Park archery range can be made safe

Regarding the recent incident involving a stray arrow at the Kapiolani Park archery range, the person behind it did not have training in equipment selection or in the correct use of the bow.

This is the only documented incident in 50-plus years at this range.

Two range improvement submissions to the city Parks Department that I’m aware of — outlining safety, usability and handicap accessibility — resultedin almost nothing.

Many archers, working and retired, use the range throughout the day because it is close to home. Archers from the mainland and elsewhere use Kapiolani because it’s close to Waikiki.

What would happen if the same reasoning were applied to city streets and highways? Should they be shut down if there’s a close call, accident or fatality?

Hopefully the planned public hearing will not be shibai. I hope the Parks Department really is receptive to solutions, even if it cost money to accomplish.

Richard Mendonca
Kaneohe

Same-sex marriage issue a distraction

We are supposed to believe that the president embraced same-sex marriage only after deep reflection, discussion with family, consideration of the feelings of friends, co-workers and even military members.

A skeptic, however, may attribute the ersatz epiphany to the following: The president’s "evolving" position determination was wearing thin. It was obvious to all, except true believers, that the embracing would happen right after the election. Polls indicated same-sex marriage was an election-issue wash; and since class envy and the "war on women" fiction were losing traction, same-sex marriage offered another social-issues distraction from his leadership failings.

To borrow from former governor and mayoralty aspirant Ben Cayetano: What are we, potted plants?

Tom Freitas
Hawaii Kai

Landscapers back development office

The Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii is truly concerned about the City Council’s proposal to gut the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.

Government does an excellent job of providing important infrastructure and services to our communities, but OED is a truly unique office in creating incubator-type, highly leveraged economic opportunities. There are numerous examples on Oahu, including Chinatown, Kalihi, Kaimuki, Moiliili, North Shore and Kapolei. These are shining examples of how only government can build better communities, improve our way of life and create a stronger tax base.

Often these projects define who we are and why we live in these communities.

It’s really one of the best bargains in government. Cutting out OED’s budget will have far reaching economic impacts.

The mayor’s Office of Economic Development is vital to our island way of life by creating economic opportunities for our communities to thrive, and we hope the City Council will reconsider this proposal.

Chris Dacus
President,Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii

Democratic Party in Hawaii loses its way

Hawaii’s Democratic Party ain’t what it used to be.

Democratic governors used to adhere strictly to the rules and procedures when collective bargaining with unions. The party used to welcome all qualified persons to join the party and run for office. The party never used strong-arm tactics to muffle dissidents. … Ummm, never mind.

Richard Y. Will
Honolulu

Please, motorists, start seeing bikers

Mahalo to Jamie Emard for her commentary on motorcycle safety ("Bikers need help from car drivers to cut accidents," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, May 16).

We share the same roads andrules that other drivers do. I have ridden motorcycles for years and thousands of miles. I have taken motorcycle safety courses in Hawaii and on the mainland and participated in a campaign to "Start Seeing Motorcycles."

I was also the victim of a crash because another driver decided not to stop at a stop sign; he apparently didn’t see anyone else approaching the intersection (I had the right of way).

You probably know someone who rides a motorcycle. We are your co-workers, your family members, your friends, your loved ones. And we ride the same roads you do.

Please, start seeing us.

Cameron Krainin
Kailua

Plastic bags useful to high-rise dwellers

Apparently no thought has been given to people who live in all the high-rises on our island.

It is a requirement that trash in condominiums be put down the chutes securely wrapped or bagged. Unfortunately, paper bags just don’t work because they cannot be closed effectively and they leak. Plastic bags are usually the bag of choice.

Now people who live in high-rises will have to buy plastic bags for their trash. This will be particularly hard for seniors on a fixed income.

It seems a shame that all these people have to suffer because of the few who indiscriminately toss their bags to the wind.

Pauline Brooks
Waikiki

Modern rail systems not noisy like before

Some people have expressed concern about the noise level of the rail system.

The clickety-clack sound of rail cars passing over rail joints is from days past. Modern rail systems arc weld the rail joints, then they are ground to a micro-finish. Rail cars roll quietly over the gleaming, smooth rails.

There is no locomotive in a modern urban rail system. Each passenger car is powered by new technology electric motors that produce a lower noise level than a diesel bus.

Victor Weisberger
Kailua