Protesters trade civility for vulgarity
I can understand being passionate about one's agenda, but lack of common decency and civility, as displayed by some of Kauai's citizens, is shameful (
Star-Bulletin, Sept. 21). Disagreeing is one thing, but shouting obscenities at the governor is a new low for Hawaii's people. Behavior like this makes it obvious that Hawaii's "aloha spirit" is declining on a daily basis. Too bad.
Bob Ching
Mililani
Neighbor islands won't roll over this time
In her latest statement about the Superferry protests, the governor says, "it was beyond rude, it was un-Hawaii-like."
It appears the governor assumed the residents of the neighbor islands would rollover like they have in the past and accept whatever is best for Oahu. Not only did she underestimate the response but, in an excellent example of the Law Of Unintended Results, the neighbor islands are starting to demand benefits from the tax money they send to Oahu. The Superferry might be just the beginning.
Mike Sowers
Kaanapali, Maui
Protect the whales! And cats, and dogs ...
As the wheels of government slowly grind toward a decision on whether the people of Hawaii are to be allowed to travel by Superferry, my mind keeps returning to the claim by its opponents that the vessel might run into whales. Their concern has started me down a logical path. Every year, dozens of dogs and cats are killed and maimed on Hawaii's streets and highways. If only we stopped driving, think of all our furry friends who would be saved! I therefore suggest that anyone applying for a driver's license, or intending to purchase a car or truck, be required to submit an environmental impact statement.
I know this is a whale of a suggestion, and that some people who put personal convenience ahead of loftier considerations might object, so I recommend that my proposal be phased in gradually. Let's begin by limiting the EIS requirement to members of Maui Tomorrow, the Sierra Club and the Kahului Harbor Coalition -- plus all those on Kauai who have shown us they prefer swimming or banging on cars to driving.
Howard E. Daniel
Kailua
TheBoat gives Kapolei workers an option, too
I enjoy
the idea of TheBoat because it would be a great new way of travel on the island of Oahu from the City and County of Honolulu. I enjoy the thought of not stopping at red lights every block, and finding a seat rather than having to stand as you might with TheBus.
One gets to fill their body with the salty air of the open ocean, and the freedom to roam around the ship and enjoy the ride. For those who decide to use TheBoat, it will save them gas, money and time. The traffic will be more controllable as you head into town from Kapolei. The docking stations of TheBoat for the loading and unloading of passengers is at Aloha Tower (Pier 9) and Kalaeloa Harbor. With five added routes of TheBus it will be easier to accommodate further transportation on both ends of TheBoat's route. I plan on using TheBoat as a way to save gas and not pollute the atmosphere.
Being a new driver, I will have options on ways to get to a future job in Kapolei. I can ride my bike and put it on the front rack of TheBus, then I can move my bike on TheBoat and go to work which saves gas. Or I can drive and get stuck in the backup of the morning traffic.
Paul Merriam
Senior, Kailua High School
Hawaii had better worry about sea levels
Kudos to the Star-Bulletin for the straightforward article about the devastating effects of sea-level rise on our state ("
The drowning of Hawaii," Sept. 23) and for the follow-up call to action in the Sept. 25 editorial.
I have been wondering for about 20 years when the people of Hawaii would begin to pay attention when climate scientists warn about the effects of global warming on islands worldwide. The changes due to rising sea levels here will be as profound; indeed, given that our economic engine draws people to be near beaches that will slowly disappear, the changes might be more devastating here than anywhere.
Given that the Star-Bulletin and other local media are proclaiming loudly about the problems that we will face, let's hope that the hotel industry begins to discuss how it will deal with these problems, that developers will stop building giant high-rise condos as if we can become some kind of Venice, and that our congressional representatives take up the mantle of becoming leaders in the fight against global warming.
Paul Brandon
Kaneohe
Why compromise? It's private property
Re: "Kailua-gate" (
Star-Bulletin, Sept. 23): Compromise? Never! We had this same argument about 35 years ago in Kailua and it is still relevant that private property is private property. Between Kuulei Road and Kailuani Loop there are more than 10 public access lanes to the beach. Walk to them -- you need the exercise. For those of you with SUVs, we have the best beach parks in the state.
If you want noise in front of your house in the middle of the night as well as used needles, condoms and other assorted trash, I'm sure your kids know sources.
Don Neill
Kaneohe