Others help pick HCDA directors

I hold the Star-Advertiser to a standard of delivering accurate news stories that affect my community. I was, therefore, disappointed to read an article that seemed to sensationalize corruption in government based on assumptions rather than facts ("Donors with Kakaako ties spending big on elections," Star-Advertiser, March 30).

The article annoyed me, so I did some research. The article said the governor appoints members of the Hawaii Community Development Authority board who specifically help his fund-raising efforts. But for some appointees, the county puts together a list of potential members for the governor to choose from. Others are automatically appointed due to their position with the state.

It would have been nice if your article contained all the facts.

Charmaine Domingo
Kalihi

TheBus too cold to keep riding

The easy decision was to ride TheBus from my Kaneohe home to the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus my first time ever to hear former Vice President Al Gore speak on sustainability. It was a memorable event, surely consistent with travel by public transportation.

The big question is whether I would use TheBus more regularly.Sadly, the answer is no or, at least, not until air-conditioning systems on TheBus are better controlled.

It was much too cold and uncomfortable on the bus. My wife, who rides buses often, says they are always too cold.A friend tried to bus it to the UH campus daily some months ago. He couldn’t continue because it was too cold.

This engineering/ ergonomics error is likely discouraging ridership and is unnecessarily wasteful of energy and taxpayer money. I would imagine that significant savings for people (and planet Earth) could be achieved if overcooled and overheated spaces were better managed.

Joe DiStefano III
Kaneohe

Don’t phase in wage-floor hike

I’m appalled that our legislators would balk at a $10 minimum wage being implemented immediately ("Senators negotiating with House members on wage bill," Star-Advertiser, April 11).

A phased-in minimum wage would lose its impact on our economy.Minimum-wage workers affect our economy the most; these are people who drive our local economy.

Perhaps students now could pay for their college tuition.An extra $476 a month would help pay for rent, food, clothing and other family expenses.

Let’s have a $10 hourly minimum wage now.

Charles Torigoe
Mililani

Poll result was disappointing

It was disheartening to see the results ofThe Big Q on what our legislators should do about raising the minimum wage ("What should the Legislature do about raising the minimum wage?" Star-Advertiser, April 13). Thirty-one percent said, "Don’t raise it at all."

Hawaii is a state with an illustrious past of changing the landscape for workers. We are about bringing people up; for our legislators to do nothing would be disgraceful.

Katie Kosora
Hilo

Condo project sounds alluring

A recent ad in the Star- Advertiser for 801 South St. states, "Hotel workers, retirees, young families, nurses, teachers all are making 801 South St. their home."

Are they living in the basement? What are the prices for us to live there? I am retired and live on a fixed income. I am really interested in moving to an affordable place with teachers, nurses and other real people.

Michael Ferguson
Kakaako

Milk is a perfect food for cows

The proposed Kauai Dairy is a bad idea submitted by seriously uninformed people ("Diverse interests join up to oppose Kauai dairy plan," Star-Advertiser, April 14).

Milk is the perfect food for a baby cow that grows from 65 pounds to 500 pounds in one year.

We need to do our own research to discover the truth about dairy products.

Patrick Moore
Nuuanu