WAI'ANAE COAST

NEXT LANDFILL MUST BE LOCATED ELSEWHERE

In regard to Alika Campbell's letter ("Islanders can't fall victim to NIMBYism," Nov. 19), I couldn't agree more.

The Wai'anae Coast has been the dumping ground for the island's waste (legal and illegal) for as long as I can remember.

We have done and accepted more than our fair share of the island's 'opala.

The city must look at other sites (i.e., neighborhoods) for a new landfill. But from comments I've read recently from city councilmembers (Todd Apo and Gary Okino), I'd bet it's a done deal that the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill will be extended another two years, and that the next landfill will once again be located on the Wai'anae Coast.

I hope and pray that I have to eat my words someday, but I don't think so. Go figure.

MOVIE ANALOGY

SUPERFERRY OPINIONS SLOWLY BEING TURNED

What letter writer John Tyler Cragg (Nov. 20) failed to factor into his analogy between lone juror No. 8 in the movie "12 Angry Men" and the Kaua'i protesters was that the defendant in the movie was innocent.

In real life, it was the Kaua'i protesters who prejudged the Superferry guilty before it was given a chance to prove itself innocent in a court of law.

And thanks to our "lone juror No. 8," Gov. Linda Lingle, actually looking deeper and taking the time, the opinions are slowly being opened and turned in the presence of the open-minded, steadfast governor, and we find an innocent defendant acquitted in a court of law even though the protesters had once favored conviction.

GREY'S BEACH

RESTORATION PLAN A GIFT TO ISLAND COMMUNITY

The Grey's Beach restoration is a great idea and a carefully designed project. As sea level rises and beach erosion continues, access to the ocean lessens for local families, surfers and other ocean users. At high tide, more than half of Waikiki Beach is unusable, and the rest is jammed with crowds.

If we don't repair these important beaches, Waikiki will look like Kaka'ako — one long seawall.

Beaches are how we get to the ocean, and beach loss diminishes our ocean culture. We need to maintain and repair these valuable environments for our children and to protect our quality of life.

Restoring Grey's Beach is a gift.

Show me scientific evidence that this project will harm surfing and then we will have the basis for a constructive discussion. Let's approach the protection and enhancement of Waikiki Beach with our knowledge and intellect.

Fears that the project will harm surfing are pure emotion and help no one.

TRAFFIC

WEST SIDE OF O'AHU HAS SAFETY PROBLEMS TOO

East Honolulu residents have been complaining about crossing Kalaniana'ole Highway and the decrease in buses.

I have been watching the news and reading editorials talking about how dangerous the highway is and how the 'Aina Haina residents will be inconvenienced.

Have we forgotten there are elderly and people with disabilities in every neighborhood?

There are other busy highways that people using the bus have to cross. Have you forgotten about Farrington Highway?

If the reduction of service for East Honolulu will mean additional buses for us, I am all for it. Try living a day in our shoes and try standing for an hour going to town or sitting in the stairwells just to get to work everyday. Try crossing Farrington Highway at any time of day.

Sorry, East Honolulu, you don't have the only elderly, disabled and keiki.

Sorry, East Honolulu, you don't have the only busy highway that has to be crossed to get to and from the bus.

Don't forget the West Side!

DRUG TESTING

4TH AMENDMENT BARS UNREASONABLE SEARCHES

I applaud Ben Clinger's Nov. 21 pro-drug-testing letter lambasting "the ACLU's intent to destroy the fundamental principles of the country by needless and costly suits."

But, since Ben, no doubt inadvertently, forgot to mention which "fundamental principle" was being destroyed by the ACLU opposing searches without a search warrant or probable cause, I thought I'd point out the text for him: "Amendment IV: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, paper, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

However, Ben made a minor typo when he concluded, "I definitely say NO to drugs when it comes to the youth of this state." It appears he actually meant to say, "I definitely say NO to the Fourth Amendment when it comes to the youth of our state."

Fixed!

COMMUTING

THEBOAT PROVES TO BE AN AMAZING ALTERNATIVE

I have tried TheBoat, which is sponsored by the city.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride. It is very relaxing and costs the same as TheBus and takes only one hour each way. Bus passes, transfers, etc., are all welcome.

I encourage all to try it. I have already enjoyed the wonders of seeing dolphins and whales on my trips and the incredible sunsets while out at sea.

Buses are present at both ends after disembarking to provide further travel. Versus battling the headache of traffic and rush hour, this is an amazing alternative.