Debate time is over: Build rail

A lot of recent discussion has been about how rail will provide many jobs and help our economy, and I'm all for that. But let's not lose sight of why we need rail: our traffic problem.

For someone who commutes from Central Oahu, we desperately need some traffic relief. I, for one, am tired of spending three hours of my day heading to town for work and back home.

It's become more than just about traffic, but about spending less time with family as our traffic worsens each year.

So let's stop this ongoing debate about rail and get on with building it already.

Rod Tam getting off way too easy

After reading the article regarding City Councilman Rod Tam's “;sloppy record keeping and faulty math,”; I was taken aback at the lack of punishment given someone who knew what he was doing.

Mr. Tam agreed to pay back $11,700 in restitution and a $2,000 civil fine; however, he spent more than $22,000. Where is the remaining $8,300?

And on top of that, the Ethics Commission gives Mr. Tam three years to pay back the $13,700, interest free?

And we're hurting for dollars in this state?

Where can I get an interest-free loan?

Chinatown here is one of the best

There are Chinatowns everywhere, but only a few are outstanding ones.

Author Bonnie Tsui in her book “;American Chinatown”; lists Honolulu's in the top five.

The author finds that our Chinatown is emerging and blossoming in the 21st century. She credits the new entrepreneurs and the hodgepodge of new immigrants. This new Chinatown didn't just happen.

The city plans to build a big permanent homeless housing project on River Street. The news media has exacerbated the tension by making this a “;not in my neighborhood”; turf war. Many of us who have staked our livelihoods and live in Chinatown believe the project will greatly hurt our efforts to build a still greater Chinatown.

Let's dream! The new Chinatown can build on the potential beauty of River Street. Developer Chris Hemmeter once unveiled a plan that made the river a focal point for the revitalization of the city.

We can build the greatest Chinatown in the world because there is no place that can match Hawaii's diversity.

We need a master plan for a new Chinatown that will give us pride and hope for the future.

The river is magical.

Health reform delay is deadly

I was stunned by Richard Webster's letter imploring U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono to vote against health care reform (”;Please vote 'no' on health reform,”; Star-Bulletin, March 16). According to a recent Harvard University study, 44,600 Americans die prematurely each year for lack of adequate health insurance. They are sent to early graves for the crime of being unable to afford health insurance.

This is more than a 9/11 each and every month.

If Mr. Webster and those who agree with him succeed, this shameful situation will continue indefinitely.

I implore Rep. Hirono to vote yes, and save these people.