What a shame! Honolulu is wasting billions on an outdated train but it doesn’t have the money to pay the overworked and underpaid and under-appreciated bulky-items collectors.
Lee Cataluna, as usual, is right on the ball and correctly points out that the problem is not the hard-working collectors (“No carry the old toilet or centipedes, no grumble,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 30). Maybe there needs to be some fine-tuning of the administration of the program by the politicians and administrators sitting in air-conditioned offices.
The entire refuse collection program is vital and one of the city’s most important programs.
It rightfully is provided to all rather than through an appointment-based program, which will result in abuses by those who avoid it by dumping their trash elsewhere.
Bob Karman
Hawaii Kai
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It’s madness to give more money for rail
Before appropriating any additional funds to build the rail to Ala Moana Center, it is necessary and urgent to have an independent auditor do a comprehensive forensic audit of spending practices and finances.
The media says that the rail’s cost has increased from $5.4 billion to more than $8 billion since 2014. Without adequate oversight, the cost will increase to a likely $10 billion.
We need to use what’s already built, and there should be a conclusion to this project. Where and how to end the rail should be decided by what we can afford. Handing the city more money whenever it runs short is madness.
Ted Kanemori
Kaneohe
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Not so lucky living in overtaxed Hawaii
Byron Wailani hit the nail on the head (“Political columnists call things as they are,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 28). I have long agreed with David Shapiro’s views and comments.
In the meantime, Hawaii has the highest consumer debt per capita; the second-highest tax burden; an out-of-control, over-budget rail project; a homeless problem; and ghetto roads, schools and airports.
The voting public continues to believe the half-truths from elected officials. The same officials are re-elected, and it’s business as usual.
“Lucky you live Hawaii”? Really, I don’t think so.
Sadly, it’s the overtaxed people who are paying the price.
Alan Umeda
Kaneohe
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Get the word out on carpooling benefits
On Wednesday, I took my mom to Ala Moana Center for a dentist appointment at 8 a.m.
We left Wahiawa at 6:30 a.m. because traffic is unpredictable. We got in the carpool lane as soon as we could from H-2 through H-1.
We could not believe what a breeze it was. We got to our destination at 7:10 a.m. But traffic in the non-carpool lane was backed up to the H-2. There were almost no cars in our lane all the way.
I was so shocked. I told my mom there should be more advertising, incentives like discount gas for vanpools, or perks for office carpools to encourage two or more riders.
Kathy Myers
Haleiwa
