Misuse of placards handicaps aloha spirit
I wonder who monitors the distribution and usage of way too many unwarranted handicap signs that people are utilizing who are obviously not in need of them. I am dumbfounded about how many people use handicap stalls who are very obviously not handicapped or in any way disabled. Too many are abusing said signs although they are clearly able to walk normally and carry bags like anybody else. And many are quite young. My estimate is that about half of the ones claiming to be handicapped and/or disabled are actually not.
For the sake and courtesy of those in true need of such convenient parking, there should be much more and way stiffer enforcement. But most of all it is mind boggling that some people actually claim to be in need when they are not, and therefore show great disrespect and carelessness for the ones in real need.
Dieter Thate
Kailua
Stop finger-pointing and work on solutions
As I read the latest finger-pointing about the Ala Wai Canal sewage dump ("Mayor defends sewage dumping,"
Star-Bulletin, April 9), I am reminded of how quickly people want to blame people when "stuff happens." Why not go all the way back to Mayor Fasi or whoever was there before him? Let's keep it a "what thing" and not a "who thing"; get it fixed, learn from the experience and move on.
Ron Martin
Honolulu
Mayor Harris should have prevented spill
The Harris administration should be held accountable for its superficial beautification of Waikiki. Its blind eye to what lies beneath eventually caused the failure of our old sewer system and the raw-sewage spill in Waikiki. Condo associations must prepare a reserve study that estimates the useful life of capital improvements and the funding for these costs. Why can't our government be held to the same standards?
I would like to see a reserve study for capital improvement projects funded by our taxes.
Gina Eaves
Realtor
Waialua
Look at big picture about 'your' tax money
We have heard time and again from residents of Windward and East Oahu, as well as Honolulu proper, that they should not be made to pay for a mass-transit system that they will not use (that is, not until they move to Ewa looking for affordable housing).
To them I say that the idea of taxation is to tax everyone and then spend on everyone. Residents of Manoa receive my taxes for flood damage, and soon my taxes will go to fix the sewers surrounding the Ala Wai Canal. This is fine with me, and I realize that these expenditures will help our economy -- after all, the University of Hawaii-Manoa and Waikiki are economic engines of our state.
I would also remind you that when you take your opala to the curb, it doesn't just vanish -- it comes to us out here in West Oahu. We're not exactly thrilled about this, and some of us did get a bit futless when a refuse truck flipped over on the H-1, closing it for hours, but I figure we're just doing our part for the sake of everyone on the island.
So I propose to you, people of Kahala and Portlock, Waialae and Lanikai, please keep your hard-earned money -- and your garbage!
David Wolkoff
Kapolei
Kudos to all who worked crater festival
I was given two tickets to the recent Diamond Head Crater Festival, and went expecting to sink knee deep in mud -- I didn't. I expected to be the oldest person there -- I wasn't. I thought I might not really enjoy the music -- I did, and had my hands in the air after every performance.
Tremendous kudos to all involved -- to those who put down the plywood walkways, set up the stage, worked the concessions, drove the buses to and from our assigned parking areas with great dispatch and, finally, to the entire production department.
Mahalo and a hui hou!
Marian Benham
Honolulu