Innovative firms succeed in ‘sandbox’

The Star-Advertiser’s “Off the News” piece on Hawaii Technology Development Corp.’s “Sandbox” (“Innovation in a government-issue sandbox,” March 9), ignores a history of achievement and a demand in the entrepreneurial community for state-of-the-art facilities.

The Manoa Innovation Center (MIC), like numerous government-sponsored incubators across the country, has been producing “cutting-edge private enterprises” for the past 25 years.

Successful ventures launched at the MIC include Blue Lava and Blue Planet Software (developers of Tetris), the Kamakura Corporation, Sanjole, and the Cut Collective.

Over the years, technology has changed dramatically and so has the type of work environment needed for today’s startups. The Sandbox will enable us to continue the dynamic, creative ecosystem where groundbreaking ideas can flourish.

This will enable our startups to continue generating millions of dollars of tax revenue for the state and providing high-wage jobs that allow local young people with expertise in science, technology, engineering and math to remain in Hawaii and contribute to our state’s future.

Robbie Melton

Executive director and CEO

Hawaii Technology Development Corp.

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Don’t drive away Waianae homeless

The “homeless campers” at the Waianae Small Boat Harbor have other titles: mothers, fathers, widows, aunts, uncles, grandparents and keiki.

While some have untreated mental and substance-abuse problems, others are employed, though houseless.

As Gandhi’s often-used quote says, “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” Surely political expedience is no justification for the city and state’s failed policy of driving people from one spot to another with “sweeps” of their meager possessions and imposition of meaningless fines.

I pray that the governor, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and legislators will abandon their plans to replace this struggling Waianae community with a marine science learning center.

Faye Kennedy

Co-chair, Hawai‘i Friends of Civil Rights

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Bulky-item proposal full of problems

The Star-Advertiser editorial board went along with the mayor’s proposal to convert the current bulky-item pickup schedule to one of ordering and paying for service call (“Bulky-item fee must bring fixes,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, March 12). I disagree with your conclusion.

A service of this nature will require a telephone bank to receive requests and a computer system to handle truck dispatching, billing and collection of service fees. History has shown that this will not be a rapid, simple and inexpensive endeavor.

At the pickup site, who will determine the volume collected? Will the owner or renter be liable for paying the fee?

It is highly probable that when a service is scheduled and the occupant puts out items, the neighbors will add to the pile. This will lead to ill feelings and even violence within communities.

If the city needs more truck and crews, then buy and hire. When holidays interfere with the schedule, hire a contractor for the catch-up work. As to the cost, add it to our property tax.

Bob Stengle

Aina Haina

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Alternative exists to laws about dying

One of the greatest gifts from God is called free agency — the freedom to choose.

We have the freedom to exercise our choice in a great number of things. However, it is unnecessary to have a law when it comes to choosing how and when our lives will end, especially regarding terminal illnesses.

There is a legal and voluntary alternative called Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST). This became effective in Hawaii July 2009.

It is a physician order form based on the individual’s current medical condition and wishes.

Nurses, social workers and other health-care professionals can assist people in completing the form.

The method in which we choose to live out our lives should not be based on requirements. It should be based on choices, which the POLST form contains.

Everyone has and deserves the right to die with dignity and respect.

Alexis M. Liftee

Nuuanu

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Trash, old vehicles piling up in Kalihi

Recently, I walked around Kalihi reporting abandoned vehicles and it was quite over- whelming.

Neighbors had brought to my attention that the abandoned vehicles are taking up vital parking spaces from residents and businesses, as well as posing health and environmental hazards.

I have spent the last few weekends going around documenting and reporting these abandoned vehicles. I’ve reported everything from boats to former state of Hawaii trucks full of garbage. I thank Hawaii News Now for its story on the subject.

Many of the vehicles that I reported have been removed, but sadly there are more vehicles and trash in place of the old ones.

Mahalo to the City and County for doing its best to remove these hazards. I will be back out there again every weekend until this issue can be brought under control.

James Logue

Chinatown

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Hawaii has too many abandoned cars

Help! Our roads and roadsides are so crowded! Why are we bringing in more cars and trucks when we can’t get rid of the wrecked and abandoned ones?

We need a law that says a new vehicle cannot be purchased until the old one is shipped away from Hawaii.

Mary Moore

Kailua