Letters to the Editor
Leeward landfill is full; is that not clear enough?
The Advertiser's Will Hoover is wrong when he writes "... and with nowhere else to stick the trash ..." concerning the need to raise the landfill height across from Ko Olina.
If we can't burn the trash or don't want to dump it into the lava, then the next best thing is to utilize the quarries that already exist to bury it. Ideally every community should have its own site to handle the trash, but because there is no movement toward this, selecting another hole in the ground must be decided now.
The Leeward landfill is full. Does anyone besides the Wai'anae Coast residents know what full means? The Windward landfill is empty. Duh!
Michael Akin
Hale'iwa
Inspect bridge before installing guardrails
In regard to the Aug. 8 story on Hanalei guardrails: Before worrying about saving locals and tourists from themselves by installing ugly guardrails, the Department of Transportation should take a close look at that 1912 Hanalei Bridge. The next flood waters that carry debris will destroy that rusted relic.
Has anyone noticed the chicken wire holding the pieces from falling onto vehicles passing under its arches? The view from a kayak under the bridge can be an eye-opener.
Carolyn D'Errico
Redington Shores, Fla.
Makakilo principal keeping kids safe
Hats off to Makakilo Elementary Principal Gary Chun. Instead of listening to bureaucrats who would risk the lives of children because of "liability concerns," Chun is brave enough to take common sense action and provide for a safer street crossing for his students.
Craig Watase
Federal money could make project a reality
Richard Castillo's letter regarding the alignment of a proposed Mamala Bay Parkway is right on. I have been quietly examining this plan and how it could be funded. With the strength of Sens. Dan Inouye and Dan Akaka in Washington to acquire federal money for projects such as these (i.e. H-3), it could be a reality. This would be a great economic boost for Hawai'i.
Add a law for one vehicle off the Islands every time any vehicle comes on, paid for by new vehicle purchasers. Eventually we would return to a more civilized commute, saving millions of dollars in wasted productive time with families and employers.
David Thompson
Waimanalo
When pool is restored, people will come
In answer to the Aug. 5 letter by Wyman B. (Tony) Kenagy, I also love volleyball but it would seem so selfish to use such a beautiful structure for sand courts. How often would they be used? Maybe once a week, if that.
Why would we need bleachers? If one would go to the sand court that is set up on Sundays at the Kapahulu groin area, one could probably count the spectators on his or her hands. After a little while, they move on. To use the Natatorium for sand volleyball would really change it to a "white elephant."
If the pool were to be restored, people would use it every day. Those who chose not to swim in it would be using the bleachers to sunbathe. The showers and bathrooms are handy. We have a hard court that is being used on Sundays and holidays.
The money for the restoration has already been appropriated. All they need is the OK from Bruce Anderson, who has been sitting on it for too long.
When the "tank" is restored, the people will come.
Manny Lopes
'Voice of the Lakers' can never be replaced
The butter's gotten hard, the jello has stopped jigglin' and the fridge light has gone out for the final time. With the passing of Chick Hearn, a magic voice has been stilled. For those of us who knew Chick either on a personal level or from his 42 years as "The Voice of the Lakers," his passing is a great loss and his shoes will never be filled. On behalf of all Lakers fans in Hawai'i, mahalo and aloha.
Charlie Doremus
Honest CEO needed to run state government
What needs fixing in Hawai'i?
- Schools and scholastic scores.
- A robust economy that can fuel growth.
There's really no magical political agenda or change that will affect either the global economy or the visitor's fear of flying. The visitors will return when the war on terror is over and when the global economy renews itself.
So how can our elected officials revive our economy? Not with political promises. We need a CEO (an honest one) running government, not politicians with personal agendas or obligations to campaign contributors.
We need term limits for all elected officials.
Hawai'i needs businessmen in government to prepare for the future economic recovery.
The main focus should be on ways to encourage spending by visitors without impacting our environment or image. (Making money without being gaudy is always difficult and the thought of more hotels is disturbing to many.)
Which candidate had the guts to mention a lottery?
How about a state-run sports betting business to regulate the existing sports gambling?
How about a state farm for global medical marijuana production?
Craig Furubayashi
Kailua
Consider a canoe race in resolving controversy
Oh, if the Kamehameha Schools controversy were like a canoe race. Members of practically every ethnic race pulling together, working together and supporting each other for a common goal. Everyone knows their place and responsibility. Individually contributing to the greater purpose.
But this race is not a perfect race and realistically we must all use our given canoes as we go forward in life, being careful not to collide with someone or take on water in the process.
Mel Valmoja"
Wahiawa
Governor's legacy one of missed opportunities
Gov. Cayetano's rants regarding Linda Lingle's plan are indicative of what we can expect more of in the future. Like his predecessor, John Waihe'e, Cayetano's legacy is one of failure and missed opportunities. The verdict is in, Ben — Hawai'i is worse off now than when you were elected and all the spin in the world will not change the obvious.
As a lifetime Democrat, it pains me to admit that the reason for Cayetano's failure is a systemic one. The Hawai'i State Democratic Party and its office holders are equally to blame.
Lee Black
Accusations on rivals have familiar ring
Although Linda Lingle has put together a new campaign pamphlet called "A New Beginning for Hawai'i," it seems that she's up to her old tricks of lobbing accusations against her opponents again, whether it be against individual opponents or entire political parties, as she has done in past campaigns.
I guess some new beginnings are just more of the same old, same old.
T. Wilson
