Don’t let Kyo-ya Hotels build closer to ocean

Build a 26-story high rise practically on the beach at Waikiki? Why did we have the wisdom in the past to establish setbacks for buildings along the beach?

It’s hard to believe that anyone would think that short-term gains in jobs and supposed short-term gains in visitor satisfaction would be worth further permanent damage and disfigurement to the Waikiki beachfront.

Poppycock. They build a high-rise at the high water mark and the first tsunami or hurricane that comes along will do irreparable damage.

Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts say that tourists want bigger rooms and up-to-date bathrooms. So rehab some of their older hotels, make two rooms into one with a super bathroom and charge triple.

We already have an ugly wall of high-rise buildings facing the water. Keep the beauty of the islands.

Let there be air and space and beach forever.

Police radio problems bode ill for rail costs

I, like so many other people, oppose rail for a number of reasons, but none could be so succinctly summed up as neatly as your first paragraph regarding the flawed police radio system: "Design flaws and poor management during the installation of the radio system for HPD led to millions in cost overruns that nearly doubled the price tag to $64.8 million, a city audit shows" ("Audit loud and clear on big flaws in police radio system," Star-Advertiser, Sept. 24).

Enough said.

Fireworks ban useless if it can’t be enforced

People who are unhappy about the passing of the fireworks ban need to call, write or e-mail acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell to express your displeasure.

It’s very strange, as the worst smoke comes from firecrackers, not sparklers or paperless firecrackers. I see youngsters enjoying sparklers, many of whom don’t like the loud noise of firecrackers. It’s unfortunate that the City Council would want to take away one of the safer fireworks, yet allow firecrackers, which are probably more dangerous.

The Honolulu Police Department can’t even catch the abusers who use aerial fireworks. We need to pass sensible bills that can be enforced, not bills like these.

Single-payer system is health care solution

The federal health care reform bill is a big political issue in the upcoming congressional mid-term elections, and it’s now apparent that most Americans don’t really understand it.

The more I read and hear about it, and the longer the effects of the recession drag on, the more I am convinced that the model of employer-provided private health insurance is simply incompatible with universal and affordable coverage.

The only way to meet the social goals for health coverage and blunt practically every criticism of the current reform bill is to institute a single-payer system.

If you are a citizen or a legal resident, you’re covered. If you’re out of work, you’re covered. If you are sick or disabled, you’re covered. As a taxpayer, you automatically pay into the system, so no one is being forced to buy a private plan. The pool of people paying into the system is nationwide, and rules and regulations are standardized. Finally, public health issues become a national priority because the fiscal consequences affect everyone’s taxes and the federal budget.

Primary vote showed old guard’s weakness

The results for the Democratic Party in the primary election for governor prove that voters now take into account the performance in public office of the candidates, as well as their leadership style and credibility.

The support and endorsement of the old guard is not as effective as in the past. It is my hope that this trend of voting will continue in the general election and in future elections.