Officials should finish bike lanes

The need for more bike lanes throughout Oahu was highlighted by Chiung Hwang Chen ("Rural Oahu can use bicycle lanes, too," Star-Advertiser, Letters, May 24). This is a subject dear to the hearts of many of us.

While currently there is a positive feeling toward increasing bike paths for traffic and safety considerations, there is always a money crunch and other opposition to delay such projects.

A good example of this is the Leeward Bikeway that was planned years ago by the state and city to extend the existing West Loch Bikepath from Waipio Point Access Road to Lualualei Naval Road in two phases.

Phase I was scheduled for 2011 and Phase II about two years later. However, as of 2015, the planned Leeward Bikeway project is still on the shelf (although I understand that requests for bids on Phase I will finally be made this year).

One of the best things we can do to keep these projects on track is simply to communicate with our state and city officials about our need to use these for safety, transportation and recreational purposes.

Bob Henninger
Foster Village

City managers deserve an ‘F’

It amazes me that the City and County of Honolulu sports a $2.3 billion annual operating budget. That’s nearly half of the original cost for rail.

Well, now more like a third of the price, but look at all we are getting for our money. What? My point exactly. It’s unfortunate that most kamaaina do not take an active role in politics, educate themselves on the issues and, most of all, demand more from government. Not more as in more handouts — we have plenty of that already — but more bang for the buck.

The city’s primary responsibility is to provide for basic services: transportation, water, sewer, safety.

How well does Honolulu do that? I say a solid "F."

There is no excuse for not having functioning, synchronized traffic signals and paved roadways.

James K. Heflin
Moiliili

If we must have rail, why Italian?

I just returned from about my eighth trip to Japan — a country and culture I love and admire greatly. But it seems unarguable that too much urbanization (excessive population, high-rises, trains, etc.) is somewhat dehumanizing.

Why a pristine Polynesian paradise like Honolulu would aspire to be Tokyo, Singapore or Shanghai is mystifying.

Equally mystifying is why locally born and bred developers and politicians would choose to sell out their own aina to rich foreign buyers.

Another thing: I’ve ridden plenty of trains in both Japan and Italy. Japanese technology is light-years ahead. So if we are indeed cursed with having to build a train system that is proving to be more obviously idiotic and expensive with each passing month, why on Earth did we pick an Italian company to build it? And who may have gotten what payments, union support or campaign contributions for that seemingly senseless "steel wheels" choice?

Bradley A. Coates
Downtown Honolulu

Handi-Van gets a thumbs up

I am a 90-year-old World War II veteran.

A couple years ago, I stopped driving and started to use the Handi-Van. During that time, I have used the Handi-Van three or four times a month. During that time, I have missed a doctor’s appointment only once.

Yesterday, my driver, Wayne, returned me to Ewa Beach while picking up two riders, in less than one hour.

Being retired, I have more time than money. I am very happy with the great service and the fare, $2 each way.

Congratulations to Handi-Van and all of its very courteous employees.

Robert J. McCall
Ewa Beach

Homeless pair a traffic hazard

There is a homeless couple living on Ala Moana fronting Atkinson Drive.

The man panhandles 24/7.

Worse, he weaves in and out of the traffic on Ala Moana, with his cup and sign, asking for money. He does this day and night, even after sundown. One of these days he is going to get hit by a car because the drivers won’t see him.

My concern is that whoever hits him — and it will happen — will never forgive himself or herself and never get over it, although it won’t be their fault.

I have tried for at least a year to get this couple removed, to no avail. Can’t the city see a major problem?

Joan Elliott
Waikiki