Bulb-outs don’t fit historic district

Bulb-outs in Chinatown are examples of over-engineering — using a sledgehammer when a hammer will do (“Bulb-outs are part of Complete Streets,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, May 13). There are other alternatives more appropriate to the historic district that won’t change its street-scape.

Bulb-outs don’t work well everywhere: Philadelphia called for their removal on narrow streets. At the urging of its Historic Landmarks Commission, Santa Barbara’s City Council did not approve a bulb-out improve- ment project.

The Chinatown Community Center Association, United Chinese Society, Chinatown Business and Community Association, Chinatown Improvement District and Historic Hawai‘i Foundation are not small upstart groups.

Why doesn’t the city listen to them and work with them concerning what is appropriate for the historic area that they know so well?

The City Council got it right — the historic nature of the district matters in how projects like Complete Streets and transit-oriented development are implemented (“City bill rejecting bulb-outs at 2 places advances,” Star-Advertiser, May 10).

Elizabeth M. Stack

Chinatown

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First Biki bikes, now scooters

Pedestrians in Waikiki have to be constantly alert for Biki bicycle riders on our already crowded sidewalks. There are no notices posted on the Biki racks to inform users to stay off sidewalks. Now we have “Lime” scooters to add even more danger to pedestrians in Waikiki (“Electric rental scooters hit sidewalks despite city prohibition,” Star-Advertiser, May 15).

Richard Skidmore

Waikiki

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Don’t crack down on ‘Lime’ scooters

Regarding the new “Lime” scooter-sharing program: I find it odd that the Honolulu Police Department is wasting time collecting these so-called illegal scooters, while the city is doing little about people living in our public parks, sidewalks and high-traffic tourist areas.

Honolulu really could be the gem of the Pacific, but it is not. It is a place where people arrive to an airport that is behind many Third World countries, run down and way out of date; a place where our public transportation has turned into a laughingstock.

From our roads to our so-called rail and harbors, we need to focus on making this a better place for all.

Targeting a business trying to make it easier to get around our city, something the city isn’t able to do, is unacceptable.

It’s time for Honolulu to grow up, and as much as I respect our mayor, it starts at the top.

Ryan Williams

Kakaako

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Rocks no match for sniper bullets

“Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:24). More people recognize the New Testament version, “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” Both wordings have the same meaning: In seeking retribution, one may inflict no more than what was done.

So how does Israel defend snipers’ bullets in retaliation for thrown rocks (“Dozens killed on embassy’s opening day,” Star-Advertiser, May 15)?

Wendy Pollitt

Kaneohe

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‘Master of deal’ caves to China

President Donald Trump claims to be the “master of the deal.” And he’s promised to “get tough with China.” But what does he do?

He caves in as soon as China complains that a sanction against a Chinese technology company, which admitted helping Iran and North Korea, will cost Chinese jobs.

Great deal, President Trump! You sure were tough. And since when is the U.S. president supposed to be more concerned about saving Chinese jobs than protecting the U.S. from Iranian and North Korean cyber threats?

Oh boy, Trump certainly is the master of bad deals.

Lunsford Phillips

Kailua

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Hawaii needs modern schools

It’s no secret that the educational facilities in Hawaii are beyond their days.

With other countries out-performing the U.S. in math and science, I think Hawaii could really step up to be a leader in education. We just need the facilities to get us there.

Our students and teachers deserve 21st-century facilities to expand our capabilities and knowledge.

We could really harness our students’ talents and potential with facilities that integrate today’s, as well as tomorrow’s, technological needs and advancements.

This is just one step to be taken to raise the quality of life for future generations here in Hawaii.

Let’s invest in our keiki today and allow Hawaii to reap the rewards in the future.

We see the trends all over the world when it comes to education and technology. Let’s start investing in our future now instead of waiting until it’s too late.

James Logue

Chinatown