We have become accustomed to the yearly Chinese New Year parade, but unfortunately this year it was canceled (“Chinatown celebrations canceled,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 8). Costs were too high for the vendors. The community understands that, but accepting the cancellation is hard. This longstanding tradition is a pillar of the Chinese New Year celebration.
Since we now know the costs, it would be great to start preparing, not only for next year, but for the next event. If we as a community came together and contributed as needed, and helped collect more donations to cover costs, we could ensure that such events are able to thrive in the future.
Let’s not let the rising costs burden our cultural arts and entertainment. These events are vital to carry on the traditions for future generations. I was glad to hear that the Chinese Chamber of Commerce was still holding its annual celebration at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza.
James Logue
Chinatown
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Biki bicycles fit Chinatown well
I was glad to learn that the City Council appropriately rejected legislation to remove Biki bicycle stations from Chinatown.
That area of our city is the premier location where bike-sharing is most appropriate, with its narrow streets to keep traffic slow and safe for bicyclists, high-density mixed-use living, lack of parking and flat topography.
Business owners need to start understanding that having Biki in your neighborhood is a huge asset, draws more business and reduces noise, air pollution and traffic. I ride Biki everywhere and more and more find myself patronizing businesses near Biki stations.
Jeff Merz
Waikiki
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Sanctuary houses, not sanctuary state
Those activists urging our legislators to make Hawaii a sanctuary state need to step up and take ownership of their suggestion (“Lawmakers advance ‘sanctuary’ bill akin to California,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 8).
They need to open their homes to house, feed and take care of the people here illegally who are drawn to the state by such a program. They certainly have no right to force the rest of the citizens of this state to pay for the outcomes of their proposal should it become a reality.
The good people of Hawaii are mostly working one or two jobs to try and make ends meet. They need help with infrastructure, housing and the high cost of living here. They do not need another slice of their income funding an unnecessary program, or the loss of federal funds and programs because the state refuses to cooperate with the federal government. State legislators: Are you listening?
Frank Lutz
McCully-Moiliili
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Support Ho‘okipa for immigrants to isles
Peter Lee incorrectly states that Senate Bill 2290 and House Bill 1994 would make Hawaii in violation of federal law (“Hawaii should not be a sanctuary state,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Feb. 6).
Immigration is a federal function. The federal government does not provide states with funding for immigration enforcement. When local law enforcement acts like agents of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), Hawaii taxpayers pay twice: once to the federal government and secondly to the state government.
This is yet another reason to support Hawaii becoming a Ho‘okipa (or sanctuary) state and to pass SB 2290 and HB 1994.
Nandita Sharma
Kaneohe
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Don’t erode trust of undocumented
I am writing in response to Peter Lee (“Hawaii should not be a sanctuary state,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Feb. 6).
I argue the contrary.
First, the crime rate of undocumented immigrants is 44 percent below that of native-born U.S. citizens. Second, trust between community members and law enforcement is tantamount to communal safety.
The escalating threat of deportation makes us all less safe because undocumented immigrants are made more reluctant to report crimes or suspected crimes, more reluctant to come forth as witnesses to crimes.
I strongly support Senate Bill 2290 and House Bill 1994, and Hawaii becoming a sanctuary state.
Gaye Chan
Kaneohe
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Enforce laws against illegal bike-riding
On the evening news there was a story about a lady who had her purse snatched by a bicyclist during daylight on the sidewalk near King and Keeaumoku streets.
This was very near the bicycle lane, but he was riding on the sidewalk. I live and work in the Pawaa business district. I have seen so many bicyclists riding on the sidewalk and speeding through the intersections, causing near misses for drivers who make right turns.
When I walk to work, I encounter bicyclists on the sidewalk who speed up as they pass me without warning.
For senior citizen walkers this must be so scary. And now the women in our neighborhood must worry about purse-snatching bicyclists who ride on the sidewalk.
Can our community get better enforcement of the law with regard to these issues?
Stuart Ueda
Pawaa
