definition of aloha.
The “houseless” are not a problem; being able to obtain and sustain a house in Hawaii is. It is a goal to which everyone, regardless of their tax bracket, should have a right to aspire.
Lawmakers should do a better job of helping people to get housing that is truly affordable — not 140% of average median income.
Musuai Pauulu
Waianae
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