A modest pension for years of work

I would like to clarify Rob Perez’s article ("Elected officials’ pensions scrutinized," Star-Advertiser, Feb. 26) which left out important details relevant to my exit and re-entry into politics between 1998 and 2006.

I left politics in 1998 after losing a congressional race with now-Gov. Neil Abercrombie. I had served eight years in the state House, two years in the Peace Corps, and two years in the Army for my pension eligibility. I was granted $275 per week, or about $14,000 per year.

As a retiree, I moved to Washington, D.C., to work in the foreign aid office (USAID) and then moved overseas to East Timor for a five-year commitment as the Peace Corps Country Director.

Following a civil insurrection, my 46 Peace Corps volunteers and my family were evacuated, which just happened to be when Hawaii Kai incumbent, Rep. William Stonebraker announced his retirement.

I started waving on the highway the summer of 2006 and the rest is history. Bottom line: I was not in state government when I retired and only by an unusual circumstance did I get back into politics eight years later.

Rep. Gene Ward
R, Kalama Valley, Hawaii Kai

Public projects remain unfinished

In his blog, Jay Fidell complained about the severe traffic congestion going into Waikiki because traffic lights lack relatively inexpensive timing sensors ("A sea of green and red in Waikiki, Feb. 27).I sympathize and agree wholeheartedly.

There seems to be a chronic problem with the city and state government in Oahu — no sense of urgency and account-ability.The mayor claims to have paved roads, but the short stretch between Beretania and Kapiolani, just to name one of many, remains a bone-jarring trip.When will they repave that stretch of road that leads the tourists back to their hotels in Waikiki?

Every government project close to where I live seems to be unfinished. The Ala Wai Canal project remains unfinished. The sidewalk project along Ala Moana by Kewalo Basin and Ward Center remains unfinished.

If any of the incumbent politicians claim, as part of their campaign speeches, that they should be re-elected because they have unfinished business — well, it’s true.

Paul Amog
Honolulu

How much would you pay for rail?

How much would you personally be willing to pay to build the rail transit system? $100 per person? $200 per person? The rail project will cost us $5.27 billion. Hawaii has a population of roughly 1 million people, meaning each and every resident will pay $5,000 per person. Who has an extra $5,000 lying around?

Of course, the rail proponents will say, "Don’t worry, part of the money will be paid for by the federal government, not by us. Guess what, we are the federal government. It’s our tax dollars paying for it — whether federal or state. And when has any major Hawaii construction project ever come in on budget?

All to build something we’re told is not intended to reduce traffic from existing levels. Still sound like a good idea?

Brian Marguleas
Honolulu

B&B issue ignored in mayor’s race

Everyone knows where the mayoral candidates stand on rail. Where do they stand on our local, owner-operated bed and breakfasts?

Will the mayor enforce the closure of these visitor accommodations? Or will he pursue licensing and regulation?

When Mayor Peter Carlisle says the train will help "keep Kailua, Kailua," does he mean we are to be a friendly, laid-back beach town with no hotels but lots of local B&Bs? Or will he prosecute our local families and close these small businesses?

Closing the B&Bs and canceling the rail project both sound like economic genocide to many Windward Oahu and North Shore voters and businesses who depend on jobs and tourism just like the rest of Hawaii.

Closing the B&Bs and working on the railroad doesn’t sound very attractive either.

Could they let us know where they stand?

Canceling the train and licensing the B&Bs might be a good idea.

Will Page
Kailua

Under GOP rule, rich will get richer

Imagine this catastrophe: If the Tea Party and GOP conservatives win in November, they will deregulate stocks and banks, resulting in huge losses all over again.

They want to privatize schools and social services. How will the less fortunate afford an education, social services or health care?

The rich will get richer — no taxes on them. The middle class and poor will get poorer. China and other countries will buy elections, thanks to the Citizens United decision, and religion will be taught in the schools.

Please consider the consequences of your vote.

Mark Litchman
Honolulu

Prison reform math doesn’t add up

Remember a few years ago, when we were going to save millions by sending the prisoners to the mainland? Now we are going to save millions by bringing them back? It doesn’t make sense.

Sam Dunn
Honolulu