Restoring stream would be great

Andrew Gomes’ story about Ward Village’s plans to uncover an old stream and incorporate it into its master plan for Kakaako was — quite appropriately — refreshing ("Bringing back the flow," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 4).

While there has been a lot of discussion of the need for green space in Kakaako as it develops, reopening this "blue space" would appropriately honor the history of this land and its former abundance of water.

Water is life, but we need to be in touch with our water to connect with that truth.

Too many of our urban Honolulu streams are channelized, polluted, and literally covered up.

This is a great step that I hope moves forward.

Jonathan Likeke Scheuer
Manoa

‘Super senior’ an inspiration

I was just thrilled to read about such super seniors like 91-year-old Earl Bakken, who continues to inspire and do good for society ("Supersize solar setup underway on Big Isle," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 7).

His solar energy plans are just magnificent and not many can emulate him, but he is making it a learning experience for those striving to go photovoltaic and also a study opportunity for our students.

Age is no barrier to a great vision and passion to strive for oneself and others. I would love to read more about other super seniors.

Too often our seniors are ignored and treated badly as incompetent and "useless," especially with so many falling victim to crosswalk deaths or care home abuse.

Bakken is such a marvelous addition to our community. He chose to live in our Aloha State and continues to make contributions.

Mahalo for making my day.

Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock
Chinatown

Obama doesn’t deserve thanks

Regarding Joanne Suzuki’s letter about President Barack Obama ("Letter on Obamas was very welcome," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 1), I have a slightly different view.

His actions speak louder than his words.

He says his administration will be transparent but restricts media access like no other. He says he’s focused on jobs, even though Obamacare discourages hiring and full-time jobs.

He says he is not an emperor but then acts like one with his pen. He takes credit for low gas prices, all the while obstructing oil exploration on federal lands.

He says you can keep your health insurance but designs Obamacare so you can’t. The list goes on and on.

Despite all the president’s rhetoric, his actions are unworthy of our thanks.

Geoff Boehm
Waikiki

New license rule is burdensome

I am in the process of renewing my driver’s license because the law changed to require those in my age group to renew our driver’s license every two years. While burdensome, I can understand the rationale because of the accident rates.

What I do resent, however, is the lack of resources provided to implement this law efficiently without undue inconvenience to those affected.

Applicants for renewal must submit an application, and, in many cases, a medical survey by their doctor.

My wife was finally able to speak to someone from the Division of Motor Vehicles after my new driver’s license was not received as stated. The lady at the DMV politely explained to her that the Medical Board meets only once a month. Apparently it cannot process all the medical surveys, and those not processed must reapply for another temporary license extension.

This is unreasonable, particularly when one has to do this every other year.

Rudolph Yap
Kaneohe

We do not need a private prison

Thank you for the article by Lorenn Walker and Bob Merce ("Hawaii needs fewer prisoners, not more prisons," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Jan. 7).

History demonstrates that the sole incentive of a private prison is to increase incarceration, thereby insuring ever-increasing profits.

To even suggest that Hawaii would swap lots of land to bring in a private prison entity is frightening. In fact, it is far past time for Hawaii to implement alternatives to prison that invest in the education and recovery of people.

We do not need another mega-corporation bent on making big bucks. Solutions are already within our grasp.

Betsy Connors
Kailua