Maybe now's the time to think rail system

A friend asked me what I thought of the bus strike. Since I rode the bus and she didn't, she was curious of my perspective.

I told her that my first impression was that it sure seems a lot more peaceful without those monsters roaring around everywhere.

Second, I thought it was very inconsiderate and selfish of the bus drivers and their union to have stranded a quarter of a million people, many of whom rely on the bus for their livelihood and well-being.

Finally, this might be a good time to reconsider a rail system for O'ahu.

Our City Council has had three opportunities for federal funding to build a rail system here, and three times it's blown it. If I recall correctly, we once treated council members to a vacation abroad so they could evaluate rail systems in cities that are civilized enough to have them. As soon as they returned, they voted it down. Wasn't that a slap?

If the City Council is too lame to realize the need for an efficient rail system for O'ahu, particularly in the wake of the bus strike, then maybe the state government should get a handle on it. The state Legislature seems pretty akamai these days.

Pedestrians, cyclists have the right of way

In response to the Sept. 23 article "Cycling in the city": While I found the article interesting and informative, it once again draws attention away from the real danger — bad driving.

After numerous pedestrian fatalities and injuries, intoxicated pedestrians were blamed. Now with more bicycles on the road, the emphasis is on the cyclist. It's time uneducated motorists learn and obey the rules of the road. Here, I'll give you a start.

Pedestrians and cyclists in the crosswalk have the right of way. From what I've seen, this probably surprises most of the driving population. Instead of trying to make that turn before the pedestrians or cyclists can cross, wait till they are out of the crosswalk, then turn. It's a simple rule that almost never seems to be followed.

Cyclists are forced onto the sidewalks for their own safety and then given tickets, while motorists continue to force their way through the crosswalk, rev their engines at pedestrians and blindly make right turns after their light turns green.

Until motorists can obey the "rules of the road" and the rules are enforced for everyone, there will continue to be more pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.

Facts support need for Kuakini investigation

Gary Kajiwara's "puzzled" response as to "what's behind" the attorney general's investigation of the Kuakini Medical Center (Advertiser, Sept. 14) is either disingenuous or indicative of a complete denial about the root of our problems at Kuakini.

I believe, as do many of my colleagues at Kuakini, the attorney general's investigation is into Mr. Kajiwara and his administration, and not the hospital per se. Physicians and nurses have always strived to provide excellent medical care, even under difficult conditions. I believe this is still being accomplished at the Kuakini Medical Center. This, however, is due to the dedication and commitment of the staff and not to the current administration.

In my opinion, during his tenure as CEO, Mr. Kajiwara has left behind a legacy of lawsuits, ruined careers, questionable practices and failed initiatives.

As one of Kuakini Medical Center's practicing physicians, I am involved with the staff daily, and I can attest that the anger from the nurses and ancillary staff is palpable. In addition, at a recent meeting of nearly 90 of Kuakini's busiest physicians, there was an overwhelming display of no confidence in the current administration.

From what I've read, the allegations are coming from all levels within the hospital, from physicians, nurses, ancillary support staff, to former "insiders." I applaud the efforts of the attorney general and encourage him to continue his diligent investigation.