Kakaako guidelines have been twisted

The commentary on Andrew Gomes’ article on "The Collection" project in Kakaako seems to miss one fundamental point ("Neighbors contest HCDA on high-rise," Star-Advertiser, Sept. 10).

The real problem is not that some wealthy apartment owners may lose their views — they should have considered that when they bought their properties. Rather, it is that the guidelines for Kakaako redevelopment have been twisted to the point where they largely defeat the original purpose.

One of the basic principles of the project was to provide substantial affordable housing for workforce families so they could live near the major work centers.

However, the Hawaii Community Development Authority has redefined what was supposed to be "affordable" so that most of these units will be valued at prices few, if any, workforce families can afford.

We may have been baited with the prospect of a mixed community, but we are getting a community for the rich, approved and built by others of the rich.

Richard Baker
Hawaii Kai

Reasons to attack Syria don’t hold up

The logic and evidence presented by the White House in justifying an attack on Syria are so full of holes that one hardly knows where to begin. But let me try with just the top three.

First, it’s against international law and the United Nations Charter for any member nation to pre-emptively attack another without Security Council approval.

Second, there is no proof. The U.N. inspection team was in Syria gathering facts and had not reached any conclusion before the U.S. declared Syria guilty. Doesn’t it sound like a replay of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction all over again?

Third, the Syrian rebels are dominated by jihadist groups closely allied with al-Qaida. U.S. forces attacking Syria would be seen as the jihadists’ "humanitarian protectors."

The American public needs to "just say no" to cruise-missile diplomacy.

Danny H.C. Li
Keaau, Hawaii island

Bible-loving people have love for all

Saturday’s article, "Isle bishop’s comments called ‘offensive’" (Star-Advertiser, Sept. 7) highlighted the hostile differences within the Christian community regarding same-sex legislation.

Catholic Bishop Larry Silva cited the Biblical position against homosexuality, while the Rev. Elizabeth Zivanov rejected the authority of the Bible.

Bible-believing Christians love everyone and are given the command to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ so all would be freed from their bondage to sin. However, Christians cannot celebrate those things that are contrary to God’s Word. It would be hypocritical of who our Lord is and be for purely political purposes.

The question is whether Christians are those who follow Jesus’ teachings, including those against sexual acts outside of male-female marriage, or those who redefine Jesus to fit their own desires.

As a Lutheran pastor who obeys Jesus’ words, I follow Christ, loving everyone, and in humility warn all to repent of their sin.

Matt Hilpert
Pastor, Saint Mark Lutheran Church and School, Kaneohe

Give HART credit for safety gates plan

Diane D. Ackerson lambastes the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation for not including safety gates in its budget ("Poor planning for rail amazing," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 11).

You would think that safety gates are a standard feature for metro rail systems, but they are standard only on systems built recently.

Only 48 rail systems around the world have them (mostly in Asia and Europe) but this includes the Las Vegas Monorail, according to metrobits.org. New York’s Second Avenue Line will have them when it is finished.

Now, Chicago doesn’t have safety gates. Washington doesn’t have safety gates, Even Los Angeles doesn’t have them. So, for HART to even consider them as an afterthought is better than most older rail systems that blanch at the cost of installing them.

Dexter Wong
Waialae-Kahala

Rail keeps offering us costly surprises

On Jan. 11, 2009, my letter to the editor questioned how another islandwide power outage would affect the operation of the proposed rail system.

A subsequent response in the letters section and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation blog of Jan. 16, 2009, gave assurance that, if power fails, the system would use electricity from another area to continue moving trains.

But in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser report of Sept. 5 ("Rail project needs $27.1M for safety gates at stations"), HART’s Dan Grabauskas is quoted as saying that the project lacks a power-failure backup system and that he didn’t have a cost estimate for that feature.

Reliable power is the heart of any electrically powered, computer-controlled, driverless rail system, and it is inconceivable that this very basic requirement wouldnot be included in the original plans.

What other costly surprises await us?

Roger D. Van Cleve
Waikiki

Kudos to governor for special session

Bravo to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for convening a special session to protect and serve the state by passing marriage equality to ensure federal benefits for all his constituents.

The U.S. Supreme Courtstruck down the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8. Our legislators are paid to serve and protect the interest of the people and the state of Hawaii.

The state cannot win litigation denying marriage equality. Passing the governor’s bill is the only sensible and responsible thing the Legislature can do. Will it?

Our Founding Fathers mandated a separation of church and state. I find it hypocritical that while some church leaders advocate for their own religious freedoms and rights and tax-exempt privileges, they advocate discrimination and denial to others.

Our legislators should do their duty, earn their keep and pass the governor’s bill.

Ernest Harada
Kaimuki