One way to lessen the cost of installing new sprinkler systems in older high-rise buildings is to “piggyback” the work with the planned (and necessary) building-wide replacement of existing piping systems.

Fifty years ago a building boom in high-rises occurred in our state. The building-wide plumbing systems in these older buildings are now approaching the end of their useful lives. The pipe replacement effort requires temporarily vacating units, shutting off services, cutting into walls, removing old pipes, adding new pipes, replacing plasterboard, new plaster work, and repainting.

Fortunately, there are now companies who do all phases of this work, making it much easier to accomplish than before.

Piggybacking the new fire sprinkler systems with the re-piping projects makes economic sense. Work on both projects can be done simultaneously, and contractors can bid lower for all work together as they will already be on-site. Disruptions to the occupants would be minimized.

Ross Stephenson

Kamehameha Heights

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Reduce ‘bulb-outs’ in Chinatown

The story, “Bulb-out brouhaha” (Star-Advertiser, July 19) features an experiment, designed as a traffic-calming measure, that is intended to shorten the distance a pedestrian needs to cross the street at an intersection. The article includes a statement by Chinatown property owner Oren Schlieman that pedestrians don’t know that they can now step out into the bulb-outs to wait to cross.

The story is accompanied by photos showing heavy traffic barriers in the bulb-out on both sides of the intersection crosswalks.

It seems to me that the stated purpose could be accomplished by leaving in place these barriers while opening up loading zones for the rest of the far right lane in those streets. Affected Chinatown merchants urgently need this modification to restore lost business and survive.

City planners should be complimented on this innovation, but immediately modify this experiment by reducing the “traffic-calming measure” down to intersection blocks only.

Jerry Mershon

Mililani

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Protect pedestrians from traffic violators

I couldn’t believe the arguments against the curb extensions in Chinatown (“Bulb-out brouhaha,” Star-Advertiser, July 19).

According to the Federal Highway Administration and National Association of City Transportation Officials, these extensions make it safer for everyone by decreasing crossing distance and increasing visibility. No legal parking or loading zones were removed.

Apparently some businesses want to make it more dangerous for people who walk so that people who drive can break the law.

Instead of pushing to remove the curb extensions, businesses with concerns should work with the city to add more loading zones for their customers and suppliers.

John Bravender

Waikiki

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Voyaging society should support TMT

Hokule‘a’s successful voyage around the world ended with its triumphant arrival at Magic Island on June 18. What a stellar voyage it was.

Polynesian Voyaging Society president Nainoa Thompson confirmed that a perpetual voyage is needed to protect and care for Hawaii through lifelong learning, active conservation and education. One can only concur.

Looking to the future, we can only hope the society will embrace the efforts necessary to support development of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Mauna Kea, an extension of celestial navigation that is widely supported by the people of Hawaii.

Just as Native Hawaiians helped develop prehistoric navigational skills, they will remain in the forefront as we venture into space. Contributions made by Hawaii’s original celestial navigators might then be remembered by naming one or more of these voyages Hokulea II, III, etc.

Thompson also said we need to take children on these voyages, making math, science and technology relevant. How appropriate then if the Polynesian Voyaging Society confirms its spiritual alliance with TMT.

Jack H. Scaff Jr.

Tantalus

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‘There is something’ in Trump’s taxes

President Donald Trump asks why so many states are refusing to release their voter information to his Voter Fraud Commission.

“What are they worried about?” he asked. “There is something, there always is.”

Has the president unwittingly finally told us the real reason he is refusing to release his tax returns?

Roy H. Tsumoto

Waialae

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Requiring helmets would save lives

Our mayor said that retrofitting high-rise residential buildings built before 1975 is not about the cost, but about saving lives.

I wonder how many motorcycle and scooter riders have lost their lives in the last 50 years compared to the number of lives lost in condo fires.

If it truly is all about even saving one life, then maybe it’s time to pass a law requiring all motorcycle, scooter and bicycle riders to wear helmets. I guarantee that law would save far more lives than the sprinkler requirement at a fraction of the cost.

Tom Richardson

Waikiki