Ching nomination was poor judgment

Gov. David Ige’s nomination of Carleton Ching to head the state Department of Land and Natural Resources was an unfortunate lapse of mindful judgment.

It caused unnecessary disappoint and hurt to Ching and his family, along witha large segment of Ige’s supporters.

Let’s hope the governor finds the right position for Ching that suits Ching’snotable professional experiences and skills.

Let’s also hope that the governor exercises the judgment he is capable of and known for— deliberate, thoughtful and aware — in his next nomination for the highly important position.

Wally Fukunaga
Makiki

HECO/NextEra deal shouldn’t be rushed

As a Hawaiian Electric shareholder and ratepayer, I was disgusted to read that NextEra Energy is bullying the state to move quickly to approve the merger of the two companies ("Panel urged to act swiftly on sale approval," Star-Advertiser, March 19).

This decision must be made after proper consideration of all the facts, not rushed to meet the suitor’s timetable. If that means June 2016, so be it. If NextEra is not happy, it can pull out.

Lynne Matusow
Downtown Honolulu

Stop rail at stadium to stem project costs

As we all realize, the financial situation regarding rail is a train wreck of unprecedented proportions.

Honolulu City Council Chairman Ernest Martin said that the three most-talked-about options for dealing with this fiscal shortfall are to extend the general excise tax surcharge, increase property taxes or scrap the project ("City Council supports rail project, with proper oversight and controls," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, March 15).

Although not on the front burner, there is another option that has surfaced — a compromise that would greatly reduce our untenable deficit and still provide for the project to continue. That is, to not extend rail for the planned distance.

Bob Schieve hit the rail spike on the head when he advocated stopping the project at Aloha Stadium ("Stop rail line at Aloha Stadium," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Feb. 4).

With its more than ample parking, we could have buses provide onward transport via dedicated routes to work areas. Under the current plan, once riders reach Honolulu, many of them will yet have to take bus transport to get to work. This is simply an extension of that necessity.

Roger H. Williams
Mililani

Power Ball lottery could help fund rail

Enough taxes; it’s time for Power Ball lottery to help rail.

Look at the millions of dollars going to Las Vegas. Let the people decide.

Roy S. Tanouye is right ("Fund rail with lottery revenue," Star-Advertiser, Letters, March 6).

Larry Soares
Waianae

Rail designers need to consider noise

In the quieter areas of Oahu, our year-round, wonderful open lanais with inexpensive operable doors and louvers should work great in normal Hawaiian weather.

Regarding the rail system, however, acoustical consultants should be involved in the transit-oriented development plans so the costs of acoustical features (quality doors, windows and air-conditioning) can be included.

Also, the use of more effective noise barriers along the tracks should be considered for specific areas.

Ronald Darby
Kaneohe

Hawaii Reserves has good intentions

For once we are doing it right by having jobs before the housing and transportation.

Brigham Young University-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center would like to expand on their businesses, but they need workers to do so.

Isn’t this great that people can live, work and play in their same neighborhood and not travel to another area, or need the rail or freeway to reach each one? Hawaii Reserves, Inc.’s main goal is to build Laie in a prudent and cautious way. It is not a developer who builds for profit and leaves, but is very concerned about the community and lifestyle of the area.

BYU Hawaii provides a very affordable education. The needed higher-education system for that part of the island would ease the travel for students.

Let PCC develop into the best attraction it can, maybe another Polynesian-style Disneyland for all to enjoy.

Ernie K. Itoga
Waialae Iki

Let’s say ‘No more’ to animal abuse, too

I applaud our message of "No more" to domestic violence, but, please, let’s not forget to say "No more" to animal abuse as well.

These helpless and defenseless creatures feel pain and suffer the way we do, and depend on us to be their voice and advocate.

And for those who do not care about animal welfare because "they are just animals," keep in mind that abusers often begin by abusing animals, then move on to abusing people.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Ginny Tiu
Hawaii Loa Ridge

Tourism promotion should take a break

Our tourism officials continue to push for more and more tourists to visit our islands.

At what point will all these visitors exceed our natural resources and local residents be denied our entitlements?

Already, native-born kamaaina do not visit Waikiki due to the crowded conditions.

Enough is enough.

Roy M. Chee
Moanalua Gardens