Brainstorm! Challenge

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Pols need to rethink rail transit idea

I have been following the escalating debate about building a light-rail system as a solution for Oahu's increasing traffic congestion. I think it is time to revisit the fundamentals.

First, politicians and their developer-bankrollers continue to build on this already congested island as if it were New York City rather than an island paradise where palm trees and endless beaches should dominate the landscape. Further development only makes the problem worse. Wise people and business-owners are moving to East Hawaii and Molokai where life is still affordable and land is relatively cheap.

Second, an overhead light-rail is not practical in a congested city. An underground system in downtown Honolulu and a transition to an overhead rail in the outskirts is more reasonable.

Third, it is obvious that neighbor islanders should not be made to pay for Honolulu's problems. In fact, I do not see why any private citizen should be forced to pay for it. The federal government should fund most of it. The rest of the money can be raised through bonds with a decent coupon rate rather than taxes. The investment can be paid off over the years with money collected from ticket sales and tolls.

Pradeepta Chowdhury
Hilo, Hawaii

Only Ito has acted on Haiku hikers

Which of my many stories do I tell you about? The young man this past weekend who insisted he had a right to be on my property on his way to the Haiku Stairs, and although I asked him nicely five times, it took a call to the police to get him to leave? Or the group crossing my land at 4:45 a.m. with flashlights to climb the stairs for sunrise, indifferent to their trespassing and disturbance? There's the group that couldn't understand why I didn't want them crossing my yard to go to the stairs, because after all, "where was my aloha?" as they swore at me again and again.

Imagine not having the privacy and assurance of safety that every homeowner deserves, all because of a hiking trail that has been poorly planned and hastily refurbished without the input of the community if affects.

This could easily happen to you if the city or state decides to make a park close to your home with no legal access to it.

The Haiku community has been asking city and state officials for help with the problem of hostile, trespassing hikers for nearly a year. Only Rep. Ken Ito has been responsive to our cries for help. He alone has come to our community to see the problem first hand. Thank you to Ito for asking, "How can I help?" Thank you for earnestly listening to us. Most of all, thank you for having the courage to do what no one else has for us, put the concerns of your community before your political interest. We gratefully support your efforts, and thank you for your bills that will help maintain the safety of our neighborhoods and properties.

Susan Kopper
Honolulu

Don't deny hikers beauty of Haiku Valley

I hope the city can reach a compromise with Kaneohe residents living around the entrance to the Haiku Stairs that will enable hikers like myself the chance to see the spectacular natural beauty of the Haiku Valley that the stairs enable hikers to see while keeping away the "hikers" who want only to vandalize this area.

David Jensen
Centreville, Va.

Lingle did well to get Wie an exemption

What a joy it was watching our homegrown sports star Michelle Wei dazzle the golf world at the tender age of 14. Her much-heralded performance in the Sony Open in Hawaii was both historic and heartwarming, while providing a major boost for the PGA Tour and our state's visitor industry.

Kudos to Governor Lingle for working with the Sony Corporation to obtain a sponsor's exemption so Michelle could compete in front of her local fans. While the Sony Open is always a popular event, the governor had the foresight and confidence in Michelle's talent to know the young golfer would draw positive international attention for our state, increase attendance by local residents, and give Michelle the respect and attention she deserves.

Michelle proved that she is cut out to compete with the pros and rightfully took her place on the green.

With a quiet grace and charm far beyond her years, this highly talented young lady serves as a wonderful ambassador for Hawaii and an outstanding role model for girls around the world. Michelle has made Hawaii proud, and I'm sure we'll be seeing much more of this outstanding local girl.

Eric Hamaguchi
Honolulu

Single-occupant cars should pay toll

My traffic plan is simple: If single-occupant cars use the H-1, the H-2, or the H-3, the driver would have to pay a toll. If these drivers double-up, or triple-up, there would be no toll. This would be a voluntary tax, since the drivers would have the option to ride-share. If most drivers just doubled-up, this would take half the cars off the road during rush hour. Rush hour traffic is humbug!

Phil Robertson
Honolulu

Bush knows how to use the media

Syndicated columnist Miles Benson informs (Jan. 25) us that "as commander in chief" Bush has "a significant lead" over any Democrat next November. Bush's father, who was also commander in chief, was properly elected and had nowhere near the rotten record of his son, lost in 1992. However, THIS Bush is using the most cynical and constant PR and propaganda campaign in our history. Benson's article is an example.

Nancy Bey Little
Honolulu

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[ BRAINSTORM! ] Can you design a quarter that represents Hawaii?? Some states have issued collectible quarters that commemorate their entry into the union. The front of the coin looks the same but the eagle on the back has been replaced by something that represents that state. For example, Georgia's quarter has a peach on it. If you could design Hawaii's quarter, what would it look like? Send your ideas and solutions by Feb. 17 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.com Or mail them to: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Fax: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson 529-4750