PUC complied with law about requests
The Public Utilities Commission is committed to transparency and public engagement.
Henry Curtis failed to convey the full extent of his document request related to the Big Wind project and the information provided to him free of charge ("Access fees are way too high," Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 14).
Mr. Curtis asked for all documents relating to Big Wind — emails, memos, notes and meeting minutes — which amounts to thousands of pages.
The commission followed the state’s open records laws and consulted the Office of Information Practices administrative rules, and estimated it would cost $8,000 in staff time and resources to fulfill his request. The commission asked for a $4,000 upfront deposit to cover these costs, as required by law; he has since not responded.
The commission did provide Mr. Curtis a list of Big Wind documents that are accessible at no cost via its website and the website of the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism. Any member of the public is free to read related filings or reports at http://dms.puc.hawaii.gov/dms/ or at http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy/publications.
The commission encourages all interested in reviewing renewable energy issues regulated by it to go to the website to learn more.
Hermina Morita
Chairwoman, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
How to write us
The Star-Advertiser welcomes letters that are crisp and to the point (~150 words). The Star-Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Please direct comments to the issues; personal attacks will not be published. Letters must be signed and include a daytime telephone number.
Letter form: Online form, click here E-mail: letters@staradvertiser.com Fax: (808) 529-4750 Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813
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East Oahu Foodland will be sorely missed
The closing of Foodland at Koko Marina to make way for a Walgreens is totally disgusting ("Foodland gives way to new drugstore," Star-Advertiser, June 14).
Foodland employs so many local people and has been a tenant at Koko Marina since it opened. What pedigree and connection to the community does Walgreens have, besides money to outbid Foodland for retail space?
I think that we should not only boycott Walgreens but also send a message to the other vendors at Koko Marina that if this can happen to an anchor tenant like Foodland, then it could happen to them.
If you think that this is at all extreme, what also needs to be said is that the former Blockbuster space, which has now been vacant for months, could easily have housed a Walgreens.
I understand the need for choices in a consumer-based economy, but it should not be at the expense of an establishment that has provided a valued service to the greater East Honolulu community for more than 40 years.
Kawika McGuire
Hawaii Kai
TSA not to blame for flying inconvenience
In response to a recent letter stating the "TSA has ruined" flying, I’d suggest that it is al-Qaida that has ruined flying for many people.
Those who complain about the screening process need to understand that there is an enemy out there that would not hesitate to use an innocent child or elderly person as an explosive device.
There is no way to battle pure evil that will not inconvenience us. Personally, I am happy when I see the Transportation Security Administration thoroughly screening passengers, and I have no problem with them inspecting my children or their toys.
Kris Schwengel
Hawaii Kai
Vendors could help pay for libraries
I grew up utilizing the library and continue to do so.
I have seen the library system greatly improve over the years. The ease of reserving books and DVDs, whether at the library or over the Internet, is wonderful.
I believe the library can be even better. Why can’t it be more like Borders or Barnes & Noble? Embrace the 21st century: Provide wireless Internet, coffee and a welcoming place to read and study.
The state could solicit bids for coffee vendors, providing a source of revenue as well as alleviating the cost to taxpayers for facility management. What better time to have this discussion than with the uncertainty of the economy and the recent closures of Borders across the islands.
The libraries, if given the right resources and necessary upgrades, could play a big role in the communities they serve.
Josh Amas
Honolulu
Idea of safe roads has long tradition
In 1797, Kamehameha I developed Mamalahoe Kanawai, "the Law of the Splintered Paddle": Everyone has the right to be safe on Hawaii’s roads.
As we use our public roads, remember to be safe so all users — pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, handicapped, motorists — can go about their lives without harm. Mamalahoe Kanawai was made part of the Hawaii Constitution in 1978. Road safety is everyone’s right.
Chad Taniguchi
Executive director,
Hawaii Bicycling League, Waialae
Abercrombie giving Hawaii a black eye
Mahalo to both Richard Borreca ("Abercrombie’s off-the-cuff style ‘part of his charm’," Star-Advertiser, On Politics, June 14) and David Shapiro ("Abercrombie should follow his own advice about dignity," Star-Advertiser, Volcanic Ash, June 15) for reiterating Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s verbal outbursts at anyone or anything he doesn’t agree with.
It is pathetic that someone with his years of public service doesn’t possess even a small measure of tact or common decency when dealing with people or issues.
It hurts not only Gov. Abercrombie’s reputation but tarnishes Hawaii’s image as well.
With APEC just around the corner, it would be in Hawaii’s best interests if a reason were found to get the governor out of the state while APEC members are visiting. Any unfortunate occurrence of his shooting from the lip could create an international incident that would ruin Hawaii’s reputation for years to come. We certainly don’t need that.
Kerry Krenzke
Honolulu
NFL just another wealthy panhandler
Gov, Neil Abercrombie was absolutely right to at least question the $4 million paid in taxpayer money to the NFL yearly.
You may recall when Ben Cayetano, in 1998, handed Donald Trump a million dollars for holding the Miss Universe contest here. The latest wealthy panhandler is the NFL.
Fans and players alike want the Pro Bowl to stay in Hawaii. I think we all appreciate the many good visitors, businesses, organizations and corporations that visit and do business here without asking for a handout to do so.
Daniel Laraway
Honolulu