Funding for TheBus seems a bit shaky

Bus services are reduced and buses are fuller than ever ("If seniors ride free, set some conditions," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Feb. 21).I agree.

The letter suggests our frustration with the reduced bus service and the fact that some of us have succumbed to these bus cuts.They were made because of escalating fuel costs, and we couldn’t manage these rising expenses?

Currently, 12 percent of the city’s general fund and highway fund tax collection goes to subsidizing TheBus/HandiVan transportation system.When the rail is completed and running, it’s estimated that 17 percent of the overall city tax collection will be required to subsidize TheBus/ rail/HandiVan transportation system.

If we can’t manage to keep all of our buses running now, how will the city manage to pay all of the bills when the rail is up and running?Higher taxes?

Think about it.

Ted Kanemori
Kaneohe

Sears at Ala Moana was a family affair

Even though the Ala Moana Sears is closing, it broke my heart to hear that the store is closing earlier than expected.

My mom, husband, my stepson, brother and myself have worked for Sears at one time in our lives, so it’s a family affair, and it was great to represent Sears, where America shops.

I’ll surely miss the Ala Moana store and the great memories it has for all of us and the people of Hawaii.

Donna M. Cadiente
Waipahu

Many issues affect houseless problem

There is growing concern about the increasing number of houselesspeople living on our streets and in our parks.

There are at least two problems: a lack of compassion for theirsituation and a misunderstanding about solutions.

Those who disagree with each other are talking past one another.We need to discuss how to:

» Effectively handle the mental health concerns; involve themental health professionals and be ready to look for funding.

» Solve the affordable housing crisis; the rising cost of housingshould not be an indicator for a strong economy since many of the middleclasswill soon be houseless, too.

» Provide safe havens for those who choose to be houseless andthose who resist the confining rules of transitional shelters;instill flexibility and self-monitoring.

» Get past the issues raised by bureaucracy, liability and theNIMBY attitude.

We even need to discuss how serious are we about finding solutions.

John Heidel
Kailua

More contractors need to speak out

I applaud Dennis Mitsunaga for his courage to go public about what has been a standard practice here in Hawaii for generations ("UH VP accused of mismanagement," Star-Advertiser, Feb. 19).

This mafia-like approach to the allocation of contracts and jobs is nothing new, yet this is one of the first times that someone has had the moxie to take a stand against what is customary.

It is sad to think that this practice has only become more pronounced in recent years, and regardless of Mitsunaga’s commendable attempts to bring this to the attention of the public, there will be no changes unless others in this industry have the courage to step up as well.

Dorothy "DC" Mist
Manoa

Cats not only ones that kill wild birds

Recent cat-killer articles were terribly biased, neglecting the fact that predatory birds, roaming dogs, snakes and other small wildanimals (such as Hawaii’s mongoose) are also culprits killing birds across the country. These kinds of articles feed the warped minds of animal haters.

Cats do keep the rodent population in check, and most domestic and local feral cats and dogs that are fed by caretakers are not all serial killers roaming the island.

Humans have mercilessly killed, hunted, poisoned and eaten birds, dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, chickens and many other animals since the beginning of time with no feelings of guilt. Who is protecting them?

The authors neglected the fact that there are billions of birds who die en masse of disease, starvation and other causes, and can also be health nuisances.

It has been part of the natural cycle for millions of years. Don’t blame one species. If so, let’s start blaming human beings first.

Bill Romerhaus
Haleiwa

Maybe AFL-CIO could buy refinery

Randy Perreira is correct that the closure of Tesoro’s refinery and the loss of more than 200 high-paying jobs will hurt our community. However, his objective that the government act to save the refinery is dangerous and based on flawed arguments.

First, Perreira concludes that the refinery is highly valuable and, therefore, Tesoro must have some devious motive for closing it.For Tesoro, it is simply about economics.

Then, Perreira cites the potential for an increase in energy costs to our economy. That, too, seems unlikely, since the apparent reason Tesoro is closing the refinery is because it cannot squeeze out higher prices for its products due to competition.

Perreira raises the risk to the state and military in having to rely on imported refined products.How is that any different than the risk we now incur in relying on imported crude oil?

I would suggest to Perreira that given his view of the refinery’s value, the Hawaii AFL-CIO consider buying the refinery.Tesoro would be all ears.

Bob Maynard
Kailua