Editorials
Monday, November 3, 1997Much uncertainty surrounds the issue of global warming. Recently we noted the fact that scientists are currently paying more attention to the theory that cycles in sun spots and solar flares play crucial roles in determining temperatures on Earth. Some think these fluctuations are as important as or more important than increases in so-called greenhouse gases in affecting temperatures. Uncertainty on causes
of global warmingNow another theory has emerged, based on the long-established fact that plants absorb carbon dioxide, one of the principal greenhouse gases. A study published in the journal Science maintains that El Nino, the periodic warming of waters in the Eastern Pacific, causes a burst of plant growth throughout the world that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This might offset the warming effect from man-made emissions.
One of the authors, David Schimel of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, says satellite measurements show that natural warming events such as El Nino initially cause more carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere, probably as the result of accelerated decay of dead plant matter. Later, however, there is an explosion of growth in forests and grasslands, causing plants to more vigorously take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
Schimel said it isn't clear whether El Nino causes a net decrease in carbon dioxide buildup in the long run. But his co-author, B.H. Braswell of the University of New Hampshire, said their study shows that the rise and fall of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is strongly influenced by natural changes in global temperature.
These findings do not contradict the idea that man-man emissions of carbon dioxide could make the world warmer. But they add another factor to the mix, making answers to this question more uncertain than ever.
Peter P. Rogers, a Harvard environmental scientist, told Forbes magazine scientists need at least five more years to study the problem of global warming. But some politicians, notably Vice President Gore, want governments to act to curtail the emission of greenhouse gases before the evidence is in. In the face of such uncertainties, to impose draconic measures on the U.S. economy in an attempt to reduce such emissions would be foolish.
GETTING rid of a rickety refrigerator or sagging mattress used to require a lot of patience on the part of Honolulu residents and much coordination by the city. The most common process entailed a citizen calling up the Department of Public Works and requesting bulky-item pickup. Then a government worker would create a route for a truck and workers to tackle that particular job. Meanwhile, the cast-away would languish for days on the sidewalk, becoming a public eyesore and potential magnet for curious kids. Bulky but manageable
No more, thank goodness. Starting today, the city has instituted a new system of scheduled pickups to more expeditiously haul away unwanted bulkies. Under the new plan, Oahu (between Foster Village and Kalama Valley) will be divided into eight sectors, and each will be serviced once every four weeks for three consecutive days. Residents are asked to simply leave their bulky items outside during that period of time. (See schedule printed in last Thursday's Star-Bulletin, page A-4.)
Voila. Gone is the formerly cumbersome process of scheduling individual bulky-item pickup in lieu of a regularly planned sweep through Honolulu neighborhoods. Gone too should be the sight of that major kitchen appliance or piece of furniture masquerading as a front lawn ornament for days at a time. The sidewalks of Honolulu should be less cluttered and more child-friendly after folks get used to the new system.
THE scenery is spectacular but the road is dangerous. It's been that way for many years, but now plans are being made to improve the Saddle Road, running across the Big Island's midsection. It has to be done. Fix the Saddle Road
The existing 48-mile road was built by the Army in 1942. It has become one of the most dangerous in the state, with an accident rate 81 percent higher than the state average.
As planner Bill Moore describes it, "Basically, what you have is a one-lane road, with wide shoulders. It encourages people to drive down the middle." A study conducted at the Army's Pohakuloa Training Area showed civilian traffic moving through a 45-mph zone at an average of 60.
Up to $167 million in construction is planned, including $40 million to move the 13-mile portion on the Pohakuloa base to its northern boundary. The Army is understandably nervous about motorists driving over the speed limit on a crumbling road while military vehicles slowly cross it pulling howitzers.
The Pohakuloa strip would be the first of four segments of the road to be improved. Upon completion of the project, the driving distance from Hilo to Kailua-Kona would be reduced from 100 miles to 80, and driving time would be shortened by half an hour. Usage is projected to increase from 900 vehicles a day in 1994 to 14,000 in 2014.
The problem is getting the money. The Pohakuloa realignment would be financed by the Defense Department. The rest of the project could get 80 percent federal funding, but that would leave $25 million to come from the state. Thus far no funds have been allocated.
If the money becomes available, work could begin as soon as the fall of 1998. Improvement of the Saddle Road has been put off too long. Even in a period of fiscal austerity, funds can and must be found to get this job done.
Rupert E. Phillips, CEO
John M. Flanagan, Editor & Publisher
David Shapiro, Managing Editor
Diane Yukihiro Chang, Senior Editor & Editorial Page Editor
Frank Bridgewater & Michael Rovner, Assistant Managing Editors
A.A. Smyser, Contributing Editor
