Bus riders help support motorists

I would like to explain to John Shupe ("Riders should support TheBus," Star-Advertiser, July 9) that the reason he subsidizes me riding the bus is so that he can drive his car in less traffic.

If he doesn’t like his tax money being spent on "entitlements" for bus riders, I would like to invite him to get his money’s worth and ride the bus a few times, especially if he’s going somewhere where he will have to pay $5 or more for parking. He can also text and use electronics on the bus without getting fined $95.

Campaign for DOE audit

While we can discuss furloughs, staffing positions, and overall management issues, the only way to truly understand the problems and to make meaningful changes and recommendations is to conduct a legislative-sponsored audit of the Department of Education.

Regardless of their party affiliations, I would hope that all three candidates for governor will make the DOE audit a major part of their individual campaigns. Leadership starts with setting the example. All of this will take courage and a strong belief in what is right for our state, our children and our educational system.

Fireworks laws unenforceable

We already have straightforward laws regulating private use of aerial fireworks. They obviously aren’t working. Where is the enforcement? You can see where they’re being shot off from. You know which neighbors are doing it. Who’s willing to rat out their neighbor? Mahalo, Honolulu Fire Department for being on the ball, but don’t expect relief soon.

Help homeless in tourist areas

Everyone who read the letter from Edward and Mary Ann Andrews ("Waikiki homeless must be curbed," Star-Advertiser, July 7) should write or call their respective Council member as well as the mayor himself and demand that something be done to make our visitors safe from our homeless environment. The letter is shameful for our state and an atrocity to our visitors that have to be subjected to this kind of situation while they are paying a lot of money to visit here. The mayor needs to prioritize the homeless issue or risk losing a valuable contributor to our island economy.

Business group favors rail

The West Oahu Economic Development Association (WOEDA) is made up of business, community and government leaders dedicated to supporting the economic growth of West Oahu. Our area is the fastest growing population and business base in the state, with the number of businesses doubling in the past 10 years.

We strongly support the city’s elevated rail plan because it will reduce traffic congestion, make it easer to travel between town and West Oahu and improve the business climate of our island.

We hope Gov. Linda Lingle will champion rail transit because of the many benefits it will bring to communities throughout West Oahu and the entire island.