Windward side needs repaired boat ramp

The Star-Advertiser ran a story recently about Kailua Beach debris and noted in the first sentence that “the state and city pondered jurisdictional questions” (“Blanket of ocean debris at Kailua Beach spurs couple, other beachgoers into action,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 3).

I’m pretty sure most readers missed its significance. The state and city have ducked jurisdiction over the decrepit and dangerous boat ramp at the Lanikai end of the beach for decades. In trying to get one of them to pay attention to it, I was told by both that it was the responsibility of the other. I was also told, “If we have to take it over, we’ll just remove it.”

This is the only ramp between Heeia and Hawaii Kai. It is unconscionable that the state, with jurisdiction over every other public ramp on Oahu, does not take responsibility for it and fix it. The Windward side deserves a safe, functional boat ramp.

This is the time to contact our Windward legislators about having the state take responsibility for it and fund the needed repairs.

Brian Barbata

Kailua

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Denny’s encroaches on neighborhoods

Your article regarding a bid for a liquor license gave the impression that the Waikiki Neighborhood Board approved awarding the license (“Protest delays Denny’s bid for liquor license,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 6).

This is not correct. A presentation was made to the board seeking support for construction. The board did OK the request, but voiced its regret to me regarding my concerns, which were not about liquor licenses.

While the owner was quick to assure us that Denny’s is a family place, why did he apply for a Class 1 license that allows hard liquor from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m.?

As the article stated, this is common in Waikiki. But while the property is zoned commercial, it is across the street from the zoo and Jefferson School, surrounded by family-owned condos, unlike other properties in Waikiki.

The community mourns the loss of the old days, but can we continue to allow Waikiki development to creep even further into our neighborhoods?

Kathryn Henski

Waikiki

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Airport facilities for disabled inadequate

Recently I returned with my family from a vacation in Fiji that took us through airports in Nadi, Fiji and Sydney. Being recently wheelchair-bound, I experienced a vast difference between the facilities at these airports and Honolulu as you proceed through immigration, customs and baggage areas.

While personnel and immigration were equally helpful in all airports, the contrast in facilities was striking. In Sydney and Nadi, the path was smooth and easy to navigate. In Honolulu one has to use two tiny, well-hidden and locked elevators, and then be transferred by a special Wiki Wiki bus.

The wheelchairs are old, in disrepair and the transfer takes a very long time. The sad state of our airport as compared to other tourist destinations has to be addressed. Otherwise, we residents will continue to suffer while the tourists will go elsewhere.

Jarda Ruzicka

Hawaii Kai

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Arrogant state not obeying wage law

Precinct elections officials are required to work from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. straight through, with only short breaks. That’s 13-1/2 hours. They get paid only $85. But if the minumum hourly wage is $10.10, then they should be paid $136.35, plus a premium for extra hours beyond eight. That’s not even counting the mandatory training session.

I have worked every election since 1992. It’s good community service and I enjoy meeting and assisting hundreds of neighbors, even if the pay was zero.

My complaint is that government is so arrogant that it refuses to obey the same laws it imposes upon everyone else.

The large gap between actual pay versus minimum wage has been true throughout all 25 years I have worked for the Office of Elections.

“It’s merely an honorarium. They’re volunteers.”

Would such excuses be acceptable to government wage-and-hour enforcers if made by private employers?

Ken Conklin

Kaneohe

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Be conscious of bias, be fair and balanced

Michael Turman makes a perfect point, and your willingness to print the letter shows that at least such kinds of labeling bias are not a complete fixation within your reporting (“‘Monster’ description shows media bias,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 4). Other forms of bias also must be continually examined, and rebalanced when discovered.

This is a general lesson applicable to all of us. If we personally take action to discover our biases and be fair and balanced, we will help to solve many of the functional and political problems rampant in today’s world.

Richard Stancliff

Makiki

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HPD helped handle loud-talking man

The Honolulu Police Department has had some bad press lately, but here is a good news tale.

On Jan. 6, a normal-looking man was talking loudly to himself across the street from my building. This began at 6:30 a.m. and continued until 1:30 p.m.

I finally had enough of his loitering and called the police. The officer who arrived appeared to listen respectfully as the man expressed his feelings about God and church. Two back-up officers arrived a few minutes later, and the man got on his bike and rode away.

Thank you, HPD!

Pam Chambers

Kakaako