‘Just say no’ crowd harmful to Hawaii

The "just say no" syndrome plagues our beautiful state.

Hawaii’s well-being is all too often thwarted by organizations and errant individuals that protest and file lawsuits against innovation that would serve our state well.

Geothermal energy on the Big Island could produce hundreds of megawatts of electricity. Extremists partnering with an alleged environmental organization "just said no." Only 30 megawatts of clean, cost-effective energy went online.

Respected Alexander & Baldwin Inc. was prepared to spend about $650 million to develop recreation, housing and commerce on acres of derelict state land in Kakaako. A group of "just say no" protesters, with the help of several legislators, stopped the shovel-ready project.

Hawaii yielded to the lowest common denominator when our state "just said no" to the Superferry.

Now KAHEA and a mainland environmental group are "just saying no" to fish farming. They claim that fish poop is a problem. The fish farm industry could feed a starving world and create a huge industry for all Hawaii.

Fight back, fellow citizens. Demand that good projects do not yield to an errant minority of "just say no" extremists.

Fred Hemmings
Kaneohe

Not all homeless are there by choice

While I don’t live in Waikiki, I am there at least five days a week, yet I don’t seem to see the same things as Ann James ("Many homeless are living it up," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 31).

I see individuals who are clearly suffering from untreated mental illness. I see people struggling with drug addiction, many of whom are showing signs of withdrawal symptoms. I see runaway youth who feel safer surviving on the streets than at home. I see families who have fallen victim to tough economic times and slipped through society’s safety net. I see folks who lack the education or work experience to get a job that comes anywhere close to paying a living wage.

Yes, there are certainly some individuals living on the streets in Waikiki who choose to be there, but they do not represent the majority, and I would argue that it is not appropriate to condemn the many for the behavior of the few.

Alika Campbell
Kailua

Okimoto’s voice needs to be heard

In response to the letter regarding Dean Okimoto ("Okimoto is hardly farmer’s best friend," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 1), everyone may not agree with Okimoto all of the time, but we can all agree that Okimoto does care about agriculture.

Many people talk about agriculture but are not willing to make hard decisions when needed. Okimoto takes positions and is willing to commit himself to the cause. He should not be penalized for his willingness to step up with his opinion. Hawaii’s agriculture is and should be diverse.

We need people who understand and promote this diversity. Their voices need to be heard.

Warren Watanabe
Kula, Maui

Flexible work hours could ease traffic

Some people complain that the anti-rail group didn’t offer any alternative solutions. Here is one that will not cost anything.

The main problem is the number of cars during rush hour. That’s because most people work from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Traffic could be reduced if employers, especially the government, would allow their workers to work flexible hours.

Some people like to get up early, while others like to sleep in. Allow early birds to work from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the late sleepers from noon to 8 p.m., or even 4 p.m. to midnight. Allow people to work Wednesday to Sunday. For the government, an added benefit would be offices that are open longer. No more taking time off from work to stand in line for two hours between 8 and 4 to renew a license plate.

Wim Blees
Mililani

Ho‘opili would put people back to work

The Money article,"Slowdown in sight for Isle economy" (Star-Advertiser, Sept. 2) could not be more spot-on. Little job growth and a lack of construction jobs are not only hurting this state, but also, its residents.

The obvious solution is to bring back construction jobs, and the article pointed out a significant project that would do that — the planned Ho‘opili community in Kapolei. Continuing this project would help pull our state’s economy out of the hole by bringing back much-needed jobs and putting thousands of unemployed people back to work.

The recession began back in 2007. Aren’t we tired of being stuck in this rut?

Sam Kalilikane
Kapolei

Safety best served via common sense

I don’t mean any disrespect, and Ira Zunin obviously has good intentions ("Stronger helmet laws help prevent tragedy, save money," Star-Advertiser, Wealth of Health, Sept. 3), but there is no substitute for common sense.

It should have been obvious to Zunin that standing on a two-wheeled Ripstik might just result in him falling on his butt, or worse, his head.

It was before he attempted to play on that inherently dangerous child’s toy that he should have taken the necessary precautions to protect himself from injury, including helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, and, oh yes, his health insurance premiums paid.

Ralph Germann
Hawaii Kai