Although I respect David Shapiro’s comments, I do not agree (“Getting rail to Middle Street would be best use of funds,” Star-Advertiser, Volcanic Ash, May 22).
The rail was planned to go to Ala Moana, so build it. Stopping at Middle Street would only cause inconvenience and wasted time for its passengers.
Shapiro mentioned getting on a bus at Middle Street, but with all the condos going up in Honolulu, adding thousands more cars, the roads would be even busier.
He mentioned the financing (which I agree is a disaster), so extend the half-percent general excise tax surcharge. It would not be another tax since it is already in place and we are used to it by now.
The rail is not for Shapiro or me (I will be dead before it is completed), but for future generations.
Have vision and look to the future.
Toby Allen
Hawaii Kai
Hawaii can be proud of Obama’s Japan trip
The picture of President Barack Obama embracing 79-year-old Shigeaki Mori at the Hiroshima Peace Park ceremony will forever be imbedded in my heart.
I am sure many Americans are grateful for this step forward by an American president to acknowledge the pain and suffering of the people of Japan.
Although no formal apology was made to Japan, the photo of the embrace spoke even louder than words to describe how peace and love are essential for survival.
Whether we agree or disagree with Obama’s policies, this event will go down in history.
All of Hawaii can be proud of our local boy who learned to love ohana from our beloved peoples of paradise.
The Rev. Dr. Norma Nomura DeSaegher
Ewa Beach
Takai did a great job for the environment
It has been a pleasure working with U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, and we will greatly miss his leadership in Congress.
In just his first term, he has already distinguished himself as someone who will take on polluters, and his strong environmental record reflects a deep commitment to expanding clean energy in Hawaii.
As a member of the Safe Climate Caucus, the House Armed Services Committee, and the Committee on Small Business, he has worked to address climate change and protect our air, water, lands and wildlife.
He helped secure millions of dollars for research on clean water systems and solar, wind, ocean and geothermal energy deployment in Hawaii.
He has also introduced legislation to conserve the state’s natural resources, including coral reefs, which are being devastated by ocean acidification and bleaching.
Takai’s efforts have put his district, state and country on a path toward a sustainable future, and we thank him for his work to protect our planet for future generations.
Gene Karpinski
President, League of Conservation Voters Washington, D.C.
Isle GOP leader right to object to Trump
State Rep. Beth Fukumoto Chang should be commended for her courageous stand at the recent Republican state convention (“Trump adds to state GOP’s woes,” Star- Advertiser, May 22).
In the face of withering fire by ardent Donald Trump supporters she stood her ground.
She is right to object. She sees something important that others are missing.
Trump is not a real Republican, but rather just a clever businessman performing an admirable job at pretending to be one while trashing honorable Republican adversaries and hoodwinking the American public in his effort to gain total control of the pinnacle of all insider-information positions.
He is not in business to help others. Trump, by his own admission, was happy to see the housing crash of 2008.
As president and businessman, if he wins the election, he will use his position of authority to orchestrate more opportunities to enrich himself in ways other businessmen can only dream of.
Paul A. LaPage
Waialae-Kahala
‘Wrong direction’ is propaganda ploy
I read in your paper that 70 percent of Americans think the country is moving in the wrong direction.
I would like to know what direction and what movement they are seeing.
About income inequality and political deadlock, I see no movement. I see more big money in politics promoting the idea that we are moving in the wrong direction.
On the other hand, I see large numbers of wealthy, led by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, promising to use their excess wealth to good purpose. I see the frustrated president using presidential directives to try to handle problems that Congress will not move on. I see most people at work and the GDP growing slowly.
So, on balance, where there is movement it doesn’t look so bad, except for the brainlessness of that “moving in the wrong direction” propaganda and the political money that supports it.
Harold Loomis
Kaimuki
FROM THE FORUM
“Charter proposal calls for an end to neighborhood boards on Oahu” Star-Advertiser, May 23:
>> Neighborhood boards are an absolute necessity in a state where a single urban area controls the entire county. Better yet, allow the larger communities such as Kaneohe, Mililani and Hawaii Kai to incorporate and manage their own very different priorities.
>> At less than $1 million and over 400 volunteer participants, it’s one of the best uses of taxpayer funds there is. The neighborhood boards also provide regular information and opportunities for communities to learn about police, fire and Board of Water Swupply activities. We don’t get that in any other forum.
>> Notice they only interview neighborhood board members. Of course they would be against elimination — it would take away their perceived power. Neighborhood boards are useless, have no authority and are a big waste of time.
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“Lawmaker pushes Ige for results on homelessness” Star-Advertiser, May 23:
>> All that talk and it sounds like they still have no plan.
>> Many of the homeless are not suitable for “affordable housing.” Many of them don’t want to go into the available shelters. These people need to be sentenced to incarceration — not in prisons but in fenced areas with security and the necessary water and toilets. Only allow the churches and charities to bring their food and clothing to these areas and not to any street or park areas. These homeless like to live under the stars in tents, so give it to them. Once they finish their sentences, if they go back to living in public areas, put them back in these “camps.” The government must do what is best for the majority and stop these homeless bums from taking over public areas and ruining this state.
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“Former councilman Felix tapped for HART board” Star-Advertiser, May 24:
>> Oh, please, let this guy retire. We do not need more ex-politicians telling us what to do. Time to get some experts in building rail correctly.
>> It’s hard to find anyone who would work for free.
>> It’s hard to find qualified people that want to serve on a sinking ship.
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“HTA: There is a plan for Pro Bowl funds” Star-Advertiser, May 24:
>> Why not use it to pay off debt?
>> If the HTA has no acceptable plan for the funds, they should not be spent at all.
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“HART board eyes route alternatives” Star-Advertiser, May 25:
>> Nimitz Highway is a busy conduit. Reducing lanes would make it worse. Dillingham Boulevard makes sense because it is within walking distance for people coming and going through that corridor. After saying that, my only negative feeling is for the businesses in the area.
>> A Nimitz route would be a nightmare. Do not build the outdated rail into the financial district. Stop it at Middle Street. This rail was never planned well and was sold to the public as a make-work project during the Great Recession.
>> Yes, let’s rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic. That will undoubtedly solve the problem.
>> The rail route alternatives were extensively thought out and Dillingham was the best choice overall. Unfortunately, the electrical line relocation issue threw a monkey wrench into the process. We just need to find a way to mitigate the cost.
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“U.S. House bid by Hanabusa expected” Star-Advertiser, May 26:
>> With no viable Republican candidate and being ensconced in the Democratic establishment, it seems a likely win for her. Personally I’d like to see someone with a fresh perspective run.
>> I like Republican Charles Djou. But in my personal opinion, Colleen Hanabusa’s pretty sharp.
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“Former DOT deputy fined for ethics violations” Star-Advertiser, May 26:
>> Not for a second do I believe she did not know what she was doing wwas improper.
>> In the end, the taxpayer is the loser.
