H-3 success offers lesson on rail delay

All those opposing the city’s rail project because of negative visual impact reminds me of the H-3 freeway project back in the 1970s. The opposition then made similar claims about how it would damage the visual impact of the Windward side. Back then, it did concern me, as I was living on the Windward side — but now, I don’t believe that lie at all.

I also remember the rhetoric about how it would not work to reduce congestion, damage the environment, etc., etc. As I drive the H-3 now, I don’t see any degradation to the environment as it is one of the most scenic drives on Oahu. And the freeway is working perfectly fine in reducing congestion to the Windward side. The rail provides an alternate means of transportation and we need it now. Any further delay will certainly make the price tag to construct it more costly.

Back in the 1970s, the cost to build the H-3 was estimated to be in the $100 million range. By the time it was built after lengthy legal delays, the cost was in the billion-dollar range. Let’s not delay this project any further.

Athan Adachi
Honolulu

‘The Descendants’ has touchstone tale

I enjoyed reading "The Descendants" stories by Mike Gordon recently in the Star-Advertiser.

Being also of hapa descent and of missionary heritage, I found and felt so much in the connection of an islander and his life of love and family, and his life on the beautiful island of Kauai, island of my ancestors.

Evelyn Clark
Kailua

Drivers’ dangerous ways intimidate

Well, citizens of Honolulu, another hit-and-run vehicular homicide. On this little rock it looks like we pedestrians are genuine second-class citizens to the almighty automobile. I recall a woman who ran over a pedestrian and ran but was caught. Her trial was short. When asked why she did not stop and render aid to the victim she replied, "I scared."

I ride a bicycle safely with helmet and running lights; when the weather is inclement I ride TheBus. I am 69 years old and am blessed to live on Oahu but I am intimidated by narcissistic drivers texting or putting on makeup. I’m for driving tests every year for all drivers over age 65, and much higher gasoline taxes to build the highway overpasses for pedestrians.

M.E. Powers
Honolulu

Thanks for meal and fun on Thanksgiving

I attended the 41st Annual Thanksgiving Dinner last week given by the Salvation Army at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. I enjoyed entertainment by Hapa, the Honolulu Boy Choir, Halau Hula o Namakahulali, Joe and Shirley Recca and Co. The free Thanksgiving dinner with fruit punch or coffee — it was no ka oi. It was also no ka oi to celebrate Thanksgiving in a family atmosphere with the many volunteers there. Kudos to the Salvation Army, Mayor Peter Carlisle, Bank of Hawaii’s Peter Biggs, artwork by students and the many helpful volunteers.

Franklin Kam
Honolulu

No-aloha-shirt APEC saved shame for all

I am writing with regards to "Aloha shirt decision was snub to Hawaii" (Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 17): My title would be "Aloha shirt decision was a huge save for Hawaii." I truly hope that letter writer Joe Hilton was the only one who felt we were snubbed. I liked the idea of aloha shirts representing our islands for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders, but I couldn’t believe it when I saw the shirt that was chosen. It looked like a gaudy tablecloth.

Our president saved us from a huge embarrassment and also all the APEC leaders who would have felt embarrassed wearing them.

Joan Sparkes
Honolulu

Help yourself by helping dog in need

Have you ever wondered why people love dogs so much? We have been told dogs are "man’s best friend" and they are very helpful, but how?

Dogs can help you live longer. They reduce stress and help with fitness and exercise. Some dogs help people walk and see. Police use them to find missing people, bombs or other important things.

The Hawaiian Humane Society helps so many animals. It tries to find good homes for them, but there is so much overcrowding and all these dogs need homes.

I live in an elderly and disabled home with my mom and dog, and every day I see the residents interacting with other people’s dogs. I see them smile and I feel like they deserve a dog of their own.

Help yourself by helping a dog find a loving home and a loving family.

Naomi Pickerel
Kailua

U.S. military noise welcome at K-Bay

In an ideal world, wars would in fact be conducted like the construction industry, as Cliff Tillotson would like ("Marines make too much noise," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 22). No shots would be fired before 7 a.m. or after 6 p.m.; night training would be unnecessary.

Unfortunately, we do not live in that ideal world. I, for one, sleep better knowing that I am living next to an elite force of volunteers who are risking their lives on a daily basis to protect my rights and freedoms. I, too, live on Kaneohe Bay, and find the sounds of their training to be insignicant in comparison with the sacrifices made by that fighting force.

Thank you, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy, for your service.

Rod Williams
Kaneohe