Your editorial supporting a ban on polystyrene containers contained inaccurate and misleading information (“Oahu should ban foam containers,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Aug. 7). Claiming these materials release toxic ash and smoke is false.
Waste to energy (WTE) is a reliable and safe technology. Polystyrene that goes to HPOWER contains more energy than coal and any emissions must meet the most stringent environmental requirements anywhere in the U.S. The ash that is generated is rendered mostly inert through the combustion process and is tested to meet Environmental Protection Agency safety standards.
A recent study concluded that combustion of polystyrene and other plastics produce little to no ash when done properly as in modern WTE facilities. The ash is generated from other wastes such as wood, textiles and paper.
Public policy decisions should be based on the best available science and information, not misleading rhetoric. Unfortunately, the editorial falls short of that standard.
Marco J. Castaldi
New York, N.Y.
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Mopeds need their own parking racks
Now that mopeds must be registered separately from bicycles, we need our own parking racks or curb attachment to lock to. It is unsafe to just park and lock a moped, as it is easily picked up and put on someone’s truck.
There are a few places to lock up your moped, but many places have nothing. All remodeled and new construction should provide for moped parking. Putting loops into curbs would work and not cost that much — the new $27.50 registration would pay for that.
Jone Augustin
Waikiki
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Sidewalks not good for wheelchairs
Concrete sidewalks were just poured next to Farrington Highway to accommodate the newly constructed Nanakuli library. The problem? There are power poles in the sidewalks.
The new library is a blessing for the community, providing access to books, free wifi, educational resources and community gathering spaces. Too bad our kupuna and wheelchair-bound friends cannot easily navigate the sidewalks to get there. The poles make it difficult or downright impossible for those in walkers or wheelchairs to get around them.
Does this project not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act? Can’t the poles or the sidewalk be relocated? Why would our elected officials allow such an oversight?
We need books, not poles. Let’s fix this problem and make our Nanakuli library accessible to all.
Ohaiali‘i P. Bumanglag Sr.
Nanakuli
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Softball fields need better maintenance
I am an Amateur Softball Association (ASA) umpire here on Oahu and I felt compelled to submit this letter due to the shameful conditions of the softball fields at the Patsy Mink Regional Park.
Recently, I umpired several night games in an annual tournament of Hawaii high school alumni teams. The city charges a fee to use these public facilities every year.
On each of the four fields, I noticed so many lights burned out that it made it difficult to see the action clearly — a very unsafe situation. These fields are used just about every day and night by thousands of people, including our high school and college softball teams.
I call games at several city parks all over Oahu and the conditions are similar everywhere. Restrooms have nothing for people to wipe their hands with. Some don’t even have working lights. Why is it so hard to maintain facilities that are used by all?
Randy Borges
Kaneohe
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Ozawa’s vote crucial to supporting rail
As someone born and raised in Hawaii, a Hawaii Kai resident and the owner of a small business in Kakaako, I want to say mahalo to Honolulu City Council member Trevor Ozawa.
He took heat from rail opponents in the lead-up to the July 12 Council meeting that approved issuance of $350 million in city bonds to fund the rail project for the coming fiscal year. Ozawa’s “yes” vote ensured passage of this critical piece of legislation.
The rail project will drive economic growth and make it easier for West Oahu residents to get to jobs. It will boost education opportunities with its stations at four colleges and near the University of Hawaii medical school. And it will encourage the development of affordable housing along the rail route.
Those outcomes benefit everyone, no matter where we live.
Melissa Rota
Hawaii Kai
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Homeless ‘sweeps’ are tug-of-wars
Swept is the simple past tense of sweep (“Homeless swept from Blaisdell Park,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 9). A sweep occurs when a team is victorious in a series of contests without any losses.
These encampment dispersals are not sweeps; they are tug-of-wars with no winners. Who will be the ultimate title holder of these perennial battles? Time will tell where these futile distribution episodes lead.
Rick Ornellas
Liliha
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Schatz, Hirono stood up for health care
On behalf of the American Lung Association in Hawaii, I thank U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz for standing up and protecting health care for all of Hawaii’s residents living with lung disease.
The U.S. Senate’s health care bill would have harmed the millions of Americans who need health care as part of their daily battle against lung diseases, including asthma, COPD and lung cancer. Hirono and Schatz were right to vote against it.
The American Lung Association is hopeful the Senate will now work together in a bipartisan way to improve our nation’s health care system and ensure that all Americans have quality and affordable health care.
Kahala Howser
Executive director, American Lung Association in Hawaii
