Some are up in arms over proposed changes to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ feral cat rules. Why should we tolerate wild felines any more than dogs?
Feral cats exist partly as a legacy of early European visitors, but mostly due to poor or absentee owners and others who feed them. They are, however, recognized as among the most harmful invasive species in the world.
Check out the Hawaii Invasive Species Council webpage to see just how environmentally damaging they are. And there is no scientific basis for feral cats controlling the rat population.
I’m not suggesting we euthanize them all — just treat them the same as dogs. Trap, spay/neuter, then adopt (not release) — just like dogs. And take responsibility for your pets (i.e., keep them on your property).
Anything else is at best misinformed sentimentality. If you’re not part of the solution …
Tracey Scott
Wahiawa
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Fix schedules for teacher education
The University of Hawaii’s effort to address the chronic shortage of public school teachers is a step in the right direction (“UH effort aims to grow pool of teachers in isles,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 19). In addition to the tuition support mentioned in the article, program managers must make it as easy as possible for candidates to attend courses.
I suggest the candidates be grouped in cohorts to simplify course scheduling. Additionally, the courses should be scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to allow candidates to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays and to carpool to classes.
Ideally, the required courses should be offered at UH-West Oahu as well as on the Manoa campus.
Tony Turbeville
Retired DOE teacher
Makiki
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Keep Waikiki out of Moiliili
It saddens me that a 22-year-old man’s life was ended a little more than a football field’s length away from where I live (“Shooting victim was Kaneohe man, 22,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 19).
What a tragic loss — my heart goes out to his family and friends.
That event, however, could have been much closer to home, if not for the 250-foot expanse of the Ala Wai Canal that separates Moiliili from Waikiki.
The shooting occurred on private property in an area people frequent after nearby bars close, police said.
I assure you, if a pedestrian bridge is built over the Ala Wai Canal, the Ala Wai Neighborhood Park at the end of University Avenue will become an area where people frequent after nearby bars close.
We don’t want to “build a wall” between us and Waikiki. We just want the Ala Wai Canal to keep Moiliili, Moiliili, and keep Waikiki, Waikiki. Please, do not build the bridge.
Raymond Trombley
Moiliili
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Can pipes handle huge new towers?
The article about London’s “fatberg” indicated that situation is also a problem in Hawaii (“Breaking up massive sewer clog will take weeks, utility says,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 14).
One wonders whether the appropriate utilities have confirmed that Honolulu’s facilities are capable of accommodating the huge residential towers being approved by elected officials. There seem to be enough water-main breaks and sewage spills. Will a fatberg be the next report?
Ronald Wong
Salt Lake
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Good programs need funding
The state has reaped the benefits of our strong tourism economy. Hundreds of millions in tax dollars stream into our coffers.
Yet worthwhile programs are being cut back or lost.
The school flu vaccination program has to reduce services due to loss of funds. Hundreds of keiki risk being sick. The Waialua Community Kitchen shut down due to a cesspool problem. Farmers use the kitchen to change crops into higher value items. It’s called sustainability. You would hope the state could find some funds to get them a septic tank system. The costs are nominal, but the benefits are priceless.
Loosen the purse strings, for crying out loud! There are programs that could use a lifeline — not bureaucracy, rules, regulations or excuses.
Robert K. Soberano
Moiliili
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Natatorium should be saved
I heard a rumor, a very pleasant one for a change, that architectural designs are being submitted for the restoration of the Waikiki Natatorium, allowing it to be self-feeding, with a clean solid bottom.
What a wonderful thing that would be. It is the only living memorial I know of. It sure beats a man riding a horse. Celebrities like Bruno Mars are throwing their weight behind it, too.
I have some of my best memories hanging out and swimming there and viewing countless sunsets. Is there truth to this rumor? Please say yes. I still love that space and Kaimana is the beach I still go to every chance I have to take a swim.
Ron Irwin
Waialae
