There has been a lot of hubbub the last few years about the crucial need for “low-cost” housing on one side, and the imperative to preserve what’s left of our agricultural land on the other.
I don’t think that these positions are necessarily mutually exclusive. There is definitely sound logic on both sides of this issue.
I think we should consider what many other communities are doing across the country — urban renewal, or reclaiming blighted areas in older communities of Oahu.
The infrastructure, shopping, transportation and schools are already in place. I think we can all agree that we have some pretty sad-looking areas on Oahu that could use a facelift.
Yes, in some cases, I’m talking about using eminent domain. I realize that many find this an anathema, but aren’t we using this government tool right now with the rail system for the greater good?
Art Todd
Kaneohe
End rail system where it is now
Regarding the controversy about where to end the rail transit line, my solution is to end it where it is now and save all the money that it will drain in the future.
Rail is a boondoggle. The bus system is more diversified and serves the whole island. Plus, people love their cars.
Adriano (Eddie) Eliazor
Palama
Monument has cultural value
As a Native Hawaiian, I assure you the ocean region beyond Papa- hanaumokuakea Marine National Monument retains devout cultural significance for Hawaii (“Native Hawaiian leaders seek expanded marine monument,” Star-Advertiser, April 17).
Our ancestors saw the entire archipelago and the vast ocean surrounding it as the framework for our cosmology, and it is accounted for in our oral traditions.
We believe that after passing on, our ancestors return to Po, or the realm of darkness, the region extending beyond the main Hawaiian islands and the limits of the sun’s northern advance, beginning at the Tropic of Cancer.
The expansion of protection aligns with the traditional custom to prohibit human presence to minimize the impacts to limited natural resources. It is imperative that we protect native species found within this ocean region that are inextricably connected to the integrity of our culture.
This expansion will have long-lasting benefits to our island heritage and the local and global health of our oceans.
Kalani Quiocho
Manoa
Expand marine protected area
Expanding the Papa- hanaumokuakea Monument is a smart, scientif- ically supported idea.
The ideal marine-protected area contains a high diversity of organisms and habitats, is large, remote, and has currents that bring creatures in and carry some of their offspring outward — Papa- hanaumokuakea has all of these characteristics.
A larger size unquestionably matters, encompassing a greater diversity of both life and habitats and capturing increased numbers of drifting larvae, migratory fish and more.
This safe haven allows fish to get bigger and older. When a female fish doubles in size, her egg production can increase a thousandfold or more.
About 2 percent of the ocean has been set aside as fully protected marine reserves, far below the 30 percent believed necessary to ensure fish for future generations.
A larger monument means more resource capital in our children’s bank accounts from which they can draw the interest sustainably.
Robert H. Richmond
Research professor and director, Kewalo Marine Laboratory
Tell public about Sandwich Isles
This whole Sandwich Isles debacle is absolutely disgusting and sickening. Making matters even worse is Sandwich Isles CEO Janeen-Ann Olds’ dubious attempt to defend and save Sandwich Isles (“Company tries for a state OK via agency with no say on issue,” Star-Advertiser, April 4).
Spoken like a true defense attorney defending a guilty client, what the heck does she mean when she refers to the integrity of the investigation and ensuring that confidentiality is preserved? The obvious question is, What are they hiding?
I, along with the tens of thousands of Hawaii telephone subscribers, have had no choice but to pay into the federally mandated Universal Service Fund.
We surely are entitled to know if our tax dollars are being fraudulently spent.
Steve Chang
Chinatown
