Don’t let officials raid special funds

The recent Star-Advertiser article on recycling mentioned that the Legislature has twice raided the recycling special fund, taken awaythe interest the fund earned and repealed an exemption the program had from a 5 percent state fee ("Few favor recycling fee hike," Star-Advertiser, June 17).

This being the case, the administration should not raise the current 1-cent recycling fee until the raided funds have been returned and the program demonstrates a need for additional funds.

Special funds are set up to fund special programs.Raiding of special funds by our Legislature should not be allowed. Our highway special fund has been raided several times and the poor condition of our state highways reflects this.

Phil Alencastre
Kaimuki

Zombies article was well timed

Funny, the article about zombies came out just a week after I threw a large zombie hunting party ("Don’t panic," Star-Advertiser, June 20).

I have a large piece of land on the Windward side that provides room for such an event. We had real axe-throwing contests, moving paintball target shooting, pellet pistol shooting and crossbow shooting.

Targets were life-sized stuffed zombies, complete with black blood packs inside. We had a haunted forest along with attack zombies to fight off. We even had a zombie survival school.

Many people came in survivalist outfits. Although it was just good fun, and lots of food, it was all about simulating a survival scenario.

After throwing similar parties, I am amazed at how few people have ever fired a gun, shot an arrow or handled a hand weapon of any sort. I come away thinking most people like being victims.

Don Fernandez
Kailua

Watergate story was underplayed

I was disappointed that the 40th anniversary of the Watergate break-in received scant, if any, coverage in the Star-Advertiser.

The resulting cover-up, investigation and presidential resignation was a defining test for both executive privilege and the separation of powers.

It also helped show to the public how important a free and independent press is in a democracy.

If you were searching for a local connection, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye had a major role in the Watergate hearings.

Tony Fairfax
Kaneohe

Rail costs have only just begun

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle said that "the likelihood is next to zero" that a $450 million line of credit will ever be used for the rail transit project.

If the money is tapped, "then we’ll find the money (using) whatever method is appropriate" ("Quick-cash fund for rail OK’d," Star-Advertiser, June 16).

The next day, we learned that we’ve only just begun, and already the city is tapping the contingency fund for overruns and unexpected costs.

We are up to $88 million and counting, and Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Director Daniel Grabauskas says that "it is not unusual."

I find this flippant attitude to be appalling and a direct disregard of where the money is coming from to pay for all of this.

We all know the payback will mean increased taxes, as though we don’t already shoulder one of the heaviest tax burdens in the nation.

Leona Pereza
Kailua

Ellison could be good for Hawaii

Larry Ellison is a self-made individual who might just build out Lanai, with high technology, a wind farm, even a world-class marina that could help Hawaii get into the America’s Cup.

Ellison can move mountains. He may even be willing to help bring back the Superferries.

We wish him well.

Bill Littell
Waikiki