PROJECT OFFERS VISION IN DIFFICULT ECONOMY

We continue to see letters from people trying to stop rail. These extremists use fear to plant the seeds of doubt. But "vision is the art of seeing what's invisible to others."

Mayor Hannemann and our City Council members, like President Obama and former President Roosevelt, recognize that in the face of an economic crisis — one that we have not seen since the Great Depression — we need to invest in our country's future and in the future of our island. During the Great Depression, Roosevelt introduced a number of major changes in the structure of the American economy, such as massive public-works projects, to promote a recovery.

Today, the American Recovery and Revitalization Act invests $150 billion in new infrastructure and enacts the largest increase in funding of our nation's roads, bridges, and mass-transit systems since the creation of the national highway system in the 1950s.

The act will lay the foundation for a robust and sustainable 21st-century economy. And that is what O'ahu's rail transit system offers to the people of O'ahu, as well as our state. But you need to have the vision.

Alicia Maluafiti | Go Rail Go

PARKING FEES

RAISE SHOULDN'T BE AT JUST KAPI'OLANI PARK

Forget increasing the parking fees exclusively at Kapi'olani Park. Put parking meters in every single park in the city! Why should Kapi'olani Park users be discriminated against and shoulder the burden while Ala Moana park users park for free? We can all share the expense of 25 cents/hour instead of increasing fees in one place. This seems a democratic way to do it.

Barbara Z. Cook | Honolulu

YOUNG BROTHERS

SHAME ON PUC FOR AIDING MONOPOLY

Why would the Public Utilities Commission grant a company who sees competition on the horizon the right to intervene as the competition files its application? Is this not a conflict of interest? Is Young Brothers so inept in providing excellent service that they attempt to prevent any competition? In retrospect, Young Brothers has had virtually no competition for well over a century since its founding in 1900.

Young Brothers says Pasha's entry would create an "unlevel playing field."

I am really baffled and can't understand the comment when Young Brothers has been the entire field for so long. I suppose that for Young Brothers, a "level playing field" would be one where only they can play whatever "games" they want.

Our local chatter is often about the lack of more diverse industries, our children unable to come home because of the lack of adequate jobs, etc.

Our elected representatives have done little to encourage business opportunities or the development of industries.

I have deep concerns with the action of the PUC and hope that others would join me in calling for accountability, clarification and an explanation.

Caroline Kim | Honolulu

ISLAM DAY

SLOM WRONG TO TIE ISLAM TO TERRORISM

I can't help but wonder if Sen. Slom would consider Father Damien Day a rush to Damienize us, Makahiki Day a rush to revelry, or Kupuna Day a rush to age us. All these days, and more, are observed in Hawai'i by state laws.

By linking terrorism and Islam, Sen. Slom ignores the fact that radicalism exists in all religions, including Christianity (witness Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, who was involved with the Christian terrorist group Christian Identity.)

Terrorism no more represents Islam than it does any other of the world's great religions. Exploiting the fear of the other on this fragile planet we share does real disservice to us all.

Elizabeth Winternitz-Russell | Honolulu

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

TOURISM WOULD SEE NEGATIVE IMPACTS

Hannah Miyamoto's argument (Letters, June 8) that same-sex marriage recognition would just add to Hawai'i's tourism numbers simplistically ignores the downside. Hawai'i's principal target audience for travel is the traditional family unit.

Having lived in the Islands prior to statehood, and having participated in many organizations devoted to enhancing Hawai'i's visitor image, it should be noted that our tourism industry enjoys a special image developed over many decades that is unique in all the world.

Any departure from that carefully crafted image will result in serious negative economic consequences.

Jack Hoag | Honolulu

BELLOWS BEACH

PEOPLE WHO TRASH GROUNDS TO BLAME

I am really tired hearing local people moan about their rights at Bellows. I believe many of them know the "ainokea" people who drive on the beach and trash the grounds.

Confront those people before complaining about the military. Look at what happened at Barbers Point when the Navy pulled out and the public moved in.

Robin Ching | Kapolei

BUDGET

CUTTING UNION DUES WOULD AID MEMBERS

I was a former union member when I worked for the state. Every payday, the union took a sizeable chunk of money out of my paycheck. If the union was serious about helping their members during this economic downturn, it would cut in half the union dues it takes from workers' paychecks. This will put immediate additional money into the pocket of workers to help meet expenses, save, or spend as they need.

Additionally, instead of giving money to politicians, unions should maintain an assistance fund to help out union members in need or donate the money instead to local food banks. Better to feed people real food than vocal sound bites.

Tom Klewin | Mililani

DOLLAR THEATER

CLOSURE A SAD LOSS FOR COMMUNITY

What a shame! After losing the Hawaii Superferry and TheBoat at the end of this month, now the theaters at Restaurant Row are closing. At $1 it was a place people on limited incomes could see some pretty darn good movies. It is clean and well run. This is a sad loss to families and to the community.

Nancy Bey Little | Makiki