Letters to the Editor

'Ewa overdevelopment threatens water use

With the overdevelopment of the 'Ewa Plains, it was only a matter of time before there would be a concern about water consumption.

The 'Ewa Plains are the hottest and driest area in the state. While Central O'ahu was experiencing heavy rains and minor flooding this past week, 'Ewa Beach had a few drops of rain that kicked up the dust a little and evaporated the moment they hit the ground. I was watering my yard as I was listening to reports of flood watches and warnings for other parts of the island.

And as developers lobby to build more homes on the 'Ewa Plains, water consumption will rise (along with electrical use because, as newcomers quickly learn, air conditioners are a must if you live out here).

If the Board of Water Supply is considering rationing water usage, there should be a moratorium placed on any new development in this area, and maybe different water rates for those who live in dry areas versus those who live in wet areas.

Finally, why is it that the leaders of this state don't heed the concerns of citizens in relation to the overdevelopment of the 'Ewa Plains?

You can visit Japan and get money's worth

Thank you very much for the June 1 commentary "Japanese senses of order, beauty survive even hard times," by Richard Halloran.

His observation of Japan is the reality. As he says, "Service in hotels and restaurants and grocery stores is unfailingly courteous." That is the real thing. They are not only courteous, they are honest. The many things left at the hotels, such as dentures (no kidding), wallets, jackets and other items, have been returned to the owners. They take care of their customers.

He emphasized the exactness of the train schedule. It is an awesome experience. Before you can get your camera ready, the bullet train is out of sight. Swish! Then, for the first time, you ride a bullet train and get that really fast sensation.

He also mentions about the family car. May I add that it is seldom you find a dented family car. There are no "chaka laka" cars on the road. Not only the family car is given such care. The tour buses in Japan are always immaculate.

Mr. Halloran cautions, "For the visiting American, Japan still seems painfully expensive." However, you can travel to Japan on a reputable tour and actually get your money's worth. Join a tour from Hawai'i. You will find that you are getting a bargain. Just talk to someone who was on a recent tour.

Please visit Japan and witness the truism of Mr. Halloran's article.

What civil-rights abuses and threats?

I've never read one of John Griffin's commentaries I didn't agree with. At least until now.

In his June 8 column, "State's political tide can turn again," he states, "Mix in our war on terror, which has produced both some arrests and many domestic civil-rights abuses and threats." I strongly object to his use of "glittering generalities." What "civil-rights abuses and threats" can he specifically identify against American citizens in good standing? If he is really talking about foreign citizens in our country illegally, what civil rights are they fully entitled to?

Come on, John, tell us what you really mean.

Gen. Shinseki stood tall against his critics

An army of one is how Gen. Eric Shinseki stood when he made his courageous statement to a House subcommittee on his opinion of how many more troops it would take to effectively maintain a fighting force in the Iraq War. Not only was he lambasted by the defense secretary, but his upper chain of command sided against him in favor of the political right.

After 30 years of dedicated service to his country, not even his word, as controversial as it may have sounded, was given the respect it deserves. I wish Gen. Shinseki the best in his future endeavors, and hopefully he will receive the support he deserves.

On-ramp traffic light would ease congestion

Regarding Tim Jenkins' June 12 letter on the traffic situation: I could not agree with him more.

I would like to add a suggestion, though. Since people have so much trouble with the concept of merging, perhaps the state should implement a light to ease merging. During peak traffic hours, a light at the on-ramp would allow one car in at a time to enter the freeway, changing between red and green every few seconds. This is commonplace in the Seattle area, where I am from, and helps a great deal with congestion.

I think this solution would be more practical than attempting to build more roads on O'ahu.

Sunset on the Beach shouldn't be canceled

Dear members of the City Council,

We are part-time residents of Honolulu, having owned a condo in the Waikiki area for 23 years. We wish to thank Mayor Harris and the City Council for improvements in the Waikiki area, and we gladly paid additional taxes toward this.

Sunset on the Beach has been a huge success. Look at the number of locals and tourists who come to it and contribute money to the economy.

We rent our condo for a good part of the year. Each and every guest who stays there comments favorably on Sunset on the Beach and tells others who are considering going to Hawai'i about this event. We sincerely hope the council does not cancel this. When you have a winner, you should continue with it and even think of ways to improve it, such as has been done with Brunch on the Beach.

We and many others hope that this will stay as a year-round venue and look forward to our return to our second home in your wonderful state.

City Council was right to pass scooter ban

I think the City Council did the right thing in banning skateboards with motors from the city streets. I would also ban the bikes and the regular skateboards, as well as the skate shoes. All are designed to allow people to go fast. Well, sidewalks are made for walking.

I don't think it has anything to do with being a fussbudget, as columnist David Shapiro wrote June 11. I think it's a safety issue, plain and simple. Some of the people riding the scooters do not care.

As a middle-aged active person, what I fear most is injury. I do not want to be run into by anyone or anything. There are a lot of older citizens who, if injured, would lose their mobility, their freedom and perhaps their quality of life because someone ran into them.

As for the council picking on keiki: It also picks on the homeless and Native Hawaiians.

Price of gasoline in Islands appalling

I'm just back from a business trip that took me to four islands, and I was appalled at the price of gasoline. To pay $2.31 a gallon for gasoline when the average price in America is about $1.50 makes me wonder why our governor isn't doing something about it.

How long do we have to pay these prices before all the new oil we control from New Iraq brings our prices into line with the other Americans?