Ala Wai Canal needs more than 1 bridge

I am dismayed to find opposition to the proposed footbridge over the Ala Wai Canal (“City moves to plan controversial Ala Wai footbridge,” Star-Advertiser, April 13).

Gosh, we need three or four of them. My mother, who’s 94, says she’s been wanting this like forever. It is ridiculous that we are not using this resource, cleaning it up and making it a riverwalk like in San Antonio.

I went to Ala Wai Elementary School. I would have loved to have had access to Waikiki from there. It seems like a no-brainer to me.

What on Earth can be the objection? I just don’t see it. Only cars get to zoom down Ala Wai Boulevard at 50 mph?

Let’s make the city more walker-friendly.

Clarence Silva

Iwilei

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Protect Oahu from private exploitation

Don’t increase property taxes for the local residents.

Increase taxes on the wealthy developers and investors. Let them pay a lot more for the privilege of building and making tons of money in Hawaii (and driving up the cost of housing).

Also, the city should not make money by allowing advertising on city assets. So-called “sponsors” are looking for new ways to sell their products, like advertising all over city parks, buildings and vehicles. This will ruin our beautiful island, and the city may not be able to control what’s advertised, ending up with offensive, controversial or inappropriate messages. Remember years ago how a right-to-life group wanted to put graphic photos on vehicles and in the sky, claiming First Amendment rights?

Our beauty is part of what attracts visitors. Please do not let a few businesses change our image. We’ll lose in the end.

Joan Navales

Aiea

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Lifeguards need liability protection

I am fortunate to be able to visit the Hawaiian islands often, and as an avid ocean swimmer, I take advantage of the beautiful warm clear waters.

I make it a point to always use a beach with lifeguards. I have witnessed them in action in Waikiki. Believe me, with all the crowds and the sun shining on the sea, the surfboards and boogie boards and casual floaters, the lifeguards, as first responders, are always on top of the action.

During shark sightings and jellyfish invasions, they make sure people stay safe. Supporting and keeping the liability shield for lifeguards and ocean safety officers benefit both them and the public they serve (“Bill would let lifeguards’ liability protection lapse,” Star-Advertiser, April 13).

Cynthia Kokawa Lerner

Los Angeles

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We need Trump’s support for rail

I recently read that the California Zephyr train, which runs from Chicago to San Francisco, could see its days numbered due to proposed budget cuts by President Donald Trump. The states most affected are those that voted for Hillary Clinton.

What bothers me is that we have presented another Democratic stronghold that Trump may target if he is looking for areas to reduce the budget. That would be Oahu’s rail line, now under construction but which will be dependent on government funding.

I could not understand why Hawaii was in such a hurry to be No. 1 in opposing Trump’s travel restrictions.

We’ve already spent $150,000 in attorney fees. Will we keep spending money on legal fees if Trump continues to see other avenues to implement his travel ban?

Let the states that are affected by the travel ban take the lead.

Harry Matsuno

Hawaii Kai

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Rail money better spent on TheBus

Some years ago Honolulu had an award-winning bus system. More recently, one of our mayors decided to cut that system — in theory to save money, but more probably to convince the voters to back the rail project. A special rail tax was imposed.

Millions were spent to “study” how best to create the system in a way that would eventually (20-30 years later) solve the problems on “the traffic island.” Just think how fabulously efficient TheBus would now be had it received those millions.

Fast forward to today.

More money is needed to continue construction of TheRail — even in its reduced scope. Today, the current mayor says another tax extension is needed. The usual government policy of throwing good money after bad. Sadly, it’s our money.

Thomas Luna

McCully-Moiliili

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Mayor pays regular property tax amount

I would like to correct the inaccurate perception from several of your letter writers that I pay only $300 in real property tax. Those who own an historic home, who agree to maintaining its historical condition and making it viewable from the street, are provided a deduction on their property tax to make up for the substantial costs of preservation.

I own such a home, but even before I became mayor, my wife and I voluntarily decided not to take the deduction even though we still participate in the program.

I pay property tax like other taxpayers, and I don’t want to see my property tax increase either, in addition to paying the general excise tax surcharge for rail. That’s why I’m strongly urging the Legislature to pass an extension of the GET surcharge for at least 10 more years. To me, that’s the fairest and least painful option for residents of Oahu.

Kirk Caldwell

Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu

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Gabbard should resign from Guard

I think it’s high time that U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard resign her military officer commission with the Hawaii Army National Guard.

It’s obvious she does not agree with the former and current commander-in-chiefs’ positions on military engagement around the world. As the saying goes, “You cannot serve two masters.”

Further, she took an oath when commissioned to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” Because she met with Syrian President Bashar Assad under questionable circumstances, she needs to resign her military commission post-haste.

John Toillion

Mililani