Mahalo for Kapolei students' experience
I wanted to give special recognition to Kainoa Sandberg, her fellow workers at Special Olympics Hawaii and other volunteers including those in the medical field, U.S. military and Subway restaurants for providing lunch for my students and chaperones. We were given an opportunity to attend the MedFest event at McCoy Pavilion Dec. 11. A bus was provided at no cost. Activities (arts and crafts, games) were conducted while the students were waiting for their free medical exam and free lunch provided by Subway. The students also were given goodie bags.
It was a totally worthwhile and enjoyable experience that tied in with the curriculum. Thanks again for sponsoring such a great event!
Keone Kuniyoshi
Teacher, Kapolei High School
Symphony is not being forced out of Blaisdell
In response to recent articles and editorials saying the Honolulu Symphony Society is being forced out of its home at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, please be assured that no such action has occurred or is contemplated.
The Blaisdell staff made every effort to retain as many requested dates for the HSS '07-'08 season. Alternate dates were also provided. HSS staff were also made aware of the possibility that a large broadway show was considering a performance in Hawaii at the time of contract signing for '06-'07 season.
The show that has been mentioned offers a tremendous opportunity for the residents of Honolulu to witness another aspect of the performing arts. It has received rave reviews from across the nation and will be enjoyed by many here locally who would not normally have exposure to such a venue.
The City & County of Honolulu is committed to the HSS and the performing arts. Just a few weeks ago, Mayor Hannemann presented a city grant in the amount of $75,000 to the HSS.
With only one major concert hall available on Oahu, we do need to allow other organizations the opportunity to use it periodically. Don't forget that in past years, it has been the HSS dates that prevented other shows of shorter duration from performing. We all need to share this important city asset.
Sidney A. Quintal
Director, Department of Enterprise Services
City & County of Honolulu
Shouldn't we ask, 'Can we afford rail?'
Talk about getting railroaded and taken for a multibillion-dollar ride. Wasn't it Mayor Hannemann who campaigned on, "Do we need it? Can we afford it? Most important, can we maintain it?"
Wouldn't a public referendum vote on this rail boondoggle be a hoot, not to mention a reality check for this administration? One can always dream.
In the meantime, we'll keep traveling our Third World, potholed roads that can't be maintained properly, enjoy our new gas tax increase, our half-percent general excise tax hike, unreal property tax increases and rents that lead the nation. It's almost time to go pitch a tent on the west side with a oceanfront view.
Alan Urie
Honolulu
Go ahead with planning for land along route
As I recall, one of the major concerns that led to the defeat of the rail transit bill in 1992 was the almost $1 billion cost. Today, we are concerned about the costs going above $4 billion. If we wait until the population grows more, what will the costs be 14 or 28 years from now? Does anyone believe that Honolulu will not need a rail transit system by then?
If we don't kapu the routes, stations and park and ride lots now, how many more homes and facilities will have to be condemned, bought out and relocated and at what cost to the city and disruption to the public? The only responsible action by the city now is to lock-in the routes and station locations so all future development can be planned properly. Those who insist on driving in the traffic can do so; at least others will have a choice.
Vernon Wong
Waipahu
How could transit route bypass airport?
The City Council's Transportation Committee left up to the city administration whether the rapid transit route should go through the Honolulu International Airport.
It is unthinkable for Oahu's transit system to avoid Oahu's avenue to the world. A route through the site would involve prohibitive redesign of the airport.
Buses on fixed, dedicated lanes can go off the guideway and utilize the present split interchange to the airport.
E. Alvey Wright
Kaneohe
East Oahu needs relief from development
Please stop building in East Oahu. We simply cannot supply any more people and accommodations in this area. Where are the developers going to put all the crap? Local people who have lived in this beautiful space for decades have put up with the overexposure long enough.
Enough already.
David Maunakea Tamura
Honolulu