News Building not what it used to be

The recent article "HCDA needs to preserve historic sites as development of Kakaako proceeds" had some good points, but it was far from complete if not a bit dishonest (Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Sept. 22).

The part of the former Hono-lulu Advertiser property that Kiersten Faulkner suggests should be saved is a warehouse structure that has already been changed to the point it has lost its historic value.

It’s an area that creates an unhealthy and unsafe environment.

Last year I walked from the Honolulu City Lights to Restaurant Row with my 11-year-old daughter.The smell of urine permeated the air as we walked down South Street along the warehouse property.

My daughter was noticeably concerned, and about halfway along the warehouse frontage, we were confronted by a homeless person.

A well-lit, safe passage along South Street to Ala Moana Boulevard would preserve the Advertiser building and add safety to this community.

Joseph Gronwald
Makiki

Tower B proposal should be rejected

As a homeowner at the Royal Capitol Plaza, I vehemently petition the Hawaii Community Development Authority to deny the application by Downtown Capital LLC to develop the 801 South Street Tower B project.

Currently five condominiums are within close proximity of the Royal Capitol Plaza.

The 801 South Street Tower A is under construction; developing Tower B would total seven high rises in an extremely small area that would gravely impact our community.

Tower B project is a stone’s toss from my home and would infringe upon my right to privacy and virtually condemn me to be a prisoner in my own home.

My curtains will constantly be drawn to avoid the perception of invasive neighbors, and my freedom to enjoy fresh air with open windows will be denied.

The HCDA needs to adequately address the infrastructure issue and truly exercise its mission to "being sensitive to and support existing business and residents" of Kakaako.

William Leong
Kakaako

Matson has done much good locally

As Matson responds to the spillage of molasses into Hono-lulu Harbor, I want to highlight its many contributions to the community.

Since 1962, Matson has hosted an annual Christmas party for Easter Seals.

Beginning with the Sultan Early Intervention Program in Honolulu; later expanding to Kauai and the Big Island; and this year adding Early Intervention Programs across Oahu, Matson leaders and employees donate their precious time to celebrate Christmas with children who participate in Easter Seals programs.

Matson does not simply write a check. Senior leaders, including the CEO, participate in the Christmas events.

More than the wrapped gifts Santa delivers at each party, the leadership and employees bring aloha to the children of Easter Seals.

Indeed, throughout the year, through its foundation, its corporate giving and employee community involvement, Matson supports countless nonprofit organizations.

Let’s remember the good works of Matson as it responds to this heartbreaking event.

Chris Blanchard
President and CEO, Easter Seals Hawaii

Victor Hao Li will be sorely missed

In homage to Victor Hao Li’s passing, I can elaborate on East-West Center President Morrison’s comment on Li’s devotion to educating Americans about Asia ("East-West Center president helped shape relations with China, Taiwan," Star-Advertiser, Sept. 21).

Prior to coming to the EWC, Li was the key force behind the establishment of Stanford University’s Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE). Thanks to him, SPICE has provided research-based K-12 curricula on Asia and the world to American schools for more than 35 years.

After coming to EWC, Li continued this work in Hawaii through the CTAPS (Consortium for Teaching Asia/Pacific in Schools) project, a three-way program in cooperation with the state Department of Education and Castle & Cooke.

Li was a unique combination of scholarly acumen, public policy vision, and commitment to education at all levels. He will be sorely missed by me and the countless others who benefited from his vision.

David L. Grossman
Kailua

Senate speeches should stay on topic

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s 21-hour speech was absurd.

It should be illegal to go on and on about a topic without sticking to the subject.

Reading from "Green Eggs and Ham" has nothing to do with Obamacare.

The U.S. Senate should do something about this.

Dee Montgomery-Brock
Mililani

Welcome visitors to Kailua town

Kyle King is wrong and being selfish ("Kailua overrun by tourists," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 28). Lately, I have seen bumper stickers that say, "I Love Kailua — Until You Came." How mean is that!

I was raised in Kailua and have also raised my family in Kailua. The visitors are sweet, respectable and visit many businesses here that provide employment.

Some may say: Well, I got mine, so I don’t want anyone else to have any. King should remember that he was once a visitor, too.

Steve Holck
Kailua