Letters to the Editor
KONA KAI OLA
DEVELOPMENT PLAN WILL BE BURDEN ON THE LAND
Consider the new coastal-sprawl development proposed in Kona, the Kona Kai Ola (Advertiser, Dec. 27). More traffic by land, more traffic by sea — with an 800-slip marina as part of the project.
More thin petroleum sheen streaking the clearest, cleanest seas in Hawai'i. More heavy fertilizer runoff turning those seas a sickly green. "Workforce housing" to be condensed on the margins of the affluent time-shares and Xanadu hotel complex — progressive social relations in the making. And an estimated 2.6 million gallons of water per day, enough to sustain well over 10,000 normal households, each with a family of four. A lot of the water, it may be assumed, will go to irrigate the 224 acres of contrived, lush "green space" (a euphemism for golf?) that we really need on this desert coast.
How can we still seriously consider this sort of proposal? Is this a sustainable vision for Hawai'i, where people from the governor on down claim that sustainability has become one of our most urgent goals?
By building Kona Kai Ola, they will be destroying more anchialine pools, an ecosystem known in just a handful of places on our planet.
The Kona coast was once world anchialine headquarters, until resort construction since the 1970s destroyed more than a third of these little oases with their rare species of tiny shrimp.
Well, perhaps like redwoods, once in the mind of Ronald Reagan — to paraphrase: "You see one anchialine pool, you've seen them all."
Kona Kai Ola is proposed for development on state-owned land. Our state's DLNR simply should not let this development happen.
John L. CullineyHonolulu
TRANSIT
SMALL SOLUTIONS TO OUR BIG PROBLEM OF TRAFFIC
Traffic congestion is negatively affecting the quality of life for residents of Central and Leeward O'ahu. They need immediate help. It is clear that O'ahu needs to enhance the capacity and diversity of its transportation system.
Although there is yet to be seen an analysis that the pro-rail and anti-rail groups declare "objective," both sides should be able to agree that a "best practices" approach obligates us to gather the low-hanging fruit we already have.
There are many less-expensive and functional alternatives to alleviate our traffic woes. They include:
Contracted tourist buses could be used for express rush-hour service to subsidize the city bus system.
O'ahu and taxpayers of the state of Hawai'i cannot afford to ignore the low-cost, common-sense solutions available now.
State Sen. Fred HemmingsDistrict 25 (Kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo, Hawai'i Kai)
FOOTBALL
SUCCESS OF TEAM A RESULT OF ALL ITS PLAYERS
Congrats to the 2006 Hawai'i D1 champion, the Kahuku varsity football team. Unlike past Kahuku champions, this one was truly special because it was the result of a team effort.
This team had many stars, not one or two big-name individuals who carried the team. No, this group of young men did it with true team effort, starting with their new head coach, his staff and the rest of the people and parents who helped the Big Red Machine accomplish a goal.
Good job.
Jose Naka GacetaMountain View, Hawai'i
UH SPORTS
UNIVERSITY'S ATHLETES ROLE MODELS FOR ALL
I would just like to say a few words about our UH athletes, from all sports. These thoughts probably apply to all of them, but are amply demonstrated in those whose performance is outstanding and garners both public notice and various awards.
First, let me congratulate our UH athletes for their outstanding performances.
Some of them have received formal recognition in the form of awards. Others have left permanent marks in the record books. And some have missed out on the recognition they deserve, but have done the job, nonetheless.
But what strikes me most about the UH athletes is their humility and graciousness. I will name three, but these comments can be said for everyone.
Colt Brennan, Kanoe Kamana'o and Matt Lojeski put in some amazing performances which led directly to some great successes for UH. But all of them acknowledged that they play a team sport and they could not have achieved what they have done by themselves. They expressed their wish that their teammates could share in some of the recognition.
Somehow I draw great comfort that, as when this generation takes over running the country, we will all be in good hands. Thanks to all of the UH athletes and others who have made the home teams great.
James PollockKane'ohe
FIREWORKS
TAKE PRECAUTIONS FOR OUR PETS' SAFETY
As always, it is my hope that as we celebrate the New Year with fireworks, we take a moment to remember their effect on our dogs.
Each year, the humane society is inundated with reports of our best friends who have run off on New Year's Eve.
Keeping them inside, comfortable and sedated, if necessary, will save a lot of heartache should they run off because of fear. Hopefully, we've taken the time to have them microchipped "just in case." A very Happy New Year to all!
Michael TeehanHonolulu
