Killing OHA bill would be insult

As a trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, I am disappointed that House Majority Leader Scott Saiki predicted that Senate Bill 3122, which was passed by both the House and the Senate, won’t become law due to "irreconcilable differences" in the conference committee.

What a slap in the face to the hundreds of Hawaiians and their supporters who testified and rallied in favor of the bill, which grants us the opportunity to consider residential development of three parcels in Kakaako Makai to support our people.

OHA invests about $14 million per year on every island, money that benefits all of Hawaii.

The differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill are minimal and could easily be resolved in conference.

We continue to trust in the process and hope that our bill will be considered fairly.

Peter Apo
Oahu trustee, Office of the Hawaiian Affairs

Blame Obama for HMSA hikes

The article regarding the 12.8 percent requested increase in premiums by the Hawaii Medical Service Association was interesting.

These increases will, for the most part, be felt by small business owners. One accountant stated that he is currently paying $575 per month per person for health care benefits for his eight employees. A 12.8 percent increase would increase his costs by $73.60 per employee. I would suggest to all small business owners that they pass the increases on to their employees and simply explain that this is one of the results of voting for President Barack Obama and his agenda.

Maybe they will think before voting at the next election, both locally and nationally.

Diane Tippett
Waikiki

Connector has failed dismally

It is utterly disgraceful that the Hawaii Health Connector which was given $204 million in federal grants to enroll uninsured Hawaii residents in the Affordable Care Act dropped the ball.

The newly enrolled people total less than 8,000 across the state.

To put it another way, 8 percent of Hawaii’s population is medically uninsured (112,000 people out of 1.4 million in Hawaii) and less than 8,000 were enrolled.

This is the result of abject systemic failure. As a direct consequence, more than 100,000 people in Hawaii remain uninsured.

A rare opportunity to dramatically improve the lives of Hawaii people has been squandered.

Evan R. Shirley
Waialae-Kahala

Food trucks getting off easy

I’m quite appalled that food truck vendors are concerned about a permit law. They run profitable businesses and thus should be treated like any other business.

With their low overhead costs, a simple permit is not a big deal. With their "cash only" operations, they’re already skirting on taxes.

I had a business meeting in downtown Honolulu. I arrived early expecting parking issues. I ran late but finally found a metered stall to park. As I walked past all the food trucks, not one of them paid for their meters. They should at least pay for their meters.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell should tax them hard, let alone issue a mere permit.

Han Song
Kaneohe

Better snorkels might save lives

Like Robert Taylor, I have concerns about the number of visitors who drown while snorkeling ("Advise tourists on snorkeling," Star-Advertiser, Letters, April 9).

In addition to his suggestions, I propose that visitors be strongly encouraged to rent or buy snorkels that prevent water from entering when one dives below the surface. For just few dollars more

Jennifer Story
Kualoa