Regarding the recent problems with the ocean undermining portions of Kamehameha Highway on the windward side (“Slow-motion disaster,” Star-Advertiser, March 1), it should be noted that the state Department of Transportation has had a project on the books for years for shoreline protection at various locations in the vicinity of Kaaawa, Punaluu and Hauula.
The project showed up in the Highways Division’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) eight or nine or even more years ago. It kept getting deferred.
Why has it taken so long to implement? I suspect it is a difficult project, and waiting until an emergency situation arises makes it easier to do something without going through all environmental review and other requirements.
Anyone driving that section of Kamehameha Highway over the years could have seen this coming.
It was quite obvious the shoreline was being eroded away quite rapidly.
Phil Alencastre
Saint Louis Heights
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The ‘Eddie’ was wonderful event
Kudos to John John Florence and everyone who made the “Eddie” the “Eddie.”
The entire surfing event featured fearless energy, enthusiasm, athleticism and persistence. It uplifted our routine island life.
The Eddie was absolutely refreshing to anticipate and to watch, while giving a feeling that history was being made in the islands and worldwide before our very eyes.
Mahalo to all involved.
Joyce Cassen
Aina Haina
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Gabbard clear about Sanders
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s endorsement of presidential candidate Bernie Sanders was timely, not odd, as the Star-Advertiser complained (“Gabbard takes spotlight again,” Off the News, March 2). Fifteen states have voted; 35 have yet to vote.
Her endorsement is based on a clear-eyed assessment of the two Democratic candidates: U.S. Sen. Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. What is odd is the newspaper’s haste in identifying Gabbard as a Republican.
The newspaper’s correction (Gabbard is a Democrat, not a Republican) oddly omitted this odd statement: “Gabbard- watchers have come to expect deviations from the usual course.”
Oddness and deviance may be solely in the eye of the beholder.
I find Gabbard refreshingly clear about Sanders’ merits.
Unlike Clinton, Sanders has good judgment. He was against hastily going to war to effect regime change.
Warren Iwasa
Kaimuki
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Taxes making cars too costly
How much more does this Legislature think the people can afford (“Senate panel votes to raise vehicle taxes,” Star-Advertiser, March 1).
After extending the rail tax for five more years, costing each Oahu resident $200 apiece per year, it appears lawmakers want to make sure we use the train by taxing us out of our cars.
With the new increase, vehicle taxes will be about $400 per vehicle per year.
Between the gas tax, registration and the weight taxes, the Legislature is making car travel unaffordable for those in the lower-income brackets and seniors on fixed incomes.
These taxes are especially harsh for people who live on the north and west shores of Oahu and must commute to downtown or Waikiki.
Until this state can prove it can spend its money for road repairs and maintenance judiciously, it should not be asking us for more money.
Mary Monohon
Kailua
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No compassion for taxpayers
The Democratic-controlled Legislature has done it again to our family budget and pockets.
The Senate Ways and Means committee approved increases for the gasoline tax and vehicle registration and weight fees.
If enacted into law, this will involved an increase of more than a $100 when my vehicle renewal is due. It will be a solid sting on my family budget.
A few years ago, lawmakers increased the gas tax by 5 cents a gallon for maintenance of our bad roads. Our roads are still bad in 2016, yet they want another increase for the same reason.
The Democrats have already extended the rail tax surcharge to 2027. Public school teachers want 1 percentage point added to the general excise tax for the Department of Education budget, which receives millions of dollars each year.
There is no compassion here for the tax-burdened citizens of this state.
Melvin Partido Sr.
Pearl City
