RAIL PETITION

WORDING OF CHARTER FOLLOWED BY CITY CLERK

There has been much ado in news coverage about the recent presentation of Stop Rail Now's initiative petition to my office.

The City Clerk's Office did not reject the petition or the signatures presented to us by Stop Rail Now.

What we did say to them was that we could not accept their petition at this time, because the petition asks for a special election for this question to be put before the voters.

Under Section 3-404.3 of the Honolulu City Charter, which deals specifically with "Initiative Special Elections," we are instructed that "No special initiative election shall be held if an election is scheduled within 180 days of submission of the proposal."

We consider that a prohibition against my acceptance or processing of a request for a special election during this period of time.

While we respect the intent of the signers of the petition to have a voice in the decision regarding O'ahu's transit system, we are confined by the wording of the Charter and responded accordingly.

RAIL DEBATE

VOTERS NEED TO HAVE MORE INFORMATION

Am I the only one missing something in the rail debate?

If there is to be a vote — and there should be, given the impact and cost — I believe that the public has not been given critical information necessary to make an informed decision.

To vote intelligently, people need to know how rail can actually get them and others out of their cars. This will depend primarily on expected fares vs. current costs, and acceptable schedules and travel times.

Lacking this information, people will vote solely on the high costs versus unclear benefits.

DON'T REALIZE PROBLEM UNTIL YOU LIVE IT DAILY

As a longtime Windward resident and now a new Leeward commuter, I found myself at a standstill, and in unfamiliar territory.

O'ahu residents are no strangers to traffic, and the streets are getting more congested by the minute. We have to do something now, while we can.

The rail is estimated at $4 billion; just imagine the cost in the future.

The future of the economy in Hawai'i is unpredictable, however we all know the cost of oil will increase; we are feeling this already.

Rail is the next best option for mass transportation for the island.

Let's not forget the H-3. How many people were against that project but use it today?

How about Superferry traveling only to and from Maui? Who wants to travel on it now, since we lost Aloha Airlines?

The bottom line is we all have a voice, let's get this issue on any ballot, no matter when, and let all the voices be heard.

Against the rail system? Come sit alongside the many other drivers and myself in the daily congestion. You don't realize it until you're a part of it.

CITIZEN ASSIST

HARDEN THANKED FOR HER QUICK THINKING

Hawai'i is truly blessed to have citizens like Theresa Harden from Kane'ohe, who witnessed a carjacking and kidnapping in Kailua and promptly called the police. Her logical thinking and quick action may be what saved the kidnapped woman's life.

This act of courage on Theresa's part is something we should all be grateful for. She put herself in danger to combat a crime, and also fought for the safety of the woman in the car. Even after the thief realized Theresa was following him, she remained calm and was provided vital information to the police dispatcher.

Outstanding individuals like Theresa Harden deserve to be recognized. It's is a rough world out there, but it only takes a single act of bravery to help keep the people of Hawai'i safe.

Thank you, Theresa, from the bottom of our hearts.

FAMILY FESTIVAL

MORE RIDE WRISTBAND HOURS THAN EVER BEFORE

In response to Dennis Morioka's letter (Aug. 7), because the Honolulu Family Festival at Magic Island has been extended to two weekends this year, there are more wristband-use hours available to families than ever before: