BOUND FOR ALASKA

KOLEA FANS GEAR UP FOR BIRDS' YEARLY DEPARTURE

It is already nearing the end of April and the kolea (Pacific golden plovers) will be leaving soon on their annual migration to Alaska.

Our Deedee, who has been our backyard family member for three years, has been getting ready for her trip by bulking up on earthworms and mealworms and other delicious bugs.

We will miss her, but we are anxiously waiting for her to return to us in August.

IMPROVEMENTS

MAHALO FOR CHANGES ON KAPA'A QUARRY ROAD

I would like to give a huge mahalo to the city Department of Transportation Services, Mayor Mufi Hannemann and especially to Ann Chung, director of economic development for the city.

While venting my frustration of the dangers of Kapa'a Quarry Road, Ann Chung, the mayor's office and the city Department of Transportation Services all listened.

Thanks to all of them, there are now reflectors down the middle of the road so you can actually see what side of the road you are on in the middle of the night. There are now signs warning there is a dip in the road with reflectors, and they have also put up large arrow reflectors to warn you of the upcoming turn.

With all these improvements, they have made the road much safer. Hopefully, with a few more improvements, we can keep the road accident free. Once again, thank you for a job well done.

INTERISLAND TRAVEL

BLIMPS OF 1930S OFFER PROMISE FOR TODAY

So, it looks like our airlines and ferry boats have historically gone through turbulent air and rough seas, and the tradition continues.

But sometimes the tweaking of history's best lessons can offer quality solutions for the future.

Remember the passenger blimps of the 1930s? They often transported up to 50 people across the Atlantic Ocean. Even though the Hindenburg caught on fire as it was landing, today's newer technology could re-invent the blimp to sail the skies safely once again — the Hawai'i skies.

With quickly rising oil prices, a propeller or jet propulsion blimp could fly encased with backup solar-powered panels to help save fuel on sunny days. Passengers could move it faster by pedaling their feet for extra power while they enjoy ocean scenery below. Trade winds and jet streams could be utilized to save on fuel by releasing kites or sails to pull it along.

If counties such as Kaua'i don't want it landing on their soil, then adventurous travelers could strap up and parachute down behind enemy lines to any destination.

Yes, it's about time to bring back the blimp. It is our last resort to help people sneak into their favorite resort.

TRANSIT

PEOPLE ARE THE ONES WHO SHOULD DECIDE RAIL

The question now is what is the best way to stop rail.

Rail would have a small effect on traffic and would cost huge amounts of money to build and maintain. Rail would be a huge additional tax burden on all of us, whether we use rail or not. This tax burden would continue year after year, ruining our future here on O'ahu.

There are better alternatives to solve traffic. Taking uninsured motorists off the road would do wonders. And new toll roads would solve the problem at little cost to the taxpayer.

Expert opinion is that rail would help by 6 percent, but toll roads by 31 percent. Which to choose? Well, duh!

The mayor threatens to veto what the City Council does, and there appears no way to stop rail by using the City Council.

The City Council just doesn't get it. And won't. Lawsuits could delay rail. And a referendum could stop rail. I applaud Stop Rail Now for the effort to let the people decide.

The people are threatened by huge tax increases to pay for rail. We — the people — should decide.

PUBLIC MUST PROTEST DESTRUCTION OF ISLAND

Why isn't there a massive public protest and outrage at the atrocious huge eyesore that Mayor Mufi Hannemann's new overhead rail plan will create on our little island?

We are not Chicago, or San Francisco or New York City.

And why isn't there a massive protest against the military plans for further destructive use of our little island? Where are our representatives at all levels? Why are they not being more watchful and stalwart stewards of our battered, overbuilt, over-used, overcrowded island?

We must all speak out to save O'ahu.

RAIL ISSUE DEFINITELY WORTH A PUBLIC VOTE

I don't agree with your opinion that the rail system is not an issue for the public to vote on.

The concern here is not just the cost or efficiency comparison of steel-on-steel rail to other transportation systems. For me, the issue is blight. Can you visualize an elevated rail system going down Nimitz Highway totally blocking off the view of our harbor? Do we really want massive concrete to replace the ocean/harbor view? Not me.

San Francisco is a classic example of building an ugly concrete freeway along their harbor and having to tear it down years later. The renewed downtown San Francisco waterfront is now a beautiful sight with a street-level rail system that does not intrude on the beauty of the bay.

Our City Council and mayor have chosen to build an ugly, elevated concrete structure instead of protecting and investing in the amazing beauty of the Islands.

I suggest that all of you take a walk along Nimitz where the elevated concrete thing is going to be and imagine the difference. If you like that vision then living in Los Angeles would be your paradise.

So, is this issue worth a public vote? Damn right it is.

HONOLULU CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO HAVE RAIL SYSTEM

I support the rail project 100 percent.There are a handful of vocal rail opponents whose arguments are as follows;