Thielen seems like Johnny-come-lately

I am a little tired of hearing Laura Thielen whine about bad treatment by the Democratic Party ("Democratic Party of Hawaii acting against democratic principles," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, June 3).

She had more than 20 years to become a member. In all that time did she ever give anything to the party?Did she ever attend a precinct meeting? Attend a coffee hour?Go door to door?Register new members?Give money? Share in the work of building the party?

And now she wants to use all the advantages of being a Democrat to fulfill her desire to run for one of the highest offices in the state.

Nothing is preventing Thielen from running for the state Senate.She can run as an independent. She can run as a Republican (where her political activity has been centered).

Those of us who helped build the Democratic Party of Hawaii and sustain it for more than six decades deserve to be represented by someone committed to our organization.

Lois Gill
Honolulu

Rail would be safe for all passengers

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano’s recent commentary regarding safety of the rail system is inaccurate and completely off base. ("Enhanced bus system, not rail, is the way to go," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, June 3).

The rail system will be safe, secure and benefit from state-of-the art security technology.

In addition to transit police, closed-circuit security cameras will monitor trains, stations and park-and-rides. Sophisticated software is capable of identifying packages left on trains or at stations, and is even able to help locate a lost child via the child’s point of entry. Other emergency notification devices will also allow passengers to immediately connect with security and safety personnel, including in case of medical emergencies. HART has partnerships with emergency first-responders who will be immediately dispatched if needed.

For HART, ensuring the public’s safety on our trains and at our rail facilities is our top priority. Nothing is more important.

Henry Miranda
Chief of safety and security, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation

Traffic declines when school is out

What happened to the traffic?

Now that school’s out, traffic is easy. In driving our kids to school, we must double the traffic congestion. The $10 million traffic studies we’ve bought should show that.

What would it take for Mom, Dad not to have to drive our kids to school? The rail will not be able to get our kids to school and cannot reduce this major source of traffic congestion.

A reliable and safe school bus system would, even if it were just for the morning commute.

Jed Comerford
Honolulu

Cutting bus routes is disaster for many

The changes to bus routes 52 and 55 are a disaster for those of us who live at Kaaawa, Hauula, Laie, Kahuku, Pupukea and Haleiwa.

What are we, chopped liver?

Yes, we want to stay "country," but still need to get to work out of the area or to have the opportunity to ride to Mililani and the large mall there, including Walmart, the multiplex movie theater, City Mill, Longs, etc. And how do we get to Honolulu from our area?

There also will be many disappointed tourists who ride these buses to see our beautiful island.Plus, what bus service there is will be limited to every hour instead of every 30 minutes.

More cars on the road and twice as many bus riders.Help!

Jackie Weyhenmeyer
Kahuku

State dropped ball in child abuse case

Kayla Rosenfeld, spokeswoman for the state Department of Human Services, says that the department investigates all allegations of child abuse and neglect ("Boy slain on Valley Isle failed by state, tutu says," Star-Advertiser, June 1).

Yet. when the grandmother of Zion McKeown, the 4-year-old Maui boy who died Wednesday of apparent abuse injuries, tried to report her concerns to Child Welfare Services, she was given a list of excuses as to why CWS couldn’t get involved.

Which is it? Does the department really investigate all allegations, or only some allegations, when it’s convenient?

Shame on all involved in this tragic case.Yet another child is dead, and all we hear are evasions and excuses. One can hardly imagine the terror and pain this poor baby lived with before his brutal death.

Richard J. Laue
Koloa, Kauai

Complete Streets will help with safety

I was so enthused to see that the Complete Streets concept is moving forward.

My wife and I have both been hit by bicyclists on the sidewalk; just the other day, I had to leap into the street to avoid two bikers going in opposite directions on the sidewalk (and this in an area with defined bike lanes on the street).

Every day when we walk our dog, 360-degree visual scans are required to avoid zooming bikes on the sidewalk that seem to be unequipped with lights or bells.

I am happy to report that some bikers are already getting with the program and walking their bikes on the sidewalk, and the police are doing stellar duty giving tickets to sidewalk bikers on the Ala Wai. Any change to the pedestrian/biker dynamic would be welcome.

David Wagner
Moiliili