Seat belts aren't the roads' worst problem

I have often wondered why we put such great emphasis on enforcing the seat-belt laws while we have so much more pressing problems that the police should be attending to, such as the real cause of most traffic accidents -- speeding, racing, red-light running, drunk driving and on and on. Hawaii's seat-belt compliance is one of the highest in the nation.

We're told not to worry about it because it is being paid for by the federal government. It's "free." As taxpayers is this supposed to make us feel better about the "Click It or Ticket" program?

More misdirection and smoke and mirrors.

Whack those weeds to prevent brush fires

Regarding the story "13-year-old arrested in Nanakuli brush fire" (Star-Bulletin, May 20): I remarked in wonder how green and lush our area became after the over-abundantly wet winter, but the thing that I advocated and spread as far as I could was, "Cut it back now while it is moist and soft and green because this summer it will burn as it always does out here in Waianae."

Weed-whacking is so much easier and fire prevention is so much easier if we think ahead. The cemetery should not have had 3-4 foot grass and brush up against its boundary. We have to think ahead and take care. This time no houses were destroyed.

If the community took responsibility a 13-year-old boy would not be arrested now, with all the baggage our community will make him carry, for our lack of action.

Too many cars clog island roadways

According to numbers advertised, it appears we congratulate ourselves for increased sales of automobiles or any other goliath with four wheels, thanks in part to Hawaii's strong economy.

Oh yeah! Whoopee! We are now up to 1,100,600 cars with an additional 64,696 already registered in 2005. It's my understanding none of our islands have increased in size, except for a little on the Big Island. How ridiculous can it possibly get, and who, if anybody with any common sense in governing this place, will adopt some drastic measures of restriction?

Much like a spreading, endless epidemic, there is no cure in sight. Utterly absurd.

Waikiki, Ala Moana, Ward Center, downtown and beyond, walk anywhere, it's totally overwhelming, with one person in each car sitting idle. Talk about high cholesterol of the highways.

State did well to buy Big Isle land

Mahalo to Martha Yent and the state parks department for pursuing the purchase of additional lands adjacent to the outstanding and important historical ruins in Holualoa on the Big Island, referred to collectively as the Keolonahihi and Keakealaniwahine sites (Star-Bulletin, May 13).

I got to see the ruins while conducting an archaeological survey with Francis Ching (Archaeological Research Center Hawaii) in 1973. The area contains some of the most important Hawaiian ruins on the Kona Coast. What is now needed is parking and other facilities for visitors to the ruins, and quarters for the caretakers. Hele on, state parks.

Recyclers should work their full shift

I am writing this letter because I am sorely disappointed with the state's recycling program. Thursday, before I left home, I had checked on the computer the hours of operation for the recycling center in Kaneohe, which had stated it would be open until 5 p.m. When I arrived at the center behind Safeway with my recyclables, it was 4:45 p.m., but the workers had already packed up for the day and told me to come again tomorrow. Because of my work schedule, however, I will have to carry these items in my car until my next day off.

Information regarding the state's recycling program should be corrected to make matters clearer. For example, "No recyclable goods shall be accepted after 4:45." On an island as beautiful as ours, people should be encouraged to recycle, not turned away by state workers wanting to go home early rather than doing the job they are being paid to do.

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