North Shore will be scarred

The cumulative effects, or consequences, on the environment and traffic by three major developers — Envision Laie (Laie-Malaekahana), Replay Resorts (Turtle Bay), and Kamehameha Schools (Kawailoa-Haleiwa) — will irreparably scar the local landscape.

As reported by this paper, the Turtle Bay expansion by itself would cause a 28 percent peak in traffic on Saturdays at noon just outside Haleiwa. This fact alone is astonishing.

The real tragedy here is that individual environmental impact statements fail to account for the collective impact of multi-source projects within the region. Though today’s political leaders fail to recognize the damage within the narrow scope of lone developments and projects, the sheer, ugly volume of change that will have accumulated will leave future generations looking at us in disappointment.

Matthew Cabamongan
Haleiwa

No high-rises in flood zones

Superstorm Sandy devastated New York City. Major hospitals were evacuated. Damage was estimated at $1 billion. Residents of high-rises were left without electricity, water, sewage, telephone service and heat because ground-level or basement electrical rooms, elevator rooms, mechanical rooms, etc., were flooded. They were forced to traverse dark hallways and stairways. Many are still suffering.

Given what happened in New York, why are we building high-rises in tsunami/flood evacuation zones, including Kakaako? The practice here is to locate mechanical and electrical systems at or below ground. We could suffer the same fate as New York when a superstorm or tsunami hits. It’s not a question of if, but when.

In addition, the practice of building mostly glass edifices with almost no open windows or balconies will result in loss of fresh air and air conditioning, creating life-stifling conditions.

Until the building code is strengthened, we should move slowly, very slowly.

Lynne Matusow
Honolulu

Rail won’t ease Leeward traffic

As a longtime opponent of rail, I can only sympathize with Alan Megia of Waipahu, who seems to look forward to the end of "daily massive traffic on the freeway and side roads" ("Voters have spoken, give Leeward rail," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 26). He has every right to expect that spending $5.3 billion on the rail system will bring him and his neighbors relief.

Supporters of rail have apparently succeeded in concealing from Megia that "massive traffic" will actually increase after rail is up and running. The environmental impact statement says that there will be 21 percent more cars on the freeway with rail in place. Without rail, the increase will be 23 percent.

I have opposed rail because I think Leeward does deserve traffic relief and because this rail system does not do that.

Yes, the voters have spoken. Now can we talk about what city services will be curtailed because the portion of the city budget going to support public transit will double to 19 percent from the present 10 percent?

Pearl Johnson
Pauoa Valley

Reach out, help victims of abuse

What has happened to us as a community? Hawaii is supposed to have "aloha" and we are supposed to be united as one big family.

But that doesn’t seem to be the case.

As I walked through Ala Moana on my break, I witnessed a women being verbally abused and beaten by what appeared to be her boyfriend. Her eyes were red with tears as he continued to harm her both physically and emotionally. This happened right outside the Ala Moana food court where both locals and tourists alike watched and did nothing.

I went to get a security guard, who thankfully stopped any more harm from coming to this woman. However, why did no one else help her? Have we become so scared of getting hurt that we’ve lost our sense of justice? Or is it that we’ve become weak? Selfish and at the same time, selfless?

Alyssa Miyasato
Honolulu

Bus ride was long, crowded

I read with interest "Express routes let riders chill" because I am a bus rider ("5 things we love," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 12). However, when I got to the phrase "always plenty of seats," I felt like I had been slapped in the face.

I ride the C Country Express and it is always standing room only — tight standing room — by the time the bus gets to the H1, whether going to or from town, any hour of the day. And now that the C runs every 45 minutes instead of every 30, it is even more crowded.

Many of us wish "always a seat!"

Caroline Steele
Kapolei

Fishing pact for Japan, Taiwan

U.S. policy seeks stability in East Asia.Therefore, it is in the U.S. interest that Taiwan and Japan successfully conclude talks on fishing rights in the vicinity of theDiaoyutai (Taiwan) or Senkaku (Japanese) Islands. Taiwan and Japan share a long, deep friendship and many economic interests. A fishing agreement will help to prevent standoffs between the Taiwan and Japanese coast guards.

Recently, such a confrontation took place as the two coast guards sprayed each other’s vessels with water cannons.Behavior of this sort can dangerously escalate.A fishing agreement would help to reduce tension and enhance stability in East Asia.

Bill Sharp
Instructor, East Asia International Relations Hawaii Pacific University

Oshiro would be good speaker

State Rep. Marcus Oshiro pointed out that the final decision has not yet been made for House speaker.

I would strongly encourage Oshiro to put himself forward as a compromise candidate for speaker — one who has the experience, works well with other members, and has the respect of the public.

Lance Bateman
Upper Kalihi Valley