Moped riders need places to park

With gas prices and traffic congestion increasing, people are looking for alternative transportation to commute to work, school and shopping. While they have always been popular with students, mopeds are increasingly becoming popular choice for workers. They're cheap to buy, you don't need insurance and they are miserly on gas. There is only one problem with commuting by moped: where to park.

Currently, moped riders' only legal choices for parking are to pay for parking in lots or find an area that has been designated for moped parking, such as those around Hawaii Pacific University and Waikiki. Mopeds are licensed through the city by laws that license bicycles. To park in a designated stall on the city street, a vehicle must have both a current weight tax sticker (registration) and a safety sticker. A moped would have to be registered as a motorcycle or scooter to obtain these stickers, of which it is neither. Moped riders are stuck in legal limbo, neither vehicle nor bicycle, and with no access to public parking.

A moped is registered under the bicycle law, so why are they not allowed to park at a bicycle stand? How about some designated parking for mopeds? Moped riders, contact your elected officials. They can help us change the law.

Kauai buses take the worry out of commute

The Kauai Bus, a true blessing to our cosmic hamlet. I travel with my bike and use the bus to transport my bicycle around the island. The Kauai Bus can accommodate only two bikes.

Many times I see the bus coming and there are already two bikes on the front rack and I think, “;Bummer,”; then like magic out of a full bus comes one of the people with a bike and dismounts, allowing me not to lose any time.

The bike rack is as cosmic as our island and the Kauai Bus is one great alternative to driving. No worries about breakdowns, no worries about being pulled over by the cops, no worries about gas, insurance, maintenance or parking. The Kauai Bus helps traffic, helps the environment and alleviates stress. Monthly unlimited-travel passes selling for only $15 allow one to save money that otherwise would had been spent on gas. And last but not least, the bus gives one time to meet other people.

The Kauai Bus is one great fun ride.

Hawaii lawmakers had it right first time

The Wall Street bailout bill will undoubtedly go down in history as the worst piece of legislation ever passed. I was proud that Hawaii Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono voted “;no”; on the House's bill last Monday, then surprised when they both voted “;yes”; Friday on the Senate version. Hirono had the opportunity to carry on the legacy of Patsy Mink, who always voted on principle. I am filled with sorrow and disappointment at her betrayal.

Vote out candidates who backed bailout

Congress passed the bill Friday to purchase hundreds of billions of dollars in worthless securities.

The D.C. and Wall Street money addicts will have their fix for a few weeks. It may even last for more than a month. This fix will eventually end even harder than what we've seen these last few weeks. As all self-deceived addicts do, they will blame their stupor elsewhere.

Instead of a recession with the market correcting itself for a few years, Congress following the president's lead has guaranteed a prolonged deeper recession teetering on, if not a full-blown depression for more years to come.

I'm glad my hope is not tied to or in their reckless binges. Our delegates could have voted “;no.”; We can still vote the shameless dealers and addicts out this November.

Gathering of women inspired girls

Gov. Linda Lingle, her staff and a host of volunteers presented the fifth annual International Women's Leadership Conference on Sept. 24 at the Waikiki Sheraton Hotel.

Mahalo to the generous sponsors, including American Savings Bank and the American Association of University Women who provided the opportunity for the women of Hawaii to recognize and realize their individual potential and their collective strength for community support and leadership.

More than 1,100 women, including many students, were treated to a vibrant chorus of successful women from nine nations and many, many professions.

As an educator, I am acutely aware how critically important it is to inspire leadership in young women. I was extremely gratified that so many Hawaii businesses provided scholarships for more than 100 high school and college students to attend the conference, enabling them to see the compatibility and necessity of women in leadership.

Indeed, students returned to their schools and colleges convinced that women have the power to bring change to their lives, motivated to pursue leadership positions, and empowered to view leadership in a positive light and as a tool to create a better life and a better future for their families, for Hawaii and for the world.

Thank you to the governor's team for enabling and encouraging women, especially our high school and college students, to reach for the stars.

McCain’s experience isn’t the right kind

Sometimes “;experienced”; is another word for “;exhausted.”; I believe that the proposals of the “;experienced”; Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, for solving such complex and difficult problems as the failure of major financial institutions are indeed exhausted of credibility, of plausibility and, most frighteningly, of any sense of responsibility for policies that created the crises.

An administration headed by McCain can be expected to apply his favorite strategy - deregulation - to the healthcare and insurance industries because “;experience”; shows it worked so well in banking.