Elevated H-1 lane would cut traffic

Transportation experts have commented that the traffic woes being experienced today will continue even after the rail becomes operational.

Some cite the projected development in West Oahu, such as Ho‘opili, for the cause of the projected increase in vehicular traffic.

To counter the continued traffic congestion, the state needs to plan, develop and provide a solution by adding an elevated, limited-access level to H-1/Moanalua freeway from Hawaii Kai to the Pearl Highlands Center area in Pearl City. This should minimize traffic problems from the H-1 Zipper Lane, Kamehameha Highway backups and unforseen rail incidents.

Since this project could be construed as an improvement to H-1, the federal government should be open to partially funding it.

Roy S. Tanouye
Waipahu

Ditch current train technology

Bradley Coates addresses, quite nicely, the confusing paradox that is presented us regarding rail technology and vendors ("If we must have rail, why Italian?" Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 13).

In recent years, urban train technology has changed rapidly and dramatically. Thus, why are we compelled to stay with a questionable vendor and technology? Our big, ugly rail’s structural system can be readily adapted to a more economic and efficient vendor’s technology.

Urban centers around the globe have adopted newly improved and economically efficient metro technologies with both rubber and rail train wheels.

Since we are committed to a train system, let’s rethink our train’s technology before it’s too late. We can save lots on initial and continuing operating costs.

We should bite the bullet now. Let’s rebid our urban trains to fit our 2021-plus system and our better-understood needs. In the long run we’ll save a bundle in operating costs and have better customer satisfaction.

Jon von Kessel
Waikiki

Electricity rates likely will go up

It is not surprising that Hawaiian Electric Industries’ shareholders have approved the sale of their company, as the benefits appear to be substantial.

It also will be no surprise when, if this sale is approved by the state Public Utilities Commission, our electricity rates increase substantially.

Simply put, NextEra Energy will be expecting to recoup its investment in HEI, plus reap a return on that investment.

There is only one source from which this money will come — its electricity ratepayers.

The PUC should reject this application.

John Medlock
Kailua

Neighborhood boards are fine

Michael Golojuch Jr. seems to have missed the point when he complained about neighborhood board procedures ("Did OIP cripple neighborhood boards?" Island Voices, June 7).

The purpose is to present information, not "my opinion" versus "your opinion."

What sold me on neighborhood board service happened in 1996-97.

Public librarians were upset about getting materials not suitable for their communities. A contract had been signed with a company that promised deep discounts in exchange for the privilege of selecting all library materials. It seemed almost impossible to get that contract broken. It took neighborhood board members speaking for the people, elected representatives paying attention and union muscle, all working together to make it happen.

I’ve been a neighborhood board member for two communities, totaling more than 20 years. I vote to keep the boards as they are.

Samuel Mitchell
Makiki

Reduce taxes being withheld

A simple solution for 2015 for those who are irritated because they are still waiting for their thousands of dollars of state tax refunds is to go to their employer’s human resources department and fill out the necessary forms to reduce the state income tax withheld on their paychecks.

Do it for the federal returns, too, if beneficial.

The refunds will be immediate.

Dennis Kohara
Kaimuki-Kahala