Better managers needed at UH

Your comprehensive and detailed editorial about support for University of Hawaii athletics misses one key element, namely good management (“UH athletics needs community support,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, June 18).

Unfortunately, UH as a whole is greatly out of control, so it is not surprising that the management of athletics is so poor.

It all stems from continued and demonstrated inability to hire the right people into key positions all across the university system, including athletics. Until this is fixed, why should the public continue to pour money into a losing proposition?

Paul Tyksinski
Kailua

Real change lies with our leaders

It is affirming that the Honolulu Star-Advertiser underscores the imperative to do a better job responding to domestic violence.

We need all of our institutions to bring truth and keen attention to the grave problem plaguing our island families. This is a costly problem, affecting all of us. Our police, courts, corrections, schools and businesses see the impact of domestic violence every day. We cannot be complacent or look away. The NFL, the Honolulu Police Department, the NBA, the military and many, much smaller entities must face this problem head-on.

We seek action. Our leaders with power must step up and accept responsibility for moving the ball down the court. It is not enough to speak broadly, or categorically, about the need to address this social problem. The voices of advocacy and intervening professionals can stand beside our leaders. But the authority to make real change lies with our leaders.

Nanci Kreidman
Chief operating officer, Domestic Violence Action Center

Don’t be cruel to feral cats

I don’t feed feral cats but I am a cat owner. I love my cats like they’re my own children.

They bring a smile to my face and brighten my day every time I see them. Cats are not just objects without souls. They’re living, breathing animals, each with their own characteristics and personality.

Many of these feral cats were abandoned by their former owners who no longer wanted them. They were left in the wild to fend for themselves. Most of these cats are helpless because their food was always provided and they were never taught to hunt for food. They also have no fresh water supply anymore. 

To ban feeding them is cruel and heartless. These cats must be spayed, neutered and, hopefully, found a new home.

Some may not be able to find a new home. Please don’t cut off their food and water supply.

Colin Kau
Downtown Honolulu

Resolution caters to tourists

How interesting to read on the editorial page that the Kauai County Council voted to shut down illegal short-term rentals, requiring that the owners of B&Bs live on their properties and capping the annual number of B&B permits at 10 (“Cracking down on ill-defined B&Bs,” Star-Advertiser, Off the News, June 16).

On Thursday, the Honolulu City Council was scheduled to hear Councilman Ikaika Anderson’s Resolution 15-72, CD1, which proposes to expand the number of permitted B&Bs. So while Kauai is looking out for the residents, Anderson’s resolution is catering to the tourists regardless of what the impact is to residents, neighborhoods, housing for residents and hotel occupancy.

What a shame if the Honolulu City Council approves this measure. Then, it really will be all about the money.

Barbara Krasniewski
Kailua

Let firms sell solar to HECO

Since Gov. David Ige just signed the 100 percent renewable energy law, let’s get busy making it happen.

As individuals, we can only do so much. We need the help of key decision makers, such as the Public Utilities Commission, to make some of the big changes that will affect the state’s transition to clean energy.

Approving the power purchase agreements for the low-cost solar energy projects that have been proposed by Hawaiian Electric Co. is an important next step.

This should be an easy decision. We teach our kids to lead and live by example. Ige set an example by passing the 100 percent renewable energy law. Now, the PUC has an opportunity to set an example, too. It is important for Hawaii to show that we are serious about sustainability, and we are relying on the PUC to lead our state in that direction.

Henry Chang
Technical design manager, Lend Lease