It’s about time that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is being scrutinized for inappropriate spending of millions of dollars over a two-year period (“Millions Opens in a new tab improperly spent, OHA audit Opens in a new tabshows Opens in a new tab,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 14).
Moreover, some expenditures were approved without the Board of Trustees’ vote or even knowledge, according to the audit, to the tune of $14 million while actual “budgeted, vetted and monitored grants” were half that amount — $7.7 million.
This travesty is just another example of spending about which we Hawaiians have no clue. Remember OHA’s suing the University of Hawaii for “mismanagement” of the Mauna Kea summit? It used funds we Hawaiians might not have wanted to be used in this manner.
OHA’s own mismanagement is epic. Get rid of OHA’s chief executive officer, Kamana‘opono Crabbe, who ignored “do not fund” recommendations.
Also, Chairwoman Colette Machado, who, too late, is proposing new spending controls. It’s like closing the barn door after the horse has left. Because of poor leadership, she has to leave, too.
Gladys Lucas
Mililani
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City should fix bulky trash pickup system
In response to Lee Cataluna’s article on $10 bulky pickup fees, my response is no (“$10 Opens in a new tab to get rid of your fridge is a pretty good Opens in a new tabdeal Opens in a new tab,” Star-Advertiser, March 7).
It’s not a good deal and never will be. We taxpayers already pay dearly for these services. Why should we be coerced into paying more? How about instead of new fees, we do a long-term fix of the obviously flawed bulk refuse collection system?
Pouring more money into this problem is being portrayed as a solution that history has proved never works. What will happen is an increase in illegal dumping.
Our illustrious mayor only knows, it seems, that the only way to fix any problems or shortfalls in city services is to increase fees, again and again. If Caldwell gets his money, what other services will see cost increases to offset all his financial shortfalls and poor planning?
The time is now to stand up and say no to this latest round in the game of “Let’s squeeze the taxpayers!”
Maria Lopinto
Kailua
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Bulky trash fee a reasonable idea
I call Lee Cataluna a “nail hitter” and she did it again on the $10 fee for bulky pickup (“$10 Opens in a new tab to get rid of your fridge is a pretty good Opens in a new tabdeal Opens in a new tab,” Star-Advertiser, March 7).
The proposed city fee for $10 per cubic yard for curbside pickup by appointment is more than reasonable. It charges the users who dump mattresses, whole room-size furniture and appliances on the curb and want “free” pickup. Very few residences abuse or use this bulky pickup service.
A $5 monthly fee for general weekly trash pickup should be covered by our current property taxes. This is a service used by almost every residence.
Thank you, Lee. Keep up telling it like the rest of us want to express.
Marianne Au
Waialae Nui
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Illegally modified trucks a road risk
Especially when it rains, it’s a terrible situation to be behind one of those lifted “reconstructed” trucks with oversized tires that don’t even have the fender flares and mud guards, as required by law. But, it has a “reconstruction” decal.
How can this be possible? Those truck owners are akamai. They get their “reconstruction” and safety inspection first, then modify their trucks. They sure got law enforcement fooled.
These obviously illegal trucks need to be ticketed and their “reconstruction” decal confiscated. In addition to a monetary fine, a mandatory court appearance should be required (like cell phone violations).
It’s OK to modify your truck but if you’re going to drive it on a public highway, then obey the law. Drivers in front get blinded by the high-powered lights shining into their rear view mirror. Auwe!
Wesley Wilhelm
Mililani
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Teacher with gun no match for AR-15
President Donald Trump’s idea of training school teachers, then arming them with sidearms to deter these crazies from killing our children at school, is as ridiculous as only he can be.
As for former deputy sheriff Scot Peterson not entering the building when the shooting started despite being armed and trained in firearms, he made the best decision for himself, as he probably would have been the 18th victim to this madness.
Anyone who would engage in a gunfight with a handgun against someone with an AR-15 assault rifle would have very little chance of surviving the encounter.
To end the madness, stop selling assault weapons to the general public.
Patrick Furuyama
Hawaii Kai
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Teachers can learn to defend students
I am a teacher and if I was allowed to be trained and have a gun at my school, I would not hesitate for a single second to put my life on the line and use that gun to protect the lives and safety of my little students, not to mention all the students at my school.
I agree with President Donald Trump. Gun-free zones do not work. All they do is create sitting ducks. If the police can be trained to use a gun, then why can’t teachers? We are all professionals.
George Scondras
McCully-Moiliili
