Aila did a great job as director of DLNR

I wassorely disappointed at Gov. David Ige’s inability to recognize the awesome job performance of William J. Aila, Jr., as director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Born in Hawaii 80 years ago, I have seen many DLNR directors come and go since statehood. Aila is definitely at the top of the list. His ideals, intelligence, sense of fairness, integrity, cool-headednessand a sincere effort to engage all parties involved in an issue were paramount as he and his groupendeavored to select the best compromise that focused on the health of Hawaii’s land and ocean watersin perpetuity for future generations of its people.

He is a true son of Hawaii.

Sheenagh U. Burns
Kailua

Aila will be missed by DLNR employees

The division administrators and program managers at the state Department of Land and Natural Resources want to recognize and acknowledge the extraordinary leadership and accomplishments achieved during the tenure of William J. Aila Jr. as chairman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Commission on Water Resource Management, and of deputies Jesse Souki and William Tam.

As division administrators, we lead a combined 700-plus employees in different DLNR divisions. We’ve been truly honored to work under Aila’s leadership as stewards of Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources.

Aila created an extraordinary workplace climate, bolstered by his rare leadership style. He fielded phone calls at all hours — just one example of his complete commitment. His ability to build consensus, listen to diverse voices and analyze complex issues created a department of which we are all very proud.

We can unequivocally say that their leadership is deeply appreciated and will be missed at DLNR.

Dan Dennison
Senior communications manager, DLNR

Vacation rentals getting off too easy

I share your concern with the problem of illegal vacation rent-als, which you ably described in your recent series of articles ("Property owners skirt the law," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 31).

More than anything else, what bothers me is the injury done to the neighbors of these operations who are denied the enjoyment of their properties through flagrant violation of the zoning law. These are supposed to be residential neighborhoods.

Inaddition, as you pointed out, vacation rentals diminish the supply of housing for the permanent population, which is scarce and expensive.

However, I think your optimism that an acceptable solution can be found is wishful thinking. There is no incentive for the operators of these illegal enterprises to become legal unless the city gets serious about enforcement. A few prosecutions, convictions and stiff penalties would work wonders. But that isn’t likely.

By the way, are these people paying taxes on their ill-gotten gains? If not, the state and federal governments should get involved, too.

Carl H. Zimmerman
Salt Lake

Sit-lie law not being enforced very well

The sit/lie law is a biglie.

At the cornerof Ala Moana and Atkinson Drive near the Hawaii Convention Center, the homeless population has grown. Theydo anything they please and get away with it.

Youwould think the mayor, the City Council and the Hawaii Tourism Authority would have done something by now to clear this area. They cleared Chinatown. I guessthey are unaware that this area is heavily trafficked by people who are the bread-and-butter lifeline of this island.

One individual had a machete he pointed at people who wouldn’t give him money. Police haveapproached him multiple times. Enforce the laws and don’t waste our tax money.

Joan Johnson
Ala Moana

‘Big Q’ not reliable as popularity gauge

Regarding James Kim’s letter on the Obama library ("Don’t spend money on Obama library," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 1), I doubt the Star-Advertiser’s "Big Q" is a reliable indicator of Obama’s popularity or the views of Hawaii voters.

As for his legacy, so far it includes deficit reduction from 9.8 percent of GDP (2009) to 3.1 percent today; unemployment from 9 percent to 6 percent; reduced growth in federal spending; "bailout" money returned with interest; health care reform; some Wall Street reform; auto industry saved; Osama Bin Laden killed; a huge increase in domestic energy production; and gas prices cut in half.

As for the "honor" of a presidential library, U.S. presidents get one regardless of the "worthiness" of their legacy or who did or didn’t like them.

William Conti
Waikiki

Fireworks still bedevil Makakilo

It’s promising to learn that the new fireworks law has had a positive impact on the peace and sanctity of many neighborhoods on Oahu.

Unfortunately, this is not the case for Makakilo. This New Year’s Eve was progressively worse than the previous two. The law is in place, but enforcement is non-existent.

I challenge state Rep. Sharon Har, state Sen. Mike Gabbard, and City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine — or any public official for that matter — to gather at Makakilo Elementary School by 8 p.m. next New Year’s Eve and count the number of illegal aerials and explosions seen or heard.

If by the first minute of New Year’s Day that count is less than 500 illegal aerials and explosions, I’ll make significant donations to their offices or to charities of their choice.

Laws are largely ineffective if there’s no enforcement.

Mel McKeague
Makakilo