Use technology to solve traffic

I could not agree more with Jay Fidell ("Los Angeles’ system shows how tech can beat traffic," Star-Advertiser, Think Tech, March 20).

I’ve been here 2 1⁄2 years and notice so many non-smart traffic signals everywhere.We sit and sit, with no cross or oncoming traffic.Then the light finally turns green for both cars and pedestrians.

So we sit longer still and could miss the light again since cars are not supposed to be in the intersection if a pedestrian is on that side.

I am reminded of what IBM programmers have done for Singapore to help move traffic along.Hono-lulu could really use one of those IBMers!

We need smarter traffic signals.Congestion could definitely be helped.

Bob Lamb
Kakaako

Traffic cams lack discretion

Hawaii is not ready to have its traffic managed by camera.

Traffic-volation cameras are mechanical and do not exercise the judgment that is required to control the flow of traffic. Police officers, on the other hand, are trained to exercise judgment when issuing a warning or citation.

A camera cannot distinguish between a driver who turns on a red light versus a driver stuck in the middle of an intersection because of delays by pedestrians who cross when the timing sign says do not cross.

With recent laws that fine drivers who do not yield the right of way to pedestrians, many drivers are now forced to complete a turn when the light is red.

If legislators have not witnessed such circumstances, they should spend an hour along some busy streets to understand the negative effects of House Bill 2790.

Cynthia Endo
Kuliouou

Bunda was not realistic either

Former state Sen. Robert Bunda’s recent commentary is more of a hit piece against former Gov. Ben Cayetano’s campaign for mayor than offering a real solution himself ("Cayetano has no realistic traffic plan to solve West Oahu traffic mess," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, March 14).

Bunda, a board member of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, wants us to believe that elevated rail will somehow solve West Oahu’s "traffic mess" and simultaneously reduce the traffic he faces on H-2 from Wahiawa every day. Nothing could be further from the truth. The facts as presented in the city’s own environmental impact statement show that traffic will be worse with or without rail.

Bunda also states that "we have already collected more than 25 percent of the expected GET revenue needed for the project." That assumes the federal government will provide $1.5 billion for the project.

If the feds do not, where will Bunda get the money?

Garry P. Smith
Ewa Beach

To whom did LaHood allude?

In the wake of the Federal Transit Administration’s email embarrass- ment ("Emails suggest problems with rail," Star-Advertiser, March 14), U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye led Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood through a ritual reaffirmation of the FTA’s support for Honolulu rail.

LaHood said: "We’re committed … until we hear differently from others who are intimately involved in this …"

To whom did LaHood allude? To Ben Cayetano if he becomes mayor?

To the opinion of the Oahu public, which has turned against rail?

To the City Council, for asking whythe Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation is wasting $10 million a month on prematurely signed contracts?

Tom Coffman
Kaneohe

Ho‘opili won’t wipe out ag land

It is simply not true that Ho‘opili will displace the best agriculture lands in Hawaii.

Ho‘opili represents only a small portion of Oahu’s 30,000 acres of prime agriculture land outside the city’s designated urban growth boundary. Across the state, more than 175,000 acres of prime ag land are available for farming.

Ho‘opili is not using our last or best reserves. In fact, 1,700 acres of prime pineapple land has just become available to the state’s Agribusiness Development Corp.

Ho‘opili is supported by a number of experienced local farmers, such as Nalo Farms’ Dean Okimoto, who is helping to implement Ho‘opili’s urban agriculture program, which designates 159 acres of land for use by small commercial farms.

By giving small farmers a chance to start and grow their businesses, Ho‘opili is sowing the seeds for the future of agriculture.

Linda Young
Kapolei