Few people will be using rail in off-peak hours and in light road traffic when they can take their cars and go directly where they want, doing shopping and running errands quickly and efficiently. Try that by rail.
Yes, we do need the rail as an alternate mode of travel, but it will only go from point A to point Z in a straight line. It is not the be-all, end-all that the mayor envisions.
Nor can we vote it out of existence; it is here and we have to deal with it in the least unfair way possible, using the general excise tax.
Fred Metcalf
Kalihi
—
Outdoor Circle benefits Hawaii
Everyone who lives in Hawaii should thank The Outdoor Circle for the work that it has done over the past 90 years. It is our unpaid watchdog.
Notable changes to the urban landscape are in its buildings, signage, plantings and land use, and the Circle is our spokesman. It adds its voice to protect us from large, glaring signs and the loss of parks and valuable trees. Some of its ideas have found their way into land use regulations.
Some inroads have happened — painted tour buses and commercial recognition with plaques and signs, for example — but on the whole, there has been national recognition for The Outdoor Circle’s successes.
Thank you, Outdoor Circle!
Ted Green
Kaaawa
—
Use new stadium for graduations
I am sure there is no valid answer, but why must students, family and friends of Farrington High School seniors continue not to be fully involved in graduation?
Holding graduation in a small and hot gymnasium is not the solution. Other schools like Mili- lani (Aloha Stadium), Kamehameha-Kapalama (Blaisdell Arena), Kaimuki (Waikiki Shell) are accommodating in honoring seniors.
The Edward “Skippa” Diaz Stadium, with 2,000 seats, was dedicated in February.
So, I must ask the administration, why?
Tom Enos
Kalihi
—
Ensure easements are clear of debris
We have been warned that we may have many hurricanes and tropical storms this season. As a homeowner with an easement in the back of my property, I and others could be in danger of flooding in our homes.
A sign posted by this easement says, “Keep Out, Government Easement. City and County of Honolulu.” The city did maintain this easement in the past but has not done so for many years now. The overgrown weeds and vegetation are 8 to 10 feet high, and so dense they cover the easement in some areas. If flooding occurs, the city is going to have another huge headache — just like the rail.
Bertille C. Fung
Hawaii Kai
