Cartoonist inspired kids to cast ballots

The Kids Voting Hawaii ohana is saddened by the passing of cartoon artist and educator, Dave Thorne. Our nonprofit, volunteer program dedicated to giving students statewide the opportunity to vote online in the general election, relied on the creative genius of Dave to inspire the next generation of voters to log on and vote.

Dave volunteered his talents to adorn the fliers that went to K-6 students, joyfully promoting the hands-on experience in democracy. Teachers involved in Kids Voting Hawaii fondly recall Dave’s teaching career and the time he spent illustrating educational materials for teachers throughout Hawaii.

Our meetings together preparing strategies and artwork for Kids Voting Hawaii were always punctuated by Dave’s delightful wit and hilarious stories. He was a remarkably talented community spirit.

On behalf of students, teachers and all Kids Voting Hawaii volunteers, sincere aloha and condolences.

Linda Coble
Kids Voting Hawaii

Restrooms filthy at Ala Moana park

This past weekend I attended a keiki birthday party at Ala Moana Beach Park and was appalled and shocked at the stench and condition of these public restrooms. I can’t believe that we have no shame in subjecting our keiki and visitors to the disgusting urine stench and filth of these public park bathrooms. If other parks can maintain their facilities, why is Ala Moana neglected to this extreme? With the number of tourists and families who use this park, maintenance of these restrooms should be high on the list. I can’t image the public health implications of such neglect. I doubt I will hold any functions at Ala Moana Beach Park in the near future.

Jonella DeLimas
Kailua

Kaneohe Marines protect us all

Kaneohe Bay is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. It has majestic mountains, clear ocean waters thriving with marine life, Chinaman’s Hat, the sand bar, Coconut Island and Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The military has a long history on the bay starting in 1918, when President Woodrow Wilson designated 322 acres of land on Mokapu Peninsula for the military. In 1994, the Marine Corps consolidated its installations and facilities under a single command called Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The peninsula continues as a base used to train for combat operations.

As I sit in my yard and watch the helicopter rescue training, the tanker pilots do touch- and-go, the fighter jets take off and land, the fireworks from Bayfest, and yes, the Blue Angels, I am thankful we have a military tirelessly training to better protect us, not harm us.

For those who complain about the noise; it’s the sound of freedom!

Doug Sutton
Kaneohe

Castle & Cooke keeps its promises

At Castle & Cooke Hawaii, we agree with the sentiment expressed by your editorial that land developers should stand by their commitments ("Hold developers to their promises," Star-Advertiser, Our View, July 18).

Our planning of the proposed Koa Ridge community includes a firm commitment to agriculture and affordable housing.

This was illustrated by the 355 acres of agricultural land we provided to Aloun Farms along with an option for 332 additional acres as part of the Koa Ridge planning process, and the designation of significant acreage as Important Agricultural Lands which preserves that land for farming.

Castle & Cooke also has a history of commitment to providing affordable housing. In addition to the affordable housing within Koa Ridge, when we completed Mililani Mauka, more than half of all the homes delivered — 52 percent — were affordable. This was more than what was required when Mililani Mauka was approved.

Development plans can change. But what will not change is our commitment to creating homes and communities for Hawaii residents that we all can be proud of.

W. Bruce Barrett
Executive vice president, residential operations, Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaii Inc.

Rail benefits those who don’t ride it

It is truly disappointing that some of the sentiment against rail is, "I’m not going to use it so it is unnecessary." This small, selfish sort of thinking is not only short-sighted, but also exactly the type of mentality which slows progress toward more efficient, environmentally friendly advances in sustainable living for all of us. Rail will augment the bus system and vice-versa, making both options more efficient, regardless of traffic conditions.

People who don’t want to use rail certainly can spend their time sitting in cars, and spend their entire paycheck on gas as they choose — but who does that benefit? Before going down to the level of myopic selfishness, people should consider aloha for the aina and the greater good of the population — not just themselves. Voting for an anti-rail agenda dooms future generations to even worse traffic congestion, and costs.

Cy Bamishurita
Honolulu