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Special interests aren’t all of us
Regarding City Councilman Ikaika Anderson’s comments on the long-awaited updated Ewa development plan: What needs to occur here in Honolulu is the development of a permanent urban growth boundary ("Panel OKs development guideline for Ewa," Star-Advertiser, June 28).
All parties should be involved and have equal say, not just the developers, banks and real estate interests.
Anderson claims to represent the "community." I wonder who that is?
He is correct in stating the Ewa plan does not have the force of law. However, like the claim by lobbyists for Waikiki developers that "major stakeholders" have some superior interest, Anderson’s notion of this so-called "community" is equally suspect and misguided.
These individuals should remember that working families built this town, along with the immigrants who they have pushed aside for their own interests.
Dave Moskowitz
Waikiki
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Taxes driving out middle class
I concur with Alice Vinton 100 percent ("Middle class forced to leave Hawaii, Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 27).
We seniors are being taxed to a point where we can no longer live in Hawaii. The city wants to increase property taxes again ("Officials looking to raise revenue," Star-Advertiser, June 27). Come on Hawaii, haven’t you taxed us enough already? Live with a reasonable budget and start cutting out the fat. I would think that increased sales everywhere will bring in more taxes.
I also agree that this is not a pet-friendly island. I had a small dog in a stroller at Barnes & Noble at Kahala Mall and we were thrown out and told we were not welcome. I might add that the Barnes & Noble at Ala Moana Center does welcome us.
Toby Allen
Kaimuki
Transgender ruling unfair
I am all for protecting the rights of people who are not comfortable with their birth sexuality. No one should make them feel less accepted because of that. I am not, however, comfortable with making 99 percent of people uncomfortable for the comfort of the 1 percent.
A recent article about a 6-year-old transgender child winning a court ruling is a case of the 99-1 percent ratio ("Transgender girl wins restroom ruling," Star-Advertiser, June 25). Advocates have said that thousands of families will feel relieved and vindicated over the verdict.
There are 300 million people in the United States. Making the rule to accommodate thousands at the expense of millions is a poor choice. I believe that one should use the restroom matching his/her genitalia. There are stalls for privacy that can be used. What about all the girls who will be made to feel uncomfortable to accommodate the wishes of a single person?
Sandy Gottesman
Moiliili
Public pays for high-rise towers
Your editorial, "Don’t scale up YMCA project" (Star-Advertiser, Our View, June 20) covers the almost zealous extremes that are going on throughout the Waikiki and Kakaako areas. Zoning is tossed out like it is a commodity to be bought and sold by the powers that be. They respond with smiling platitudes to all the hidden horrors that are waiting for these huge monoliths that need new sewers, roadways, parking, sidewalks, water and more energy.
Months of torn-up roads and sidewalks for the enjoyment of the tourists and locals alike.
How much "affordable housing" will actually happen? Very little, as tenants have to pay all those extra fees that come with living in a building. But the people planning and building them will not be here after the skyline is gone and the problems arise.
The Joni Mitchell song should be the local anthem: "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."
Mel Pendleton
Waikiki