Payroll tax cut welcome relief

Wow, what a surprise and relief for Hawaii’s small businesses in the Star-Advertiser ("State lowers payroll tax," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 16).

Our small businesses will pay about 22 percent less into the unemployment compensation fund and save about $400 per employee.

This is their first break in years and isa welcome development coming from the Ige administration in its first two weeks in office. Compared to the $90 million that Gov. Neil Abercrombie spent in the first 90 minutes of his administration, this is a breath of fresh air forour small businesses and our economy.

Let’s hope that this is a trend, and not a trick by the administration, to genuinely and continually go to bat for the mom-and-pop operations that comprise the majority of Hawaii’sbusinesses. So far Ige’s batting 1,000 percent.

Rep. Gene Ward
Co-chairman, Bipartisan Small Business Caucus

Can’t Obamas use helicopter?

As the annual Obama winter vacation approaches, I again wonder if any consideration is made to circumvent the exacerbation of an already nightmarish traffic situation.

We are all familiar with the stoppage of traffic while the presidential motorcade makes its way to the windward side of the island. Would it not be possible to airlift the president and family via military helicopter from Hickam to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe? The process could be reversed when they return from their stay.

As commander-in-chief, President Barack Obama has the military at his disposal. The cost of extra-duty police officers would not have to be borne by the city. This is the usual practice when the president lands at Andrews Air Force Base and is then transported to the White House.

It would be unthinkable to stop Beltway traffic for a motorcade. Why is it not practiced here when our traffic woes exceed the Beltway’s on a daily basis?

Betty Bayles
Royal Kunia

Cycle track promotes safety

The King Street Cycle Track demonstrates that Honolulu’s leadership is committed to a healthy, safe and livable community.

Without fail, every Honolulu bicycle commute is riddled with close calls with inattentive drivers or angry displays from drivers who feel cyclists are second-class citizens.

Health (physical, community and environmental) is a strong value of mine. This value and the joy of riding a bike are barely enough to overcome the fear I experience every time I cycle in Hono-lulu. Each time I wonder if my commute is worth the risk.

The cycle track is the first major step in addressing this common fear. We do need a connected system of protected bikeways to really encourage people to step out of their cars and get onto their bikes. Cars are costly — economically, environmentally and to human health.

I thank Mayor Kirk Caldwell for moving Honolulu in a better direction.

Nicole Chatterson
Manoa

Money, winning not everything

I’d like to comment on letters from Steve Loring and Leigh Prentiss ("Big-name coaches critical to success," "Low-class behavior drives fans away," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Dec. 15).

I’m tired of adults who want to take sports away from our kids. Money and winning aren’t everything.

Our kids learn many things from sports, including discipline, patience, compassion, respect, trying their best and never giving up. Too many people don’t give a darn about our kids; all they want to do is win. That’s wrong. University of Hawaii head football coach Norm Chow is teaching our kids what’s important to succeed in life.

I agree with Prentiss about the asinine behavior by drunken nincompoops. Who wants to watch drunks abuse each other and the kids on the field?

Art Frank
Waianae

Teo deserved a mention, too

I just read the entire front-page article about Marcus Mariota, the Heisman trophy winner from Hawaii ("Pride of Hawaii," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 14).

Not once was there any mention of past Heisman finalist Manti Teo.

Shame on you. It’s a tremendous honor to be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, not only for the honoree but also for Hawaii. And when Teo was competing, your paper boasted of his abilities and character.

But now with Mariota winning, you never once compared or mentioned Teo especially being picked and playing in the NFL. He’s a great player once again making Hawaii proud.

Debi Austin
Waikiki