Pure no-fault is better than pay-at-the-pump
Pay-at-the-pump will do nothing to reduce the cost of insurance; it may even increase it.On the Big Island, many people are just about making ends meet. Some people may not get insurance because they just don't give a darn.
But others truly can't afford it. Forcing these people to buy insurance at the pump is not a good idea.
There is a better one, and it is called pure no-fault. It would lower the cost of insurance, so many more people will be able to afford it. And, with pure no-fault, each driver insures himself, so the uninsured driver only puts himself at risk.
The people of Michigan have pure no-fault, and it is working for them.
David A. Caccia
Honokaa, Hawaii
Palolo desperately needs special emergency vehicle
Getting no answer from the mayor concerning my letter on the "Mini Emergency Response Vehicle" (Project MERV), I want readers to know that this project has been a concern of the residents of Palolo for many years.There are too many emergency calls that are taking our firefighters and fire truck into situations that require MERV.
In pursuit of this acquisition, we have found that the priorities set for fire safety and medical emergencies are lacking in efficient and appropriate concerns for our community.
The Mini Emergency Response Vehicle is a justifiable request. Project MERV will shorten the arrival time of help, and provide appropriate service, whether fire or medical emergency, for our citizens.
Palolo residents need MERV now! Help us get MERV!
Alice Kealoha
Recommendations will lead to lower taxes
In response to various letters referring to the Economic Revitalization Task Force's recommendations as being "pro business" rather than "pro people," the proposal to cut individual income taxes for low- and middle-income families cannot be anything other than "pro people."The individual taxpayer will have more money to spend because his or her withholding payments will decrease.
Although the task force recommended an increase in the general excise tax to offset the revenue loss, the income tax cut outweighs that increase.
Everyone will experience a real tax cut. Every individual will end up paying less taxes. The excise tax increase is really designed to capture revenue from tourists, who pay nearly one-third of the total excise tax.
Walter M. Heen
Look to city of Portland for ideal fixed-rail system
With no relief in sight for our traffic woes, it's high time we take another serious look at fixed rail. But not from the perspective of the fantasies and dreams of our elected officials in their ivory towers, who are wined and dined by high-priced developers with ideas of elevated monorails, etc.Let's take a down to earth look at a fixed-rail system that really works.
A recent visit to the city of Portland revealed the perfect system. Portland's MAX system runs parallel (at ground level) to existing freeways and enters the city sharing existing roads with automobile traffic, even turning corners at existing intersections!
Affordable fares are based on zones and may be transferred to and from the bus line within a set time limit.
This is a system that can work for Honolulu and at a cost that won't break the bank.
Chris Stevens
Keaau, Hawaii
(Via the Internet)
Cayetano has a chance to make historic change
The tragedy of mismanagement, incompetence and corruption surrounding KS/BE has gotten completely out of hand and cries out for immediate action. The thinking citizens of Hawaii will not tolerate any attempt to cover up the true facts, nor will they allow a continuation of the existing disgraceful circumstances.Governor Cayetano has an opportunity to demonstrate real leadership. He needs to see that nothing interferes with the attorney general's search for the facts and prosecution of any and all wrongdoing. After all, we elected him as the education governor.
A pro-active position on his part with respect to desperately needed legislation regarding KS/BE trustees will dramatically strengthen his stature with the electorate. Conversely, his failure to act will be perceived by the public as evidence that he is merely another co-conspirator sweeping the dirt under the rug.
The choice is his. Future historians will view his administration accordingly.
Gwen Ibalan
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Roth has done much to improve Hawaii
John Gardiner's book, "What One Man Can Do," has been an inspiration for many individuals and movements over the past few decades. Hawaii is blessed with a quiet, unassuming individual who, with high intelligence and dignity, exemplifies what one person, drawing others to him, can accomplish.Randy Roth was frustrated over the legislative stonewalling of the good work done by the Tax Commission. He decided to vent by raising the level of public consciousness regarding the present and future of Hawaii.
His leadership inspired the two "Price of Paradise" books, greater scrutiny during the past two election cycles, and the vital and stimulating "Price of Paradise" radio show.
More recently, he spearheaded the "Broken Trust" thesis, which could help unlock the vast potential of the Bishop Estate assets for the benefit of Hawaiian students and all of Hawaii.
Randy, as beneficiaries of your enterprise, we offer to you our deepest mahalo. For what one man has done, we will benefit for generations.
Dick Morris
Bishop Estate Archive
Price of Paradise
Bishop Estate Archive
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