Research is needed to justify speed cams

It has not been established that those caught speeding in Hawaii with these cameras are any more likely to contribute to auto accidents than those not caught on film.

The state could compare accident records of those recently caught on film to a random sample of registered drivers without speeding violations. If offenders caught on film do indeed have a significantly greater accident record it would support use of the technique. Without such support, the use of these cameras seems hard to justify.

Tracy Trevorrow

Get rid of traffic cams and their supporters

I don't want to hear of any more attempts by our legislators to fix a disaster of a public policy. Raising the speed limit or reducing the intolerance won't remove the fact that the Department of Transportation and those we elected lied to us. They found a way to bleed us all for millions, and they don't want to miss the chance. Their disgusting disingenuousness has wrecked any further claim of credibility. The arrogance, insensitivity and mean-spiritedness of these people. I want the photo van scheme killed dead now, and I don't intend to stop the pressure until it is.

Sen. Cal Kawamoto thinks that a deluge of trivial speeding tickets is good for us? I pledge now to donate an amount equal to the fines levied upon me by photo vans to any viable candidate willing to run against Kawamoto, so long as that person opposes the program.

Jai Mansson

[Quotables] "Once in a while, someone goes on forever. I hold the title for the shortest on record, nine seconds. I used Psalm 19, verse 14: 'Let the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and redeemer.'" Rep. Ezra Kanoho Kauai legislator, on the tradition of opening each day of the legislative session with a prayer. We "have an obligation to see things through, rather than cut and run at the first sign of blood." Gov. Ben Cayetano On continuing the controversial photo enforcement program to control speeding on Hawaii roadways. Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris canceled the program on city streets.

Motorists can drive away traffic cams

About the traffic "scameras," it bothers me that our state government made a very bad contract. I have heard of no top limit for the amount of money which will be sent from Hawaii to Affiliated Computer Services.

The quickest way to drive the scameras out of this state -- and keep our money here -- would be to obey all speed limits. When you see one of those parked vans, say hello by honking your horn five times. The honking will remind drivers behind you to obey the law and drive safely. No speeders means no tickets, no profits, and soon-no scameras. We, the people, have the real power. Let us use that power.

Mark Terry

It's premature to halt traffic cam demo

A lot of frustration and anger has been vented against the photo speed enforcement demonstration project being conducted by the state Department of Transportation. State legislators are now thinking of eliminating this project or raising speed limits.

Before we take further action, let's remember that this is a demonstration project. If we find out that photo speed enforcement causes drivers to drive slower and makes our streets safer, why would we not want to expand this program or even make it permanent?

Since the DOT began this project, I have noticed a significant reduction in the speed of vehicles traveling on the Pali Highway in Nuuanu where the posted speed limit is 35 mph. Vehicle speeds averaged 45 to 50 mph-plus before the project began. Vehicle speeds now average 35 to 40 mph.

Many of the accidents on the Pali Highway in Nuuanu are attributed to vehicles being broad-sided as they turn on or off the highway. I will not be surprised if there will be a significant reduction in accidents and injuries as a result of this project.

Let's all keep an open mind. This is a demonstration project that has just begun. Any discussion to eliminate this project or to raise speed limits is premature.

Westley K.C. Chun

Left-lane car hogs are dangerous

The biggest safety problem on H-3 is the car operator (I can't consider him or her a "driver") who insists on driving slower than the prevailing rate of speed in the left (passing) lane.

These people might think they're being safe because they're driving 50 mph in the left lane and never changing lanes, but they are a hazard. They cause the faster drivers to weave in and out of traffic. They cause many drivers to assume everyone who is in the left lane is planning to stay there so those drivers attempt to pass a car on the right at the same time a driver is attempting to move to the right lane where he/she belongs.

They cause other drivers to become impatient, which progresses to road rage in some instances, because they often end up blocking the highway when they happen to match up with the speed of a right-lane slow driver.

The cameras aren't going to solve this problem, but an actual policeman enforcing the traffic laws and a better driver education program might.

Dwayne Eldridge
Kailua

Aloha CEO should have been upfront

The interview with Glenn R. Zander, CEO of Aloha Airlines (Star-Bulletin, Jan. 18), gave me a great laugh.

Zander says the merger "is not a bailout" for Aloha and appears miffed that one should believe that "his airline" was at risk for going under.

If it's not a bailout, what would Zander call it? I believe that the families who own the airline were getting tired of dipping into their heirlooms to keep Aloha afloat.

Frankly, Hawaiian does not need Aloha. I say let Aloha Airlines die, but the politicians in this state will not let that happen, so we are stuck with this.

If Zander had been honest with his employees from day one, like Hawaiian has been, there would not be so much animosity among the employees or the traveling public. Telling half-truths is the same as lying in my book. Maybe we read different books, but let's concentrate on keeping the taxpayers of Hawaii informed that this is not going to be a monopoly and that prices will not rise to the sky if this happens.

So get on with the merger so taxpayers can concentrate on more important issues, while Zander takes the first flight out of town.

Susanne Dykeman

---

Letter guidelines The Star-Bulletin welcomes letters that are crisp and to the point on issues of public interest. The Star-Bulletin reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Please direct comments to the issues; personal attacks will not be published. Letters must be signed, must include a mailing address and daytime telephone number. Letter form: Online form, click here E-mail: letters@starbulletin.com Fax: (808) 529-4750 Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813