It’s tragic if rail won’t ease traffic

The front-page headline on Jan. 15 was certainly an eye-grabber ("Council probes rail’s fiscal health," Star-Advertiser). An extension of the 0.5 percent general excise tax indefinitely to fund the completion of the rail project has been under discussion for a long time.

Now there is a proposal to issue bonds to cover the short-term needs of the project to be underwritten by the Honolulu taxpayers. Obviously there has been some serious miscalculation of the funds needed to complete the project. Former Gov. Ben Cayetano would be justified in saying, "I told you so." But, unfortunately, not enough people listened.

Worst of all, if memory serves, the environmental impact statement for the project stated that TheRail would provide no serious improvement to the Ewa-to-downtown commute, which was its justification in the first place. If that proves to become the reality, what a terrible tragedy that will be.

Ed Sullam
Aina Haina

Little upside for taxed tourists

Our elected officials question, "Where did all the rail tax money go?"

It was never collect- ed.Overall tax revenue appears up statewide, yet the tax take on Oahu lags behind.Is it possible that those powers-that-be have not been paying attention?

We have a tourist economy where the tourists have been complaining for years about unclean or nonexistent restrooms, of urine and feces in every nook and cranny, the homeless occupation of key business, park and tourist areas, that our sidewalks are no longer safe at night. We ask the tourists to pay a large portion of our rail tax, yet now fail to provide what Hawaii had always provided to that tourist base: a clean, safe tropical vacation with the comforts of being within the United States.

When you don’t preserve your tax base, you don’t preserve your tax income. It’s government’s own fault.

Bill Comerford
Niu Valley

‘Justice’ too easy under lax system

Thank goodness for Dave Shapiro and his amusingly frustrating insights into local events. Without his humor, we’d all be crying. Within two days, we’ve seen some startling ironies.

A Dec. 30 commentary by Judge Daniel Foley applauds access to justice that Hawaii provides through selfless efforts of many in the legal and other professions. Juxtapose that to the most recent revelations of prosecutorial "justice": a combative shoplifter and his nemesis switching roles as victim and perpetrator; the largest criminal case of 414 gambling counts being dropped due to repeated bungling; a manslaughter conviction being overturned due to racial references; negligent homicide and sexual assault cases never being prosecuted due to expired statute of limitations.

With prosecutorial justice like this, who needs defense?

Vicki Owens
Kailua

Climate and lane ideal for cycling

Thanks to our forward-thinking mayor, we now have a safer route for bicycles to get across the city with the King Street bike lane. Without safe bike lanes, bike riders take risks with their lives every time they ride.

Car drivers need to wake up to the fact that they don’t own the road. We have the perfect climate for biking and an adequate transit system to make biking even more feasible for all. Drivers need to get out of their cars and get on a bike.

Jack Butrymowicz
Nuuanu

Good that clinics are by bike path

Obviously much thought went into the dedicated, one-full-lane bike path on King Street.

The path is positioned in close proximity to Straub Hospital and Kaiser Clinic at Pensacola Street. Just in case someone needs help, they’re there.

Also, the main police station is one block away.

Good luck.

Scott Clarke
Kapahulu

Let voters decide on isle casinos

Casino gambling could generate more income to the state’s tax revenue base.State income taxes for Hawaii residents (Nevada residents do not pay stateincome taxes) could be reduced, resultingfrom visitor spending with its trickle-down effectalso in the businesscommunity.

We have beautiful weather throughout the year for outdoor activities and, sure, we are known for the excellent dining available for any type of visitor — but no night life. The visitor count from all over the world has been increasing every year.

Since the politicos are afraid of voter repercussions on the issue of casinos in Hawaii, why not settle this issue once and for all with a referendum and let the voters decide?

Glen S. Arakaki
Alewa Heights

Sad to see hefty issues trivialized

I am concerned about the Star-Advertiser’s story, "2,000 march to celebrate martyr’s legacy" and its subtitle, "‘Everybody who’s got an issue’ joins the annual event" (Jan. 20). I respectfully take issue with the headline writer’s willingness to marginalize with this particular subtitle the historical challenges of racism, hatred, sexism, lynchings, slavery, discrimination and reverse discrimination, religious intolerance, women’s rights, Americans With Disabilities, voters rights, equal pay and many other practices that deprive all Americans of their rights afforded by the Constitution of these United States.

Seeking justice in a nonviolent fashion deserves a more respectful description, and those who insist on continuing these negative practices have "issues." This is so wrong in so many ways.

Carroll Cox
Mililani

High hopes for same-sex ruling

Last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to review the constitutionality of discriminatory marriage laws in four states prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying was not only historic, but also the right thing to do. Equality means everyone.

Important constitutional principles regarding human rights are heading toward a long-overdue day in the sun.

Presently, 14 states still deprive gays and lesbians of their constitutional rights, and that’s plain wrong. Only by striking down discriminatory marriage laws that deny a couple of the fundamental right to marry will America achieve full nationwide marriage equality.

We should know by the end of June whether the Supreme Court truly stands for everyone, as in justice for all. Let us hope and trust that same-sex marriage becomes recognized nationwide. Equality requires nothing less.

Michael Ra Bouchard
Pahoa, Hawaii island

Government can use efficiencies

If NextEra can produce a quality, lower-priced product with fewer employees, then I would hope its next acquisition in the islands would be the state government.

Bill Miller
Kaneohe