Is decoupling the rate villain?

Wikipedia defines decoupling as follows: "In public utility regulation, decoupling refers to the disassociation of a utility’s profits from its sales of the energy commodity. Instead, a rate of return is aligned with meeting revenue targets, and rates are trued up or down to meet the target at the end of the adjustment period."

I would be curious to find out how much of the Hawaiian Electric Co.’s electrical rate increase was the result of decoupling.

With the increase of photovoltaic installations, would HECO have to continue to increase its rates to make up for the loss of electrical demand?

Thomas Mun
Aiea

Now is not time to cut military

By way of lamenting current military expenditures, Polly Pool errs in believing that the war in Iraq has ended ("Pentagon is where spending can be cut," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 20).

The campaign in Iraq has been terminated, but the war, not confined to political boundaries, goes on.

Whether termination of U.S. involvement in Iraq — made, frankly, to enhance the re-election chances of the president — will be followed by political stability in that country remains to be seen. But we would be foolish indeed to dismantle our armed forces by making reckless, across-the-board defense budget cuts.

Turbulent events sweeping the Middle East and on the Korean peninsula must be taken as cause for resolute vigilance and require a strong military defense posture.

Thomas E. Stuart
Kapaau

Nothing natural about GMO food

David Wunsch’s letter reveals that he is in over his head regarding the facts about genetic modification ("GMO fear based on false premise," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 14).

There is nothing natural about genetic engineering, which began in the 1970s as the "Green Revolution," which supposedly would feed the millions and develop better harvests.

In fact, it was only to sell more poisons for the corporations that had used them in wars as defoliants, now diluted and marketed as "biodegradable" herbicides for gardens and farms. Today these companies are in the business of patenting seeds requiring copious quantities of weed killers that pollute the environment, kill the soil, and create "superweeds."

These types of misperceptions have allowed biotech companies to take advantage of the gullibility of our people, government officials and local farmers. Hawaii will only lose by continuing this plantation mentality, which deprives us from saving our farmlands to grow our own food and become self sufficient and free from the power of corporations.

Elaine Kam
Waialae

West Oahu can’t handle growth

With West Oahu’s current population, we generated thousands of ambulance patients per year to Hawaii Medical Center West. Now, without an emergency room there, it seems unlikely that we can handle any more population expansion on the Leeward side.

I think that if we lack this basic lifesaving resource, we must seriously question a master plan calling for more construction on the Ewa plain, a train for commuters, more shopping centers, etc.

I think we already lack adequate schools, drinking water and sewer and electric power capacity.

It’s a mistake to whip up the frosting before the cake has even been baked.

Kerstin Lampert
Kapolei

Isle eggs too rich for most of us

Are these the chickens that laid the golden eggs ("Whole Foods picks up cage-free isle eggs," Star-Advertiser, Da Kine, Dec. 7)?

At a cost of $6.99 a dozen, it’s no wonder we don’t buy local.

Bernice Mattingly
Mililani

City fee hikes not warranted

The auto registration for my Corolla increased by 22 percent: It cost me $268.

Like everyone else, I have a difficult time paying my mortgage, utilities, etc. I’m barely getting by, and the city raises not only auto registration, but TheBus fares, municipal golf fees, etc.

First it takes away my recreation, and now it makes it difficult for me to get to work by increasing the cost of transportation.

I have not seen any road improvements increasing by 22 percent. The Likelike Highway is still full of potholes and rough spots, especially through Kalihi Valley. Municipal golf fees have increased and I do not see any improvements. Restrooms are not kept up, ball washers are not working and there is no towel to dry your ball.

Let’s hope they don’t increase our property taxes next.

Dennis Sanada
Kaneohe