Status of documents mischaracterized

In the article, "City panel to take up Hoopili proposal" (Star-Advertiser, Nov. 30), Cameron Nekota of D.R. Horton is quoted as saying, "The state Office of Planning and the Land Use Commission (LUC) have recognized that the necessary documents have been received."

This is not the case. While the LUC is aware of the controversy regarding the fulfillment of conditions placed on the developer under the LUC Decision and Order of June 2012, the LUC has not rendered an opinion on the sufficiency of any approvals or acceptance of the traffic-impact analysis report.

Generally, enforcement of conditions contained in an LUC decision and order are the respon- sibility of the county, the exception being if a formal petition is filed with the LUC alleging a violation of a condition or asking a formal interpretation of the condition’s requirements.

As this has not occurred, the LUC currently has no position on the matter and awaits the county determination.

It is important that the permitting process remain transparent. The LUC supports the county’s efforts to deal fairly and accurately with this matter in open hearing before the community.

Daniel E. Orodenker
Executive officer, Hawaii State Land Use Commission

Why stop at calls to reform elections?

Alex Haller calls for an Article V Convention to take money out of elections ("Hawaii should back amendment," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 29). The goal is a 28th Amendment to restore true, representative democracy in the U.S.

Wolf-PAC.com is one group spearheading this movement and it certainly has merit. But where I differ is in the narrow scope. Why stop there?

Who wouldn’t love to see term limits for Congress and maybe Supreme Court justices? The hard work of calling a convention, which requires no permission from the state governors or Congress, is getting 34 state legislatures to pass an application, so let’s use that opportunity to rein in our behemoth federal government. Why not repeal the 16th and 17th Amendments? And how about a limit on the unelected federal bureaucracy? Research ConventionOfStates.com or read "The Liberty Amendments" by Mark Levin. This is not a partisan issue, it’s an American issue.

Michelle "Mike" Kerr
Waikoloa

Toys for Tots event was great success

Without a doubt, Saturday’s Na Mele o na Keiki (Music for the Children) concert at the Hawaii Theatre was the best military concert I’ve ever seen.

The annual event to support Toys for Tots featured top musical talent and guest artists, numerous set changes and a remarkable repertoire of jazz, big band, contemporary and Hawaiian selections.

The highlight included a "campfire" setting featuring Na Hoko Hanohano recipients Henry Kapono, jazz great Ginai, Ryan Kamakakehau Fernandez and others — a remarkable night for a most worthy cause.

Congratulations to Chief Warrant Officer Michael Smith and the entire U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific band for their remarkable talent, energy, enthusiasm and creativity.

Special thanks to the event sponsors, The Chamber of Commerce and BAE Systems.Saturday’s event alone collected over 100 toys and more than $1,200.

Todd Offutt
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard (ret.) Aiea

Bike lanes serving a privileged few

The confusion of Dave Baumgartner in equating privilege with civility is astonishing ("New bike lanes are start toward civility," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 27).

Consider the demographics: Many bike-lane riders are fit males between 16-60 years old. Overwhelmingly they ride only in daylight and in good weather; one person per bike with little ability to carry any load.

Routes must be reasonably short and level: no commutes from Windward, Waipahu or communities on ridges. The difference in size between bikes and cars makes for great risk, dedicated lanes or not. Parked-car doors opening and left turns in front of unseen bikes are only two of many dangers.

Congestion from idling cars in reduced lanes increases carbon dioxide and particulate emissions — hardly "green."

Count how many bikes are actually using these lanes as you wait for traffic to move, and you’ll understand that privilege is not "civility" and Honolulu is not Amsterdam.

Don Lichty
Kahala

The difference was alleged drugging

In answer to Scott Gier, who asked about the difference between Bill Clinton’s alleged behavior and Bill Cosby’s ("Cosby, Clinton treated unequally," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 29): The answer is simple.

While both are wrong, if true, nobody accused Clinton of drugging his alleged victims.

John Waring
Kailua

Pflueger’s release seems too unilateral

I sympathize with an 89-year-old person being sentenced to prison, but James Pflueger is a convicted criminal ("Pflueger’s health prompts early release," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 29).

As we age, we do have more medical problems, but seven people died as a result of the actions for which Pflueger was convicted.Seven months seemed like a very light sentence, regardless of age.

A better procedure would be to have the Public Safety director and prison medical staff go before the sentencing judge to state their case fora convicted criminal’s release. The judge knows what the pre-sentence report contains and why the judge imposed the given sentence.

It appears that Public Safety Director Ted Sakai has way too much power and discretion to adjust a sentence that affected so many people and was of such concern to the community.

Gregory A. Poole
Mililani