Governor is correct about legality of phased reviews

A letter by Robert Harris claims Gov. Neil Abercrombie was misinformed when he said Senate Bill 1171 brings state law in line with federal law to allow archaeological inventory survey (AIS) work on large projects to be done in phases ("Governor erred on phased-review issue," Star-Advertiser, May 30). Harris is absolutely wrong.

First, the applicable federal rule, 36 CFR 800.4 (b)(2), clearly allows phasing: "Where alternatives under consideration consist of corridors or large land areas, or where access to properties is restricted, the agency official may use a phased process to conduct identification and evaluation efforts." This includes an AIS.

Second, Harris claims that Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act prohibits phasing of an AIS. Not true. Harris fails to mention that his position was specifically rejected by federal Judge Wallace Tashima in a recent ruling.

Gov. Abercrombie is correct. Indeed, phasing promotes better design planning and avoids disturbance of iwi kupuna outside the final project footprint.

David M. Louie
Attorney general, state of Hawaii

Hawaiian Electric should pay for studies out of its profits

Why does Hawaiian Electric Co. have to raise its rates over the next three years to collect the $4.4 million to cover costs of the "Big Wind" implementation studies done in 2009 and 2010?

It should be setting aside some of its profits to pay for research and development instead of paying all of it out to shareholders as dividends.

According to Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. annual reports to shareholders over the past five years, the earnings per common share has totaled $6.08.However, the dividends of $1.24 per share paid in each of those five years totaled $6.20 per share, more than its profits.

As a shareholder, I say thank you very much.But most ratepayers are not shareholders.

By the way, what did these studies conclude about the potential effects of a fire at a "Big Wind" storage warehouse containing thousands of batteries full of lead?

Dennis Kohara
Kaimuki

Article in Nature actually supports modern agriculture

A recent letter writer criticizes Monsanto and suggests reading "Case Studies: A Hard Look at GM Crops" in the journal Nature ("Monsanto ad ignores issues," Star-Advertiser, May 29).

That article, however, supports modern agriculture and dispels some of the myths about genetically modified (GM) crops.

It cites experts who state that herbicide resistance ("superweeds") is a problem for farmers regardless of whether or not they plant GM crops, that using chemicals to control weeds is "more efficient than ploughing and tilling the soil and is less environmentally damaging," and that "herbicide-resistant crops are less damaging to the environment than conventional crops grown at industrial scale."

The article also dispels the widely repeated myth that GM cotton is the cause of increased suicides among farmers in India.

Modern agriculture is not perfect and there are many challenges, but it’s important to make informed decisions using accurate information.

The quality and quantity of the food we eat are direct consequences of the hard work of today’s farmers and the success of modern agriculture.

Fred Perlak
Vice president, research and business operations, Monsanto Hawaii

Support funding for facility in pharmacy at UH-Hilo

How can state Rep. Isaac Choy say it is not a priority to fund the pharmacy facility, which could jeopardize the Pharmacy College at the University of Hawaii-Hilo to provide top training in drug proficiency and jobs for Hawaii residents?

I personally urged Tripler Army Medical Center to make this part of its training in health psychology. UH-Hilo College of Pharmacy Dean John Pezzuto and his talented staff are critical.

I literally felt like vomiting when I was shown the inadequate old trailers. I hope the House of Representatives quickly advocates supporting this funding.

Think of your own grandchildren. Support this excellent staff and don’t hurt the 450 careers and health and safety of our people. Don’t paralyze the students already in line to help the health of our own people.

Dr. Barbara G. Melamed
Maunalani Circle

Altered bus service hurting travel from Waikiki to Moiliili

We Waikiki residents need to travel outside our neighborhood for residential shopping, such as groceries, dry cleaning, flowers and restaurants.

The Moiliili neighborhood is stuffed to perfection with our needed shopping venues and includes any number of local stores that it are (or were) a pleasure to patronize.

But, there is no direct bus transport from Waikiki to the Moiliili shopping area. Former Mayor Peter Carlisle redirected the former Route 4 out of Waikiki, and the "improved" Route 13 stops several uphill blocks away from Moiliili shopping and commerce.

As has become customary, TheBus wonks have no clue because they lack first-hand experience on how a few extra blocks, uphill and in the sun and without protected waiting shelters, effectively prohibits bus usage.

By not making it possible for Waikiki residents to shop via TheBus in Moiliili, Mayor Kirk Caldwell is shortsighted, overlooking the needs of a large resident population in Waikiki, and the money we would otherwise bring into Moiliili.

Cassandra L. Pinnick
Waikiki

Who from HCDA writes its propaganda about Kakaako?

Honolulu does not need any more buildings. And the city especially does not need any 400- or 555- or 700-foot monstrosities in the proposed Kakaako development community.

How in the world would this "improve the quality of life for Hawaii families" (per the governor)? I don’t know any Hawaii families whose lives would be improved by the TOD (transit-oriented development).

The Hawaii Community Development Authority’s draft summary states that "well-sited slender towers … tall building aesthetics … will enhance views … from Punchbowl, Makiki and Pacific Heights." Who writes that stuff? Talk about "Fantasy Island."

Honolulu’s skyline is already overly blighted by too many buildings. Plus, buildings built in the past few years or even past decade aren’t even fully occupied. Why build more?

Anthony Ching, HCDA director, said "taller, slimmer towers will produce a less cluttered environment and reduce impacts on views."

Yeah, if you close your eyes!

Wallis Du Pont
Waipahu