Honolulu locked in to current rail plan

Hardly a week goes bywithout the Star-Advertiser publishing another proposal to alter the rail project, from ending rail at Aloha Stadium or Aala Park, to switching from steel wheels on steel rails to magnetic levitation, to changing the destination from Ala Moana Center to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, to dumping the project entirely, to putting its proponents inprison.

However, any such change would come at a price — losing the federal grant of $1.5 billion. That prospect was reiterated in a letter from the Federal Transit Administration, reported in the Star-Advertiser.

"Should Honolulu … elect to change the (rail) technology now … (or)the current project come to an immediate end," the letter said, "the FTA would seek repayment of the federal funds provided to the project thus far."

If Honolulu couldn’t complete the project, repayment would be required.

Rabid opponents of rail may contend that’s OK, but I doubt that most Honolulu residents would agree.

It would be a disaster.

Carl H. Zimmerman
Salt Lake

Government chokes housing market

The story regarding the state’s housing demand report helped draw attention to a crisis facing our state, particularly Honolulu ("Home demand outweighs supply," Star-Advertiser, April 7).

Some key issues deserve a closer look.

First, the 65,000 housing units needed only maintains the status quo, which is an unhealthy housing market.

Second, there is no differentiation between a new housing unit versus a re-build. Many "new" homes are replacements of existing homes.

Finally, there is no investigation of why we have our housing shortage.

The answer is that state and county government have artificially inhibited supply through duplicative and litigious reviews, while also enacting exactions that are ultimately paid by the homebuyers. The solution, which doesn’t require government funding, is simple. What’s required is the political courage to acknowledge that the process for building new homes is broken. Hawaii’s home builders stand ready to meet the housing demands of the state. Will government allow that to happen?

Gladys Quinto Marrone
Chief executive officer, Building Industry Association of Hawaii

Bill would help solve homelessness

No matter where one travels on Oahu, from the mountains to the ocean and everywhere in between, the homeless population appears to be a growing issue.

It’s an ongoing, systemic problem, especially with the homeless veterans. Being homeless can be one of the scariest, humiliating and lonely feelings that no one, especially a veteran, should ever experience. These men and women who voluntarily signed up to protect this country should have a home to call their own.

Currently in Congress there is a bill: H.R. 474: Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2015. This bill would continue for five more years the funding of many homeless programs throughout the islands, especially for veterans.

Homelessness is a solvable problem. We need to come together as a community to help support our homeless veterans. It’s our kuleana.

Marissa Ortiz
Salt Lake

Ethics ruling lacks common sense

According to a Star-Advertiser editorial, the state EthicsCommission attorneys question the system of student travel chaperoned by teachers ("Don’t discourage chaperone duty," Star-Advertiser, Our View, April 8).

Here we go again with the rigid thinking and lack of common sense by state officials. Instead of exploring the issue with all participants, they seem to pursue an avenue that will be detrimental to students.Everyone seems to forget that being a chaperone is a 24/7 job, with responsibility for the well-being of students while on the trip.

There may beconcerns that require further discussion and adjustments for the participation of allinterested parties, leading to an equitable outcome. At stake is an invaluable educationalopportunity for our students who are isolated on a tiny Pacific island.

Anthony Locascio
Waikiki

Kenoi not alone in need of scrutiny

The people who processed the paperwork within the Hawaii County finance department are just as wrong as Mayor Billy Kenoi.

Employees within the department should know what pCard holders are allowed to purchase. Then, when they notice unauthorized purchases, they should be honest enough to report suspicious activities.

I know that state Attorney General Doug Chin will get to the bottom of this.Everyone who has been aware of this situation needs to take responsibility.

When people are aware of a person’s wrongdoing and do nothing, that makes the situation even worse.

Everyone needs to answer for all of the consequences.

Alexis M. Liftee
Nuuanu

Design of snorkels could be safer

Snorkeling is not for everyone ("More safeguards for Hanauma Bay," Star-Advertiser, Our View, March 17).

It takes a little bit of practice, especially the breathing part, which can become sporadic when the snorkeler is excited.

The snorkels used today are not like the ones in my days. They are a lot shorter and wider in circumference, with a kink on top along with a curve by the mouthpiece. They stick out of the water maybe 4 inches.

I suggest the length of a snorkel be 6-10 inches above water, if the weather and ocean permit. That’ll give enough room for the person to maneuver.

Guy Borges
Waimanalo