Foodland should go to Kalama Valley

Yes, Hawaii Kai loves Foodland. ("Foodland considering a return to Hawaii Kai," Star-Advertiser, July 20).

This was clearly shown by our fight to keep their store open in Koko Marina as long as possible.

But Hawaii Kai residents love their community more than they love Foodland, and residents are very concerned about over-development, traffic congestion and a lack of carrying capacity of our infrastructure.

Instead of a strip mall on the "great lawn," which is the signature parcel across from Maunalua Bay which welcomes you to Hawaii Kai and its beauty and lifestyle, Foodland would better serve the community by downsizing and relocating in the still-empty Kalama Valley Shopping Center.

Of the people I’ve spoken to, 75 percent oppose the proposal to build on Kamehameha Schools land across from Maunalua Bay.

Bottom line: Hawaii Kai doesn’t need a fourth shopping center.

Rep. Gene Ward
Hawaii Kai-Kalama Valley

People will learn to appreciate rail

Years ago, I was in Chicago in the summer riding in an un-air-conditioned cab from the airport.

It was hot and humid and traffic was moving at a snail’s pace.

Then the train went by us at a steady pace, advancing through the gridlocked traffic like an ice breaker through the Arctic.

"Why didn’t I take that instead?" I thought. It was cheaper, faster and air conditioned.

More recently I was in Phoenix during baseball season. I drove to the stadium through heavy traffic and paid $15 to park near to the stadium. The next time, I drove to a closer park-and-ride lot, parked for free, and rode the air-conditioned train to the front entrance of the stadium, for a $3 round trip. The advantages are not always apparent until you experience them.

Arthur Ratcliffe
Haleiwa

Business people aren’t free riders

A prominent politician recently made the ignorant statement that successful business owners are beholden to the government because they could not run their business without roads, bridges and schools.

The average profit margin for a business is about 10 percent. That means a businessman who makes $250,000 had to create $2.5 million in revenue to do so. Ninety percent of the revenue, $2.25 million, went to buy supplies, equipment, employee wages and so on.

The government took a piece of all of those transactions. Before the business owner banked a dollar of profit, his activities already contributed significantly to roads, bridges and schools.

After the business owner banks 10 percent of the revenue he created, he hands over at least a third of that to government — more roads.

Scott Moore
Mililani

Waikiki Shell needs to improve its act

I have been so disappointed the last few times I’ve attended events at the Waikiki Shell.

So many wonderful memories of sold-out, world-class performances and our great local entertainers and symphony. I loved sitting with my grandma in the midst of pals with gourmet picnics on the grass.

My recent experiences felt like a TSA search at the airport, with heavies going through everyone’s handbags. I wouldn’t mind so much if I could purchase decent food from the vendors. Why not have farmers market vendors, wine or lunchwagon vendors or restaurants come up with something innovative and tasty? If you are going to stifle our experience, at least come up with something slightly creative and healthy. It’s not that difficult.

The next mayor should put this on his "make the little people happy" list.

Margaret Murchie
St. Louis Heights

Teachers must have strong backgrounds

I have taught social studies for more than 37 years with some distinction after serving as an U.S. Marine Corps infantry platoon commander in the early 1970s.

I was dismayed to learn that the state Department of Education has decided to approve an alternative certification program as a way to build a cadre of school "leaders." It appears that a manager at a local department store can step in as a leader of classroom educators and other professionals within Hawaii’s public schools after some cursory training.

Public education will deteriorate with schools headed by inexperienced managers instead of outstanding leaders. Public education needs leaders of the first order — exceptional people who have had lengthy and successful experiences as educators.

They must have a record of working with students to effect high-quality instruction, not simply the accomplishment of taking a course on high-quality instruction.

Brian Hermes
Hilo

Haleiwa could use some development

I favor returning the 42-years-vacant city parcel across from Haleiwa Beach Park to its former commercial use.

It’s in the historic commercial district. The North Shore Sustainable Community Plan calls for a country inn in Haleiwa and a 10-acre "community park" with courts, ball fields and other facilities, or 4-acre neighborhood parks.

These parcels are too small (3.4 acres maximum) and narrow, between highway and wetland. Hence the plan says the area has "limited development potential" for such city parks.

We need parks, yes, but we also need economic development in the historic district.

Boyd Ready
Haleiwa