Maybe put rail back on ballot?

I am shocked, shocked, to find that the city wants to extend, in perpetuity, the general excise tax surcharge to fund the rail.

While it is clear that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and the city were overly optimistic regarding contract costs and tax revenues, they remain quite murky on how the shortfall can realistically be made up. This money will have to be found somewhere, and the city has limited options.

The most obvious recourse is to raise property taxes, which, if memory serves, we were promised would not happen.

Tuesday’s paper conveyed a threat by our mayor to raise property taxes up to 40 percent if the Legislature does not agree now to continue the tax surcharge past 2022 ("City rail finances occupy meeting," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 27).

How many of us on fixed incomes would no longer then be able to afford our homes?

What do you think the outcome would be if we put building the rail on the next ballot, now that we are more cognizant of the facts?

Joseph W. Turban
Kapolei

Air-conditioning hikes living cost

The fact that so many workplaces — whether publicly or privately owned — keep their air-conditioning units at such obscenely low temperatures helps contribute to the high cost of living in Hawaii.

Libraries, buses and malls are the most egregious culprits. The wing of the Kahala Mall adjacent to the Consolidated Theaters is frigid, even during the winter months when it is about 80 degrees outside. It’s not too bad if you are walking at a good clip, but sitting comfortably at the movies is much worse. Witness all of the people who feel compelled to wear shoes, socks, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a sweatshirt and even a coat. Where is the accountability?

Stan Satz
Waikiki

Pedestrians no match for cars

As a driver I am very cautious, but I often see many pedestrians who are not.

Asa pedestrian, I am also very cautious, but I often see drivers of motor vehicles who are not.

The biggest problem is an attitude by both that reeks of irresponsibility and operates on the premise, "The rules do not apply to me."

However, when it comes to pedestrian versus motor vehicle, the vehicle always wins. The suggestion of pedestrian-operated flashing lights in crosswalks is a good one that I have seen in various places on the mainland.

Another is a collapsible pointer with a fluorescent orange flag that pedestrians can use to signal when they are crossing the street.

Nancy Kickertz
Kailua

Intersection not lit well enough

Better lighting at the intersection of 10th and Waialae avenues is especially necessary and critical now, as the busy Kaimuki Park and the new confusing designated bicycle lane are located there.

I suggest solar lights at the corner of the park and 10th Avenue.

Thelma Tsutsumi
Hawaii Kai

Helicopters should fly higher

Why do helicopters fly so low? It seems to me that if you lose power, you’d want as much distance between you and the ground as possible to get to a safe place to put down.

I’ve livedin a condomini-um at the foot of Richards Streetfor well over four decades and these inconsiderate jockeys fly by my lanai ateye level(250 feet)or only a little higher, and sometimes below. For emergency situations, sure. But not for somebody who wants the passengers to get a good look atAloha Tower as they pass between me and the federal building.

Kedric Dean
Downtown Honolulu

Hawaii is great place to visit

We have just returned home to Australia after spending three weeks on your wonderful island.

We took our daughter and three grandchildren and all of us had such a great time.

We rented a car and drove around the island without any problems. The sunrises and the sunsets were seen by us each day.

One of the highlights was getting your newspaper, which was read from cover to cover. It was always interesting and we brought home a couple of copies.

One day in the near future we shall return.

Martin A. Richardson
Melbourne, Australia