Bottle redemption system a disaster

Recycling has at least two major benefits: It helps the economy by getting the most out of our natural resources and it cuts down on litter. The new Hawaii deposit of five cents a bottle is supposedly intended to serve both of these ideals. Unfortunately, the planning behind it is either nonexistent or the product of minds that seem bent on inconveniencing both Hawaii residents and visitors in an almost malevolent fashion.

First, when the deposit went into effect, we were told not to crush cans because the "HI 5" label can't be seen. So, people get to keep uncrushed containers sitting around, which takes up space. I think of space as a luxury in Hawaii. I don't guess the authors of this law do.

Second, the redemption of our uncrushed cans and bottles is made as inconvenient as possible. Many people just give up on the deposit money. Who gets the deposit money that does not get redeemed? It's as though our lawmakers wanted to lay a new tax on us and decided to call it a "deposit" so it would sound good.

Finally, note that the people who put this catastrophe together are also making decisions that affect other aspects of our lives. Reassuring, isn't it?

Symphony conductor could replace Mahi

Letters and articles in the newspaper have focused on the pros and cons of firing Aaron Mahi from his post as conductor of the Royal Hawaiian Band. However, nowhere have I read about a possible replacement.

I would like to make a suggestion to the mayor: Hire Matt Catingub, who is presently the Honolulu Symphony Pops conductor. He not only conducts, but he also composes and arranges music. He would bring more interesting music and the kind of leadership that the band members crave.

Besides, doesn't the city pay the band conductor more than the symphony pays its pops conductor? I think Matt would jump at the chance to be the new band conductor.

Multitalented Mahi is master of music

At the Royal Hawaiian Band's Jan. 16 concert, Aaron Mahi proved that he is the "master" in his title of bandmaster. With great versatility of music content and style, his selections paid tribute to the Korean Festival with several songs of "Arirang," to Dr. Martin Luther King with a medley of Duke Ellington songs; and with traditional Hawaiian songs.

Often, Mahi sings with the band and simultaneously, flawlessly conducts. Demonstrating the great range of his talents, while the rest of the band took a break, Mahi brought back the 15-minute Hawaiian Glee Club segment with steel guitar in which he explained each Hawaiian language song, then sang and played bass guitar with the Glee Club members. The audience loved it. No one can match his abilities.

Elderly drivers aren't causing all the trouble

Let's forget about the situation with Royal Hawaiian Bandleader Aaron Mahi and move on to the lack of aloha when people, including essential service people, run red lights for all the wrong reasons.

Let's forget about getting the 75-year-olds off the road when they aren't the discourteous ones who run red lights and don't stop at stop signs.

Let's study why this Aloha State is becoming more and more like New York City!

Homelessness is complicated problem

Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to address homelessness is courageous but flawed ("Plan for homelessness unveiled," Star-Bulletin, Jan. 11).

Her assessment of reasons for homelessness are too narrow. There are many reasons for homelessness, including mental illnesses and drug and alcohol addiction.

These people need rehabilitation before independent housing can even be considered. Residential housing such as Safe Haven in Honolulu works, but it can care for fewer than 30 souls out of nearly 6,000 homeless people. We need many safe havens to offer care for these people.

Some visitors to Hawaii find themselves stranded here, after arriving in search of aloha and after realizing hardship on the streets. They can't just hitchhike home. Other visitors arrive in Hawaii to live after being diagnosed with a terminal disease and choose to be outdoors in paradise as the end draws near.

Indeed, homelessness is a complicated issue but solutions are at hand, if our mayor and governor will peer deeper into this tragic problem.