HPU changes smell a bit fishy

With regards to Hawaii Pacific University changing its proposal, this is typical of companies who receive permission to do something and then "modify" it to suit their own purposes ("New plan calls for more HPU facilities at tower," Star-Advertiser, Oct. 9).

I think this was their intent from the beginning. HPU will forever alter the Aloha Tower Marketplace. Certainly those few remaining restaurants will move out, unable to attract customers who don’t want to visit a campus to eat.

The state will lose both rental and tax income and HPU will have a low-rent space for its expanding campus, which it is lacking downtown.

This change should be looked at very carefully by Sens. Donna Mercado Kim and David Ige, and they should do everything necessary to block these outrageous changes.

Joseph Alexander
Waipahu

Flier could talk about cab fares

The Star-Advertiser editorial on airport-to-Waikiki taxi fares is probably correct in opposing the flat-rate proposal in Bill 54, but your prescription contains one glaring flaw ("Don’t mandate flat cab fee from airport to Waikiki," Star-Advertiser, Our View, Oct. 5).

You advocate "a competitive market that will naturally reward taxi companies who publicize and deliver the best deal."

How is an arriving visitor with luggage at the airport curb supposed to take advantage of this market? Interview the first three cabbies who pull up, and go with the one who offers the best deal?

Instead, how about mandating that all taxis carry and provide to all airport-to-Waikiki passengers a city-authorized brochure clearly stating estimated fares to Waikiki, with a range that allows for traffic conditions and the difference between nearer and further hotels?

This will both reassure visitors and act as an incentive to cabbies to avoid overcharging.

David Monk
Kalama Valley

Hawaii Pops off to good start

The entirely new Hawaii Pops Orchestra launched its exciting new season Sept. 14 at the Hawaii Convention Center, showcasing vocal superstar Jo Dee Messina with standing ovations and more concerts on their schedule at www.hawaiipops.com.

The audience was offered a spectacular evening along with delicious food and beverage offerings, two dance floors and a knockout performance by this virtuosic orchestra under the baton of the brilliant Matt Catingub.

Hawaii Pops Executive Director Donna Bebber has established herself as a skilled and trustworthy community arts leader who has what it takes to lead this important new organization to long-term future success.

Honolulu now has an incredible new season-based entertainment vehicle for people of all ages and musical persuasions. In order to ensure its success it is absolutely critical that all of your readers and corporate leaders jump in now and generously support the Hawaii Pops!

Peter Shaindlin
Chief operating officer, Halekulani Corp.

HCDA concept seriously flawed

Carl H. Zimmerman hit the nail on the head ("Return planning for Kakaako to city," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Oct. 8).

The entire Kakaako development program is seriously flawed and we need to wake up and smell the coffee before it’s too late.

As matters stand now, the monster we have created — the Hawaii Community Development Authority, consisting of appointed members — has the authority to circumvent building height and other restrictions that were put into law by elected officials.

It’s insane to allow this practice to continue. I applaud Zimmerman’s remedy that would abolish HCDA and return planning for Kakaako to the City and County of Honolulu.

Janet Dagan
Punchbowl

Offshore funds could cut debt

The Congressional Budget Office reported that the federal deficit for this year is $845 billion.

AndReuters reports that the Government Accountability Office’s report shows that tax breaks for corporations account for $180 billion in lost revenue per year, more than double the $84 billion allowed in 1987.

Estimates of offshore hoarding suggest the total amount American businesses have stashed abroad is about $1.7 trillion. If that cash were brought home and taxed at 30 percent, the federal debt could be lowered 5 percent.

Will members of Congress looking to balance the budget by defunding Obamacare be as tenacious about repealing corporate loopholes that permit businesses toavoid paying their fair share of taxes?

Smoky Guerrero
Mililani