Never too much rail information

I want to ask Lee Cataluna about her puzzling take on the Kaimuki seniors she overheard chatting at the Kahala McDonald’s ("Rail project is failing to win approval from vital kupuna," Star-Advertiser, Lee Cataluna, July 15).

If these kupuna really believe too much money is being spent to sell the advantages of rail transit, I hope Cataluna will write about the statements of opponents, who put their financial interests and political careers above the needs of the environment and future generations.

In this case, there’s no such thing as too much information. Cuts to TheBus and Handi-Van have little to do with rail infrastructure. Mixing up these issues is a cynical way to try to fool the public. Rapid transit has been studied for decades, unlike the Superferry debacle.

Michael Salling
Kaimuki

Kailua debate not a new one

Your editorial failed to mention the lengthy time the Kailua Beach controversy over commercialization and traffic has been an issue, or how long Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration has had to come up with a solution ("Kailua Beach Park ban could backfire," Star-Advertiser, Our View, July 17).

The Carlisle administration was asked to address the serious problems over a year ago.

After months of Council hearings on Bills 5 and 11, during which city Parks Director Gary Cabato on several occasions asked for time to draft regulations, the Council, recognizing the safety and community disruption problems, felt it necessary to act.

Carlisle should not veto Bill 11 but rather have the parks and transportation departments come up with proposals that would solve the problem, sell them to the Kailua community, then propose a change in the law.

Roger A. Ulveling
Kailua

DMV has lousy customer service

We are customers at the Department of Motor Vehicles, are we not? Why then are we not treated as such?

When there is a long line of customers at the bank, someone comes out from behind the counter to help out. Why not do the same at the DMV? There always seems to be a lot of customers waiting. Why not have someone come out to help check if the forms are correct, if it is the correct line, if forms are filled in correctly, or any other thing?

Unlike private businesses that have to compete with each other, the DMV is like a monopoly. Does this mean the DMV should not treat us as customers? This may be why people in line get so angry and frustrated, and maybe why a police officer is needed.

Someone should step up and make some changes to help all the customers.

Richard Kinoshita
Palolo Valley

Donovan being treated unfairly

I’ve known University of Hawaii Athletic Director Jim Donovan for more than 20 years. While at Aloha Stadium as its administrative services officer, I sat on the opposite side of the negotiating table from him.

I found Jim to be a formidable negotiator, a man of his word, but mostly a zealous supporter of sports in Hawaii and at the University of Hawaii in particular.

We didn’t always see eye to eye on many issues, but I admired his creativity and candor.

Knowing Jim, I am sure that his sole concern was to ensure that the athletic department flourished under his stewardship. It’s not every day that you meet someone who loves his job the way he does and has the strength of character to see it through. Therefore, it saddens me to see that he has been so publicly turned out and that others may be impugning his integrity.

Deborah Ishihara
Hawaii Kai

Military noise not addressed

I am very concerned about the lack of response to Kaneohe residents’ legitimate complaints and concerns regarding the safety and noise problems facing them if the Marine Corps brings in additional aircraft and personnel.

The environmental impact statement written by the Navy does not adequately address environmental protection, either for the people or the environment.

We are in greater, not lesser, danger by pumping up the military presence here in Hawaii, making us a bigger target.

Renie Lindley
Haleiwa