Rail Letters to the Editor

Waiting, waiting for cars to move

I look right. I glance left. Always the same scene: a person stoically staring ahead, frowning, hoping as I do. Move forward. Please move forward. Such is rush-hour traffic each and every morning. It takes 45 minutes or more to travel 13 miles to downtown Honolulu, a distance roughly equal to no more than a half-marathon.

Think about that. I do. Every morning. As I brood, I long to allow technology to help pass the time. Wait. What’s legal to touch? The cellular phone? No. The iPad? No. The radio? I’ll risk it. Cool. A contest. Wait. I can’t call in. Damn. No free tickets for me. Back to what I was doing. What I always do. Stoically staring ahead. Please move forward. Only 12.5 miles to go.

Lucky we live Hawaii, yeah?

P. Gregory Frey
Hawaii Kai

Oahu left to the rail and the rich

Aloha, Oahu residents of 2039: Congratulations to those of you still living here on Oahu. You are the few who can afford the property taxes to support the $15 billion rail project budget (estimate subject to increase). More than likely, you are a part-time resident from the mainland living here in your second or third home.

Most of those living on Oahu in 2014 eventually moved to the mainland because of the enormous tax increases necessary to support the project.

Many of you reside in "New Waikiki," which is what they renamed Waikiki after it had been moved mauka of the Ala Wai canal due to sea-level rise. Many of you have abandoned your cars in favor of personal watercraft, although boat-traffic jams on the intracity canals can be cumbersome.

The good news is that the rail project should finally be completed by 2064!

John M. Sandor
Kaneohe

An eyesore for 20 miles

I don’t know how things will turn out, but I envision 20 miles of ugly, graffiti-covered concrete.

Lunsford Dole Phillips
Kailua

Technology may outpace a train

In 25 years, I will be 99.

I suffer a few vicissitudes of advanced age, but recently found my heart has gotten stronger. This coincides with returning to work as a science teacher. I use all available technology via the school’s local area network. All my students are electronically adept.

I do not drive during peak hours. Chores are listed geographically to limit being stuck in traffic. Walking is used for close errands. I am into computers but do not own a smartphone or an iPad. I read a hard-copy newspaper and watch the news on TV daily. Making music, reading and cooking are favorite pastimes.

I doubt the efficacy of rail. New technologies will produce efficient electric cars. I wonder if a cheap source of fuel will enable the power needs of the future to be met? Will a rising ocean turn Waikiki into a Venice? Will I be here to find out?

Joe Laszlo
Manoa

Traffic woes need fixing

In 1979, when my family moved out west, Kapolei didn’t exist and Ewa Beach was a small town, so there was hardly any competition on the road to get into Honolulu in the morning and back home in the afternoon.

Today in 2014, I get up before the sunrise and hope to get on the H-1 by 5 a.m. to avoid the crush of early commuters.Then in the afternoon after work I’d go for a run at Kapiolani Park just to avoid the aggravation of crawling along H-1 with the setting sun in my eyes while I listen to traffic news on the radio.

By the time I get home, it is dark again.I hope getting around Oahu in 2039 is easier with rail.

Radji Tolentino
Ewa Beach

A better lifestyle for isle residents

I have used the bus once. I always drive because I used to live in Kailua and Waialae Iki, where public transportation is very limited and time-consuming. My job requires me to be where I am needed almost right away.

With rail I can see myself using it to travel to the University of Hawaii-West Oahu campus, to Ewa, Kapolei and the new Disney property — since the fare is equivalent to the bus fare. In a few years I will be eligible for a senior pass. It makes a lot of sense to use public transportation and the rail would be more comfortable.

I envision our rail transit station areas having many convenient facilities like coffee shops, restaurants, supermarkets, child care, doctor’s offices, drug stores and movie theaters. I look forward to riding the rail and shopping near the various rail stations.

I also support expanding rail to other parts of Honolulu.

Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock
Downtown Honolulu

Proud to see rail being built

I’m so proud of the progress of Honolulu’s mass transit system, starting with a great bus system. Establishing this 20-mile high-speed route has expanded the traffic opportunities for our people.

Yes, it has taken 30 years to accomplish, just like the Hawaii Convention Center, but it’s worth it.

Now in my later years, living in Makiki and enjoying great bus and Handi-Van service, I can see how my fellow Honolulu residents will fully enjoy our new system.

In 25 years, we will have probably extended the rail service to Waikiki and the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus. Maybe even a line to Mililani or Wahiawa.

Thank you to all those who persevered against the naysayers and gave us our beautiful rail system.

Leonard Withington Jr.
Makiki