A little pain now will save us from coqui

Although I empathize with Wayne Johnson's concern for the pain suffered by the coqui ("Letters," Jan. 9) during what might be an impossible eradication, it still is an invasive species that can wreak havoc and pain for hundreds of native species that painfully starve for months as their food supply is consumed by the more aggressive foreigner.

Having spent many years of my life in Puerto Rico and returned often, the "frog sounds" they make can be deafening and irritating to those who live and visit. I suggest Johnson travel to Puerto Rico and enjoy the frog sounds there rather than here. A little pain now might avoid a lot of pain later. Just ask Australians about the cane frog.

Let's get in gear for curbside recycling

I continue to be disappointed by this city's administration regarding waste management.

Curbside pickup and recycling of glass, metal, plastic and paper is still missing, after unsuccessful attempts during the last several years.

In 2005, Rolloffs Hawaii offered to pay the city to pick up all the recyclables, but because of a legal challenge nothing has happened. In October 2005, Mayor Mufi Hannemann eagerly took credit for resolving the union problems but placed blame for further delay on the former administration. Last year, the City Council again showed its support for curbside recycling when it required the city to start some curbside recycling this July. Most important, the people of Oahu clearly showed they want curbside recycling when 74.8 percent of voters approved the curbside recycling amendment to the City Charter.

What happened to the recycling pickup contract? If that contract problem can't be resolved, send out a new request for proposals immediately. The mayor has clear instructions to bring curbside recycling and must show the leadership he promised when elected.

HECO is working on communication

A story in yesterday's Star-Bulletin focused on criticism by a legislator of Hawaiian Electric Co.'s public communications during last October's islandwide outage. From the very beginning, we at HECO have acknowledged that -- despite the telecommunications challenges that hampered our early and ongoing attempts to reach KSSK, the primary emergency broadcast radio station -- we know the public expected and deserved faster information.

We want to assure all of our customers that steps to improve our communications under such strained conditions are a top priority. A dedicated phone line to KSSK and changes to emergency communications procedures are among the actions to ensure we get the message out faster and more consistently. We know it was frustrating for the public and that good intentions are not enough. We can and will do better.

Bush keeps only those who back his agenda

Is anyone surprised that President Bush will call for a "troop surge" in Iraq? He's either fired or "retired" anyone who disagreed with his failed war ideologies and policies.

The new commander states the current conflict in Baghdad will continue "two to three years." Let's be clear: This troop surge is an "escalation," and two to three years means four to six years.

America and democracy are symbols of a peaceful country? Oh, I forgot, we were attacked by 19 lunatics and that justifies this kind of response.

Bush needs to heed Americans' message

Thank you for printing Joe Gedan's guest commentary "'Boogeyman terrorism' a real threat to America" on Tuesday. Gedan has grasped the real threat to Americans and the world: Bush/Cheney and their associates who lie and propagate fear as a means of control and power. They are without conscience in their actions.

The 2006 election sent a message to President Bush which he is choosing to ignore. I strongly suggest the new Democratic Congress not ignore the message that the people want this war to end now and the troops brought home now. No stupid troop increase. Cut off the funding now. Apologize to the Iraqi people and the world that we have allowed this horrible transgression against other human beings. Apologize to members of the American military for illegally using their loyalty to the Constitution and belief in their country. We don't need to choose to be fooled any longer. Thank you, Joe.