Oswald Stender says he has reviewed and approves of the plans of the James Wong family to develop an expansive attraction at Paradise Park, deep in the residential neighborhood of Manoa Valley (“Vision for Paradise Park deserves public support,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Aug. 31).

However, the problem is its planned location.

The only access to Paradise Park is a short, narrow and winding road. The road is bordered by a number of modest homes that bear the brunt of the traffic.

It is also the only access road to Manoa Falls (estimated 500 visitors a day) and to the Lyon Arboretum.

What would added traffic be like?

Paradise Park is in a lovely rainforest setting but hardly suitable for a major endeavor as planned. We need to preserve the residential quality of the valley.

There are other places to demonstrate the land division ahupua‘a, other places to demonstrate hula, Hawaiian culture and many gardens that feature Hawaiian plants.

Hawaii’s natural beauty is its greatest resource. We need to appreciate and preserve communities as well or we will surely be killing the goose that lays the golden egg.

Marian Leong

Manoa

Mayoral candidates were disingenuous

I am disappointed in both mayoral candidates and their election posturing over rail.

Both know, or should have known, that we can’t just stop the rail at Middle Street.

Voters voted to run the rail to Ala Moana Center (at least), the federal government funded it to Ala Moana and the environment review analyzed ridership and impacts to Ala Moana.

Any truncating of the route is counter to the voter mandate, would violate federal funding requirements and trigger a new comprehensive multi-year environmental review starting from scratch, and invite breach-of-contract lawsuits from contractors.

This was a no-brainer, and to imply any other alternatives are possible is disingenuous.

Jeff Merz

Waikiki

‘Tear it down’ also an option for rail

First, we asked for it, put it on the ballot and it’s not like we were not forewarned.

The solution to the rail transit funding shortfall is right there out in front of God and everybody.

First, extend the general excise tax surcharge in perpetuity, if you want to complete, subsidize, maintain and secure the project.

Second, the state needs to return the fee it has been charging for collecting the surcharge and stop charging it.

Federal money is always nice, and private investment may help in the short run.

Of course, there’s another option. It’s called, “Tear it down and just take our losses.”

Kerry Lewis

Mapunapuna

U.S. needs leader who is inclusive

Rhoads Stevens proclaimed Donald Trump to be no bigot, but rather a “proud American” arrayed against criminals, terrorists and other despicable people (“Trump’s hatred is well-placed,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 31).

How then, does Stevens explain the multitude of attacks Trump has made on Muslims, advocating that they be barred from the country and even spreading the false story that they cheered on the streets of New Jersey when the 9/11 attacks occurred?

What about Trump’s relentless demand that walls be built all along the U.S.-Mexican border to keep out the people he refers to as Mexican “rapists?”

When a judge was selected to examine the screwy financial dealings of the so-called “Trump University,” why was Trump’s knee-jerk reaction to attack him because of his “Mexican” ancestry?

No. Trump is a first-class hater and bigot and he’s poisoning the racial environment in the United States.

What America needs today is leadership whose priority is inclusivity and bringing us together.

Noel Kent

Manoa

Take action now on Aiea encampment

There are two people living under the freeway on Kaahele Street in Aiea, next to the Newtown driving range.

They have been there for a few months now and trash is beginning to accumulate.

The area is on the west side of Kaahele Street inside of a fenced area.

I called the police department, but the officer offered no solution and apparently didn’t fully understand the laws that would apply.

What exactly are our options and laws governing this situation?

I strongly believe action must be taken now before this area develops into a fully established community.

Morris Arakawa

Aiea

Spend ‘surplus’ on long-neglected areas

Hooray, and job well done by Gov. David Ige, for saving taxpayers $1 billion (“State ends fiscal year with record $1 billion surplus,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 24).

This is not “surplus” money.

The money now needs to be properly reallocated into the many areas long neglected by the state:

>> Pay down the state’s unfunded liabilities.

>> Repair our aging schools, including University of Hawaii facilities.

>> Give most of the 10 percent skim from the general excise tax surcharge back to Oahu’s transit system where it rightfully belongs.

>> Create long-term affordable housing.

>> Fund and hold accountable the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and those responsible to protect our aina and oceans.

Don’t waste these funds by sending taxpayers token refunds.

It is not surplus.

Chris Nakamatsu

Kailua