Traffic problem goes way back

The first step in problem-solving is to identify the problem.

Gaylynn Kalama writes that kayakers dragging their equipment across South Kalaheo Avenue to the rental shop are the problem that causes traffic tie-ups for Lanikai residents ("Kayakers stall Lanikai traffic," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 11).

The real problem is the city traffic engineers. There would be no problem if Kailua Road were restored to the way it was in 1969, with two-way, through traffic all the way to Kawailoa Road, over the bridge and past Buzz’s to Alala Road.

Only Honolulu Hale could dream up the silliness of exiting what should be a straight shot into Kailua by requiring cars to enter South Kalaheo for a few yards (just long enough to screw up traffic trying to stop at or leave Kalapawai Store), and then wait in line to make a left turn only to reenter Kailua Road again 50 yards later.

Jack M. Schmidt Jr.
Kailua

Kaneohe Bay barely bearable

I have lived on Kaneohe Bay for 15 years. Never before has the earsplitting roar of practicing military jets been as terrible as now.

All day our walls and windows tremble.

Even the desk I am sitting at as I write this letter is vibrating.

The sky is filled with roar and thunder so loud it gives one a headache. It is almost impossible to live and relax here during the day.

I wish I could make up my mind and move away. But by now the property value of our house is probably rapidly sinking and I could not afford to buy a comparable house in a quieter area.

Why do they have to practice so much near such a densely inhabited residential area ?

Volker Hildebrandt
Kaneohe

Tax scofflaws burden rest of us

The Abercrombie administration should renew the effort to collect delinquent taxes owed by individuals as well as corporations.

Delinquent taxpayers place a burden on hardworking and diligent taxpayers who now may be faced with more tax increases.

It is time for our administration and the Legislature to act. Who knows, the state may end up with a surplus.

Franklin Pa
Pearl City

Obama policies make oil scarce

If, as Hawaiian Electric Co. vice president Robbie Alm maintains, the loss of Alaska’s North Slope Oil is a cause for Hawaii’s skyrocketing electricity prices, part of the blame is President Barack Obama’s.

Since taking over, the Obama administration has consistently blocked additional North Slope wells. Indeed, way back in January 2008, then-candidate Obama warned Americans that under his leadership, electricity costs would "necessarily skyrocket."

So a reasonable question in this election year surfaces, namely: Is this the sort of "change you can believe in," Hawaii?

Michael P. Rethman
Kaneohe

Cayetanos care about animals

In case your editor has not noticed as yet, "municipal management" includes, all too poignantly, the welfare of our island animal and pet ohana ("Don’t forget Caye-tano’s dogs," Star-Advertiser, Off the News, Jan. 4).

Thank you to former Gov. Ben and Vicky Cayetano for being part of our island community that cares about dogs as well as other animals on our islands — and for the public display of their kuleana by sharing their lives and home with their dogs.

Auwe for poking fun where inappropriate.

Cassandra L Pinnick
Waikiki

Use yard waste to fuel Hawaii

Here’s an idea for cheap, abundant, local, renewable energy: Sewage + yard waste = biogas + fertilizer. No need for agricultural land, deforestation or interisland cables.

Regina E. Gregory
Makiki

‘Earthweek’ is appreciated

I want to express thanks and appreciation for your expanded vision evidenced in running news of substance, especially important in view of the fact that much of media has degraded into mindless fluff and cheap tabloid entertainment.

We especially appreciate your commitment to publishing "Earthweek: Diary of the Planet."

John Lyle
Volcano