Letters to the Editor

DFS shouldn't have been given concessions

That DFS got $15 million in rent concessions from the state is inexcusable.

DFS is now owned by Louis Vuitton, a French conglomerate that is making millions of dollars in a depressed economy with a trademark that is protected by the U.S. government from counterfeit merchandise. DFS Hawaii has, in the past, been very generous to the Hawai'i community but it now needs to share in the pain that all Hawai'i businesses have felt in the last 24 months rather than having the taxpayers absorb its temporary losses in the Hawai'i market.

Shame on the state officials who let them out of their contractual obligations.

'Whale Rider' shows us the way against ice

They came out by the hundreds for "Bring out the Sun and Melt the Ice," and the same numbers of community supporters from the Wai'anae Coast and the Friends of Lucy Gay came out to watch "Whale Rider" at Kapolei Theaters. A generous invitation by Councilman Mike Gabbard with free buttered popcorn and drink included.

A heartwarming movie that reminds us never to forget our ancestors and culture, it is dedicated to those who have gone before us. It is through birth that our obligation and commitment begins, to do what is right and what is expected of us by our ancestors, which is to uphold our family unit and values with knowledge, courage, strength and leadership. No matter if you are a wahine or kane.

What was significant in the movie was that the rope, each fiber and strand closely woven together as one, represents the making of a solid family and community. "With all of our strength pulling together and going forward," we can beat the ice epidemic and any other adversities.

Remember those who have gone before us. We must not let them down, but face every day as brave (koa) and smart (akamai) descendants.

How does agriculture fare on water use?

Your article on our water shortage reminds me of the high public awareness and concern for water conservation during a drought in California. Everyone was asked to place a brick in their toilet to save water on each flush. Watering lawns and washing cars was prohibited, and people were encouraged to take fewer showers.

Then the news broke that 85 percent of water consumption was agricultural. In other words, not flushing had virtually no impact on surviving the drought.

It would be interesting to learn how residential usage compares with agricultural, manufacturing and other needs in Hawai'i. We must be honest about how water is used and its cost. Then we should develop — and actually execute — a plan to meet these needs.

A good article on practical solutions for water management can be read on the Internet at http://www.libertyhaven.com/politicsandcurrentevents
/environmentalismorconservation/californiasmanmade.html.

Pedestrians should have safer sidewalks

Roads can be very dangerous, especially for children.

On residential streets, the speed should be 10 mph at the highest because people cannot see children when they are driving too fast.

If drivers all went slower, it would be easier to see other people.

Slower is not always better because on the highway or freeway, drivers might have to go somewhere or be at something — that's why people should have big enough sidewalks with railing and doors one mile apart all over the highways and freeways for people to walk on.

New corner ramps are being destroyed

Construction crews are busy on Makiki Street breaking up and destroying new corner concrete ramps that were built at a cost of thousands of dollars just a few months ago. Crews worked for two weeks to build the new corner curbs and ramps, and it appeared that it was in preparation for the building of sidewalks.

The new concrete ramps weren't even dirty yet, and here comes another crew to destroy and remove them.

It looks like a waste of thousands of dollars of public funds, perhaps a "make work" project.

Different views on pot

Lee Cataluna's July 22 column on marijuana read more like a review of a '60s Cheech and Chong movie than a reasoned argument. This is particularly ironic in that the major television stations during the same week reported on a major scientific study that found no cognitive loss among long-term pot users.