Not everyone likes suburbs

Eleanor Nordyke opines about the imminent threat posed by population growth ("Too many people," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 2).

In the same edition, Edward Gutteling complains about increasing density in Honolulu ("From Honolulu to Hong Kong," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 2).

So what is it going to be, folks? Prohibit anyone else from moving to Hawaii or permit increased density, infill, transportation options besides freeways and cars, and walkable, sustainable communities?

For Mr. Gutteling’s edification, the latter types of developments are not being "forced" on anyone via social engineering. Developers are building exactly what today’s homebuyers are demanding: urban, dense, walkable communities, close to transit, shopping, and free from car culture.

In fact, denser, in-town developments are the only ones holding their values while suburban sprawl across the country is suffering disinvestment, abandonment, increasing crime and decreasing values. The presumption that all Americans seek to live in sprawled-out, car-centric suburbs is offensive to those of us who live in urban, dense walkable communities, by choice.

Jeff Merz
Waikiki

High-rises killed Oahu’s beauty

I’ve surfed in town for 30 years. Many years ago I was able to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view from Manoa Valley to the Kamehameha campus. It was breathtaking. Today, all I see is concrete. I assume the view is likewise the other way. Now they want to take away the skyline by building upwards of 650 feet in Kakaako. There goes the real beauty of Hawaii.

Brian Tengan
Hawaii Kai

Tam prosecutors did their job well

What an embarrassment to our criminal justice system. Part-time Judge Randal Shintani should never be given full-time status. His lack of courage in sentencing Rod Tam to what he deserves is unforgivable.

As a college instructor of criminal justice, how do I explain to my students that the law is fair and unbiased, that everyone is treated equally under the law?

I hope Deputy Attorney General Lori Wada and the investigators who worked many hours to put this case together won’t be discouraged. It was a job well done.

Morris DeRego
Waipahu

Tax Foundation groups different

We would like to make clear that the Tax Foundation referenced in the Letters to the Editor section ("Tax Foundation report is biased," Star-Advertiser, Letters, Oct. 31) is not, and is in no way affiliated with, the Tax Foundation of Hawaii.

The Tax Foundation of Hawaii does not endorse the views expressed by this unrelated organization. We are focused solely on promoting sound tax and fiscal policies through education and public testimony, and depend upon the support of our members and the public to do so.

Michael O’Malley
Tax Foundation of Hawaii