Rail backers have misjudged situation

The Federal Transit Administration recently issued a second letter of no prejudice, which allows the city to spend another $185 million of local taxpayer money on rail ("Rail construction gets green light," Star-Advertiser, Feb. 7). Rail proponents are celebrating, because they think the train is now unstoppable.

Their conclusion makes no sense unless one assumes that Judge A. Wallace Tashima will view the project as having too much momentum to stop and will therefore decide the pending federal lawsuit in the city’s favor. Such an assumption would be both cynical and wrong. We are confident that the judge will decide the case strictly on the legal merits, and we are convinced that the law is on our side.

Rail proponents also assume that U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye will be able to get congressional approval for the $1.55 billion the city needs to complete the project. This is an election year and there are folks who are determined to stop wasteful spending.

Also, no one knows if former Gov. Ben Cayetano will win the mayoral election, which highlights the risk of rushing to spend another $185 million on something unlikely to be completed.

We think Mayor Peter Carlisle, the HART board and the development interests behind rail have misjudged the situation. They are playing a game of chicken with taxpayer money.

It’s a disaster in the making.

Walter Heen, Pearl Johnson, Donna Wong, Cliff Slater and Randall Roth
Oahu rail opponents

Upcoming election will feature changes

Jen Johnson’s excellent letter points out a George Mason University study that Hawaii’s remote location, isolated time zone and distance from the mainland discourages voter turnout ("Voting here matters mostly at local level," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Feb. 5).

On my 1966 arrival to these fair islands, the upcoming election was the topic of every water cooler conversation, not to mention all the political signs on every utility pole in Honolulu.

In 1966, Hawaii was just as remote, even more isolated, and just as far from the mainland as today. Yet very few of us register and even fewer vote.

Another argument is that the same people keep getting elected, so why bother? Yet in 2012 Hawaii will change at least 50 percent of its congressional delegation.

The August primary will also be compelling with three strong mayoral candidates and an interesting contest for the nomination of the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.

John Priolo
Pearl City

Restrict HECO to distribution only

The article, "Rate increase blamed on sun power" (Star-Advertiser, Feb. 6) should raise more than a few questions in every consumer’s mind.

Every night as we watch TV, we are interrupted by a commercial by Hawaiian Electric Co. A HECO executive tells us that we, the consumers, must be open to using alternative energy sources and renewable energy. I cannot recall him saying we must be prepared to pay HECO for following his suggestion. Instead, we are told this is the best way to lower our ever-rising electric bills. Perhaps he meant to say we should use only those sources that will save HECO some money, not the consumer.

Our government has mandated that we use alternative and renewable energy sources. Can we really afford to do this? We must encourage our representatives at the Capitol to restrict HECO to distribution of electricity only.

Ann Jones
Kuliouou Valley

Let residents vote on gambling issue

With approximately 30 bills pertaining to gaming in this legislative session, there is serious interest in legalizing gaming in Hawaii. We have the highest cost of living and pay the highest taxes in all of the U.S.

Forty-eight other states have some form of gaming; they can’t all be wrong. Gaming in Hawaii would in fact enhance tourism as an added attraction.

Gambling would give our state much-needed financial relief in all areas, it would boost our economy significantly.

If this Legislature cannot push some kind of gaming bill through, it should put the question to a vote in the upcoming elections: Do you want gambling in Hawaii? Yes or No.

If that vote comes out positive, the public has spoken and our lawmakers can get off the fence and do their jobs.

It’s time for the very vocal minority on this issue (the tail) to stop wagging the dog, the silent majority.

Steven Burke
Pearl City

Private schools have key advantage

Neil Szanyi asks the question, "Why can many private schools manage student outcomes using just current labor laws, without tenure (Star-Advertiser, Letters, Feb. 5)?"

I am not a teacher, but I offer this answer: Public schools MUST educate all students –achievers, non-achievers, those with disabilities, and everyone in between. Private schools are able to select the students they believe will be successful in and out of the classroom.

I have no doubt that public school teachers have a far greater challenge managing student outcomes. I laud them for their efforts.

Karen Corpuz
Honolulu

Require motorists to keep cars insured

We all know that Hawaii law requires drivers to have auto insurance when registering their vehicle, but many cancel their insurance afterward. Let’s stop this reckless and costly flouting of the law by asking our legislators to support House Bill 1351.

This bill would require auto insurers to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles when a policy holder cancels insurance coverage. This would not only help the police enforce the law, but also reduce traffic congestion when the scofflaw’s driver’s license and registration are revoked.

Contact the Legislature today to demand action.

Mark Torreano
Waikiki