Public not left out of rail TOD process

We would like to correct David Shapiro’s misstatement that the public has been kept out of the decision-making process when it comes to transit-oriented development (TOD) ("Rail development proposal fails to give public a voice," Star-Advertiser, Volcanic Ash, April 11).

Since 2007, the city Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has reached out to the community for input on planning for the 21 TOD station areas. Hundreds of people have attended these community workshops to provide a vision for their neighborhoods. We’ve held numerous smaller meetings, and conducted very successful surveys of residents who may not have had a chance to get to one of the workshops.

We’ve completed TOD plans for Waipahu, East Kapolei and Aiea/Pearl City, and drafts for the Kalihi and Downtown station areas will be unveiled in July at more community workshops. Later this year, DPP will once again be back in the community to start the planning process for the Ala Moana, Airport and Aloha Stadium station areas.

Terrance Ware
Transit-oriented development administrator, Department of Planning and Permitting

Charter school unfairly tarnished

I’m appalled that the Star-Advertiser continues to publicize Myron B. Thompson Academy as the poster child for wrongdoing within the public charter school system ("Don’t exempt charter schools," Star-Advertiser, Our View, April 11).

MBTA has already addressed the issues raised by the now-outdated state audit. MBTA meets AYP (adequate yearly progress), graduates 90 percent of its students versus the state’s average of 80 percent, and is tasked by the state to provide online credit recovery courses to all students statewide free of charge.

Most important, MBTA has provided my children with an exemplary education that’s rigorous in nature and relevant to their educational goals. They are learning skills that will give them a competitive edge in the global job market after graduation. My children are thriving at MBTA.

Please stop disseminating misinformation about MBTA. Stop this trial by public opinion. Print articles about MBTA’s students and their successes.

Margaret Braun
Parent member, MBTA’s local school board

Coral in new sand could be a problem

I do appreciate the extended beach being provided here in Waikiki. Unfortunately, the accumulation of coral pieces in the surf at the edge of the beach makes getting in and out of the water difficult at best.

Large and small pieces have been dredged up and will sift out of the "new" sand for many months. Walking through this coral field makes cuts inevitable.As we all know, the waters of Waikiki are not always the most sanitary, so infection is certainly a possibility.

I need to know whom to file a suit against when this happens: the state, the dredging company, the hotels that supported this, or maybe the committee that let this project occur without filtering out the coral before it was placed on the beach?

Bill Maxson
Waikiki

Bravo for stance on civil union law

We applaud the Star-Advertiser for its editorial, "Don’t allow anti-civil union actions" (Star-Advertiser, Our View, April 4).

You correctly pointed out that the proposed "religious exemptions" legislation is both unnecessary and overly broad.All facilities that hold themselves out as a public accommodation should be subject to the same laws on non-discrimination.

Under current law, no religious institution is compelled to conduct a service that is contrary to its beliefs. As you state, "The proposed exception has nothing to do with the practice of religion itself."

We view with great caution the statements that equal rights under the civil union law for our gay and lesbian fellow citizens is in any way an attack on religion or religions’ First Amendment rights. In some instances this argument is a false cover for some institutions seeking to use the civil union law to impose their denominations’ beliefs on others.

Bill Albinger
Member, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Lahaina

Hospital’s closure was unfortunate

In Hawaii we are justifiably proud that we have almost universal health coverage through employers (something ignored by the mainland). However, in spite of our success, Hawaii Medical Center closed without our legislators or governor preventing the loss of a hospital serving many, many people.

Richard Lightner
Waipahu

Restriping freeway would risk safety

The state Department of Transportation plans a quick fix to Honolulu traffic woes by restriping existing freeway lanes to add one more lane.

The plan is for limited H-1 freeway distances that will require merging and a reduced speed limit. The rationale for the plan is that it is quicker and cheaper than other highway improvements.

This is a bad idea because it defeats designed traffic safety standards by reducing lane widths and eliminating shoulder space needed for emergencies and passing emergency medical services vehicles.

The probability for fender benders will increase and traffic gridlock due to accidents are certain.

The increased number of reported highway traffic accidents and deaths this year points to the need to upgrade, not diminish, traffic safety designs.

John Tamashiro
Pearl City