Cataluna right about governor, Matayoshi

Thanks to Lee Cataluna for her observations about schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi and Gov. David Ige’s bumbling response regarding her contract not being renewed (“Ige nearly incoherent in defense of meddling,” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 9).

I voted for Ige because I thought he’d be thoughtful and careful in his decisions. I also wanted someone in office who did not keep patting himself on the back and wasting time self-promoting. However, I’m finding it difficult to see what decisions he can actually make.

As taxpayers are paying his salary, we are owed transparency and nothing less. Will this be a lame-duck administration?

Deborah Aldrich

Haleiwa

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Tour operator should be liable for death

Why not a criminal investigation? Aimee Abrahim’s death appeared to be the result of a lack of concern by the tour operator (“Woman killed in flash flood was ‘ray of sunshine,’” Star-Advertiser, Dec. 8).

The fact that a flash flood warning was issued by 4 p.m. and yet, the women were in the stream at 5 p.m., reveals very clearly that the company failed to do its job; thus, criminal charges should be initiated.

Dialogue after the fact, as suggested by state Rep. Nadine Nakamura, is not going to change that. The tour operators have full responsiblity for the safety of their customers and yet they failed to safeguard them.

This was not a freak accident, as it would never have happened if the tour operators and/or guides had done their job. The governor should direct this tour company to cease operations immediately.

James Robinson

Aiea

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End rail at Alapai Transit Center

I suspect Mayor Kirk Caldwell gets $200,000 from Territorial Savings to ensure that the rail transit project creeps along until, decades later, property developers along the rail route become billionaires.

As I suggested at the get-go, taxpayers need to get angry enough to insist the rail route goes from Aala Park down Hotel Street, halting at the Alapai Transit Center, thus providing passengers with immediate access to buses — including express buses — traveling in all directions, as well as providing peace and quiet to Kakaako’s new residents.

That action alone would reduce rail costs and provide greater benefits to riders, especially those heading to hospitals.

Rico Leffanta

Kakaako

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RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

In the spirit of this holiday season, readers are invited to write in about random acts of kindness — something that is so unexpected but special and touching, that it should beshared with our community. Send a 150-word letter, or a commentary at 500-600 words, to letters@staradvertiser.com by Dec. 21. A collection of them will run on Christmas Day.