After attending nearly seven hours of a public workshop hosted by Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services about Ala Pono, a planned pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the Ala Wai Canal, a few key thoughts:
>> DTS has done an outstanding job of soliciting public input.
>> Many hundreds of community members took time to share their feedback.
>> Honolulu needs a bridge for health, safety, accessibility and affordability reasons, and for essential connectivity as required by the City Charter.
>> Bridge opponents are mostly concerned about their loss of free parking, a viewshed that relies on a historic designation that has no allowance for transportation equity, and a fear of change.
Coming together to discuss the history, need and options for Honolulu to create viable transportation solutions that serve everyone, not just those who can afford to own and operate a vehicle, is a win. Let’s move forward with a future-facing bridge that unites neighborhoods and builds sustainability, as we work toward statutory requirements for zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Eduardo Hernandez
Kapiolani
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
In the spirit of this season, take a moment to count your blessings. Recent times might’ve been tough — politically, economically or otherwise — but surely there are positives.
Here’s your chance to reflect on what you appreciate. Today through Dec. 9, we’ll be accepting “Count Your Blessings” letters (150 words max) or essays (500-600 words). A collection of these will run in mid-December.
Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Bldg. 2, room 200, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), 529-4750 (fax), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter
