Decoupling does not ensure profit

We truly regret Will Walker’s frustration about the delay in interconnecting his PV system ("HECO policy blocking transition to solar," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Feb. 16).

As noted, we’ve taken steps to help customers like him who were caught in the transition to Oahu’s new interconnection safety policy last year, including committing to pay for any upgrades needed to ensure their safe interconnection.

Two points should be clarified: Under "decoupling" — the formula used to set electric rates — we are not guaranteed a profit.

Decoupling allows us to recover costs incurred to serve all customers who remain connected to the grid (including PV customers who use the grid when solar isn’t available), but that does not guarantee a set profit.

Also, the large solar "farms" we are pursuing can provide power at a cost that’s about 30 percent less than oil-generated electricity. We don’t make any profit on these projects by independent developers and the savings can benefit all customers, whether they have PV or not.

Jim Alberts
Senior vice president, customer service, Hawaiian Electric Co.

Do away with bottle deposits

Mahalo for your article about what goes on with our blue recycling bin ("Sorting it out," Star-Advertiser, Feb. 23).

It stated that the blue bin recycling project generates $1.5 million in net revenue to the city annually.

Then why do we still have a 5-cent deposit on our beverage containers?

This is a perfect example of our dear state literally nickel-and-diming us to death.Do away with the Hawaii Deposit Beverage Container program. It’s the right thing to do.

Lisa Adlong
Hauula

State supports Housing First

Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s plan to seek additional ways to fund "Housing First" to assist those who are chronically homeless is an evidence-based national best practice that will save lives and precious governmental resources ("Caldwell to detail rescue of funding for Housing First," Star-Advertiser, Feb. 25).

The mayor’s announcement jibes with the state Department of Health’s recent $2.1 million award from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to provide the assertive community treatment and intensive case management for those housed under the Housing First paradigm.

Ending homelessness will require an "all hands on deck" approach that we aspire to but have yet to fully achieve.

Caldwell’s dedication of his time and energy as well as the time and energy of his Cabinet staff to work hand-in-hand with me and the state administration to help end homelessness is a civics lesson in collaboration that cannot go unheralded.

Colin Kippen
Governor’s homelessness coordinator and chairman of the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness

SB 2777 would deny county rule

Senate Bill 2777 shows a disregard for the counties and their citizens by removing any participation and voice in the use of agricultural zoned lands.

This bill would remove county government authority to change any agricultural use defined in HRS §205-2 and wipe out county ordinances passed recently by Hawaii County as well as Kauai County.

This includes ordinances to ban fracking, control GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and restrict geothermal drilling to daylight hours.

Surely laws that allow the affected community and county governments to participate in the use of lands are important and must be protected. Surely the use of lands must be balanced with responsibilities to the cultural and spiritual care of Hawaii. Surely lifestyles are important and must be considered in the use of lands.

The issue is not only the authority and use of the lands, but about our government as an extension of the people and not only for special interests. A hearing on SB 2777 will be held on Thursday.

Harry Kim
Hilo

Dental board needs balance

Thank you for bringing attention to much-needed changes in the Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners ("Dentists decry bill to change board," Star-Advertiser, Feb. 23).

What’s lost in the discussion is that 21 years ago, better balance on the board was recommended by the state auditor’s office: increased numbers of dental hygiene members and fewer numbers of dentist members.

It’s easy to see how eight dentist members and two dental hygienist members could cause the voice of dental hygienists to be lost. This balance has never been achieved.

Dental hygienists focus on educating patients and prevention of oral diseases. In Hawaii, this is vital, especially considering the high rate of tooth decay in the state.

The board’s role is to protect the public and not be an arm of either profession — dentistry or dental hygiene. The time has come to achieve much-needed balance.

Jill Rethman
Kaneohe

Peacocks are invasive species

Dudley Maynard called my description of peacocks as pest and vermin "shocking and irrational" ("Clubbing peacocks is shocking behavior," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Feb. 16).

Maynard needs to realize that peafowl (the peacock is the male and the peahen is the female) are an invasive species that is causing very serious damage to Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem.

When King Kamehameha III brought peafowl to Hawaii because of the peacocks’ beauty, no one understood the serious damage that invasive species can cause.

The people of Hawaii need to decide whether they want to preserve that fragile ecosystem or let invasive species destroy it. Peafowl belong in the wild in their natural habitat in Asia, not in Hawaii.

If Maynard wants to look at peacocks, let him go to the zoo where they are doing no harm.

Earle A. Partington
Punchbowl

Hanohano has set bad example

State Rep. Faye Hanohano is at it again.

There were the "Japs," "haoles" and "pakes."Now it’s "Westerners," "newcomers" and the young.

Who’s left?Even state Department of Land and Natural Resources Director William Aila, himself a Native Hawaiian, complained about her abuse of his staff members.

The public is reluctant to appear before her committees.Personnel from state agencies fear her abuse at hearings.Her racial slurs and epithets have alienated colleagues.

Her behavior does not advance the cause of Native Hawaiians and she has erected obstacles to the free flow of ideas that is essential to constitutional government.Her behavior cannot be excused as the passionate expression of someone who feels wronged. It is simple racism.

When will it stop?Only when we stop it.

Enough is enough.Hatred has no place in the heart of Hawaii.

Hanohano has to go.

Stephen T. Hazam
Kakaako