THERE IS NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH BILL

This is in response to David Shapiro's column (Dec. 14) titled "There's no such thing as 'manini' in ethics." As was clarified in the Pacific Business News article on which Shapiro's column was based, under House Rule 60.5, a member does not have a conflict of interest regarding legislation if the member is "part of a class of people affected by the legislation."

The legislation discussed in the PBN article does not affect only Tokyo Bento, the corporation of which I am an officer. The legislation affects many other lessees and sub-lessees. Those other lessees and sub-lessees, together with Tokyo Bento, comprise a "class" that is affected by the legislation. As indicated in the rule, when a House member is among a "class" affected by legislation, there is no conflict of interest.

On one final note, I refer your readers to the testimony and committee reports on Senate Bill 764 of the 2009 Regular Session of the Legislature (http://capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/). Those documents show that the bill serves a legitimate public purpose in support of businesses of Hawaii.

REP. CALVIN K.Y. SAY | Speaker of the House

BULKY TRASH

TOUGH NEW POLICIES ARE APPRECIATED

Recently, Mayor Mufi Hannemann came out with a stricter policy on condos and homeowners on illegally placed bulky items. I applaud that gumption.

I live not too far from Downtown in a condo, and my building is one of the better places that supports the current law. Opala Nui signs are placed in our elevators monthly to remind residents about the service. Plus, they have a designated place to store it out of sight until the night before pickup.

Now, having said that, I walked over to the Chinese Cultural Plaza last weekend and on my way, I saw unsightly items left curbside. These are the very people and buildings that this new law will target. I'm glad the mayor is trying to eliminate this unsightly glob on Oahu.

This is a beautiful island, and it is good to know that some elected officials are not afraid to make some tough policies for the betterment of the äina.

E. WONG | Honolulu

NEUTER NOW

TAXPAYERS WILL PAY MORE IF PROGRAM CUT

The Humane Society of the United States, on behalf of its more than 47,000 supporters in Hawaii, urges the Honolulu City Council's continued support of the city's Neuter Now program ("Honolulu prepares to slash funds for programs," Advertiser, Dec. 10).

Research has shown that accessible and affordable spay-neuter programs are the only way to reduce pet overpopulation and, ultimately, shelter euthanasia rates. Tens of thousands of animals enter Hawaii animal shelters every year; many are the offspring of unsterilized pets, some of whom are euthanized simply because there are not enough homes.

Furthermore, the cost to taxpayers for animal shelters to rescue, house, care for and euthanize homeless animals far exceeds the cost of providing affordable spay-neuter services under the current program. Factor in animal control and public safety issues associated with pet overpopulation and the cost-effectiveness of sterilization programs is even more evident: sterilized animals are less likely to bite or become aggressive, to roam, get loose or engage in nuisance behaviors.

The math is simple — if this program is eliminated the community will pay substantially more in the near future for the meager savings now. We urge the council to support this necessary community program.

INGA GIBSON | Hawaii director, The Humane Society of the United States

RAIL TRANSIT

SYSTEM WILL BENEFIT PUBLIC IN 3 BIG WAYS

Rail comes down to three critical issues. First, improving traffic. Second, creating jobs for local folks. Third, creating a better Oahu for our children.

If you agree with any of these three points, the decision is easy. Just sign the EIS, Gov. Lingle. It's the easiest decision you will make and one that truly benefits the public.

KEALII FLOOD | Kailua

THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR CONTINUING ERROR

I have news for Alicia Maluafiti of the Go Rail Go lobby (Letters, Dec. 7 ). Condos and hotels have blocked views in our city over the past 50 years, but that is no excuse to continue the same mistakes for the next 50 with an intrusive, view-blocking heavy-rail project.

And please don't be blaming the architects. Architects are rarely hired in time to make decisions on property selection or whether zoning regulations are maxed out, but developers, politicians and special interests do this all the time. Without architects, who bring some design esthetic and common sense into the mix, everything would be a whole lot worse.

WILLIAM KIBBY | Retired architect, Honolulu

HOMELESS

GOVERNMENT PLOTS COULD BE TENT AREAS

We've all been hearing about the attempts by our government to solve the problem of homeless persons tenting in our parks by citing and harassing them.

Perhaps there is a more effective solution. What if government officials got together and designated certain small plots of empty government-owned land around our island where homeless people would be allowed to put up their tents and live in peace? If budget permits, maybe a portable toilet and water connection could be installed.

People who tented on the site would be asked to sign a copy of the rules required to live there and could be evicted for violation of them.

If we can find land to create dog parks, surely we should be able to find places where our homeless brothers and sisters can legally put up their tents.

BOB WALKER | Honolulu

PET PEDDLERS

PUPPY SALES WRONG; SO MANY ADOPTABLE

I really think it's terrible that people sell puppies for profit when there are so many loving animals for adoption at the Humane Society.

Plus, with the amount of ferals running around the island, this sort of irresponsible action contributes to overpopulation. It's disgusting and it should be stopped.

I often see one particular car parked off the highway in Wahiawä with a sign on it advertising puppies for sale. It really bothers me that this sort of action is tolerated. What kind of person breeds puppies to sell from their car?

There should be serious repercussions for this selfish and irresponsible behavior. It's time to draw the line with puppy peddlers and do something to give homes to animals who are not fortunate enough to have a good home.

JENN DEBELLIS | Wahiawä