Legislature falls short on clean energy

I want to thank the Star-Advertiser for publishing its May 13 editorial lamenting the Legislature’s poor performance on clean energy bills this session (“Clean energy short-circuited by legislators,” Our View). It is important that the Legislature be held accountable for its lack of progress in this area. As the editorial pointed out, there were several vitally important energy bills that were deferred this session, most infuriatingly, because of political horse-trading.

When I vote for a legislator, I want to know that they are doing everything in their power to address the issues I care about, and that they are driven by their own moral compass, not by political tit for tat. I’m glad that the Star-Advertiser was able to bring this blatant example of politicking to the public’s attention, so that our government can remain transparent and accountable.

I only hope that next session will be more productive, especially for clean energy and climate change.

Rachel Schutz

Kailua

—

Don’t let discord divide our country

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

While growing up, you learned these words to re-enforce that slip of paper that stated you are a citizen of the United States of America. As you grow, your circumstances, words and actions define the life you lead.

We need to remind ourselves that we are one nation and must proceed together in all areas for the benefit of all citizens. Discord amongst ourselves will only divide our great country.

Rodney A. Young

Kaneohe

—

State byways would benefit from rail

Discussion goes on and on about funding rail and its high cost. Rail is beyond discussion on what and where. It is half done, except for the stations. We need rail and will love it when done. I have used rail regularly in Seoul and Washington, D.C., with comfort and reliability. Let’s just fund and complete it.

Forget going at ground level or stopping it before Ala Moana. Our train is designed to operate outside of ground-level traffic. Completed sections look fine.

The state needs to directly help fund this project. Honolulu traffic is rated in the top five worst in the nation. There are too-frequent horror stories of folks living in Pearl City and beyond getting home at 8 p.m.; later, if there is an incident. The H-1 corridor to the west is a problem; the state does not have a near-term solution to the congestion. Rail will significantly enhance things.

Richard Abe

Punchbowl

—

Ugly and night-idling rail is deplorable

Of course, the rail costs are abominable, especially given the unknown ridership numbers. But two other factors are equally deplorable.

How can anyone who truly loves and respects the aina, not be outraged at its desecration by those hideously disfiguring towers?

And this rail is palpably not for the general populace, but strictly a commuting train for West Oahu workers to and from Honolulu. So does it sit mostly idle from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — and generally all through the night?

This blatant shibai could have been avoided by at least testing a far, far cheaper express bus system.

John Conner

Waikiki

—

Overhaul Natatorium for sand volleyball

What next, Mr. Kirk Caldwell? You never cease to amaze us. Squirreling our championship-level University of Hawaii Sand Bows onto a sand lot in an already-maxed out Ala Moana Park is another poor choice. Why not refurbish our venerable World War I Natatorium Memorial? Replace the stagnant saltwater pool with white sand, install LED lighting and have a world-class facility for our beach volleyball team.

Volleyball, movies, hula exhibitions and competitions all done with the awesome vista of Oahu’s south shore. ESPN would have a field day with this. The view, the history behind the facility and our championship Sand Bows. Give this aging facility a whole new life and identity. Rebuilding and maintaining an Olympic-size saltwater pool is just not feasible in this day and age.

Christopher R. Brown Sr.

Kahaluu

—

Disabled person must be in car to use stall

When I first began using handicap parking with a cane, it was my belief that large businesses like Costco and Walmart were not providing enough spaces. As time passed, I started to understand that there were plenty of spaces, but at least half of them seemed to be used by the fake handicapped — those having a parking placard but had no one present with a cane or wheelchair or disability. I don’t believe they qualify to park in handicap on that trip.

When you transport someone who is handicapped, use the space; but when it’s just you and your family and no one handicap is present, utilize the regular parking. Those who park in handicap parking when no one with a cane or a wheelchair or an obvious disability is present should be ashamed of taking a space while a handicapped person may be driving in circles trying to find a space.

James M. Lee

Kapolei

—

Congressional term limits sorely needed

We need term limits. Congress is out of control. The Republicans and Democrats are on a rampage and not doing the work of the people. Congresspeople are only interested in their own welfare and keeping their high-paying jobs.

Two terms and you are out. We will get fresh faces and hopefully more responsive government.

Jim Delmonte

Hawaii Kai