The continuing failure of government to perform its most basic function, public works, is astounding.

Let’s review: the Thirty Meter Telescope, stalled; the Haiku Stairs, closed; the Sacred Falls trail, closed; the pathetic rail transit project, years behind schedule and hopelessly over budget; Thomas Square, closed for more than a year while Mayor Kirk Caldwell allegedly tries to turn it into a revenue-generating facility; the Waikiki Natatorium, closed for 30 years; the Pearl City bike path and adjoining Blaisdell Park, closed due to government’s inability to handle homelessness.

Next up: In a knee-jerk reaction to last month’s tragic Marco Polo fire, government blithely wants to retroactively mandate sprinkler systems for 300 high-rises. This is obviously unaffordable for long-time owners.

Government must keep things open and progressing, not stalled out through bureaucracy and incompetence. Politicians must enhance their constituents’ private lives, not meddle in or restrict them.

Bradley A. Coates

Waikiki

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Senior has long list of public concerns

I have been fortunate to live in Hawaii for half a century. I’ve seen a lot of changes and have some concerns.

I’m concerned about homelessness, which appears to be spreading like an epidemic.

I’m concerned about sewer and water pipes breaking seemingly every other day.

I’m concerned about the abundance of potholed roads and highways.

And finally, I’m concerned that there is $8 billion for a train but not enough money to learn from an audit.

Hopefully, one day these concerns will be successfully addressed. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Jim Reed

Niu Valley

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Traffic signals need to be fixed, updated

It’s time to change management at the city’s Traffic Signals and Technology Division (TST).

This agency has proven year after year that it does not have the skill, ability or inclination to maintain the hundreds of traffic signals in Honolulu. There is no explanation for the multitude of traffic lights that operate so badly that only oil companies love them. Literally thousands of gallons of fuel are wasted daily as one sits at intersections all over the island because traffic signals have not been updated, modified or repaired.

Lights that turn red on a major street when no person or car is waiting on the side street defy explanation. Are there crews out on the roads to check and evaluate improperly operating signals? Very doubtful. The only recourse is a complete management change.

James Robinson

Aiea

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To bring peace, feed North Korea’s poor

I think that instead of threatening North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with destruction and sanctions, we should, along with other nations, offer to feed North Korea’s starving poor. Then we can all be heroes and maybe make the world a better place. Might also cheaper, too.

Gordon Matsuda

Kaimuki