Lee Cataluna’s column was spot-on (“Hawaii authorities finally see dangers of over-tourism,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 25). There are too many tourists on the island at any one time, as her column so correctly pointed out. Scenic areas, beaches and hiking trails are too crowded and some tourists throw trash everywhere and in general have marginal respect for residents.

The government attempts to increase the number of these visitors as this means increased tax revenue.

Unfortunately, any increase in tax revenue is spent on projects that the government marginally needs, considering the size of our islands. At some point the revenue will decline due to an inevitable recession and there will be revenue shortfall without improvement of schools, and other badly needed infrastructure repairs.

Can the politicians ever act in a fiscally responsible way?

Carl Oettinger

Kailua

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