U.S. visa system very unfriendly

Monday’s editorial was on target ("U.S. visa policy hinders tourism," Star-Advertiser, Our View, Jan. 2).

I was conversing this New Year’s weekend with a Hong Kong tourist who was quite uncomplimentary about the U.S. system for obtaining visas. Apparently the online visa application requires knowledge of all kinds of things that, if you don’t have it instantly at hand, cuts you off and requires re-entering the system.

The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. And issuing of the visa took three weeks (which I thought was rather speedy given the usual U.S. government slowness).

All in all, he said he would not be interested in returning to the U.S. because of the difficulties involved. This person is the kind of tourist we should be courting because he apparently has the funds to do a lot of traveling, and it is a shame that our system is such a barrier.

Richard Criley
Makiki

Cut strict rules on food trucks

It would seem the Honolulu Police Department is trying to halt vitality and progress.

Its recent activity in issuing warnings and citations to the food trucks that have been innovative in Honolulu, bringing varied menus in short periods of parking at lunch hour, seems purposed to discourage small business growth and exercise undue authority.

Any patron of any of the trucks can attest to the excellence of the choices of food and good spirit of the vendors. No crimes or unsavory activities are associated with these trucks.

City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard’s introduction of a bill for a more liberal and realistic law, to provide a welcome to the food entrepreneurs instead of threats of jail and fines, is a common-sense response to an archaic provision to "regulate" small business.

I recommend that community leaders and the police department come to a rapprochement to their mutual benefit.

Phoebe Marrall
San Marino, Calif.

Biodegradable bags preferable

Ashley Komoda does point out a serious concern and public health hazard from harmful bacteria developing in reusable bags ("Plastic bag laws well-intentioned but cause more harm than good," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Jan. 3).

This is totally understandable when considering the variety of perishable items loaded into the same bag over weeks and months. A biodegradable bag is more sanitary, free from harmful pathogens and far more convenient.

Foodland and Longs Drugs already have access to biodegradable plastic bags, and that seems to be a logical way to address this issue for all vendors.

I would hope the City Council shows some logic and common sense on this issue for Oahu folk.

Paul Perretta
Honolulu

Plastic bags bad for environment

I am amazed that Ashley Komoda can promote disposable plastic bags as environmentally sound, and do it with a straight face.

Plastic bags are made from petroleum, they take forever to decay, and too many end up fouling waterways, sewer systems and the environment in general. The best way to keep trash out of the environment is not to produce it in the first place.

Reusable cloth bags are the best solution in every way. The only weak argument Komoda could muster against reusable bags is that they can harbor bacteria and people might neglect to wash them. But bath towels harbor bacteria, too, and do we forget to wash them?

Restricting the use of disposable plastic bags will encourage people to use reusable bags. No one is hurt by bag laws except the producers of plastic bags. Too bad!

Richard Manetta
Honolulu

Lanikai traffic needs solution

Lanikai traffic is past the breaking point. On Sunday, if you were in your car at 4 p.m. at the Lanikai Lookout, it took you 30 minutes to reach Kalapawai Market. This is beyond ridiculous. And it could be easily alleviated.

The problem is mainly at the intersection of Kalaheo and Kailua roads at Kalapawai Market. The long-term solution is a traffic circle or a stoplight. While that will take years for the politicians to study, there is an easy and immediate solution: Post a police officer at that intersection to direct the traffic into some sort of flow. That’s all it would take on the crazy weekends that bring thousands to Lanikai.

Please, government, look at the problem. It is real and it is big. Figure out something to do. While you are figuring it out, post a policeman at the intersection that is causing this chaos and relieve the problem.

Tomas del Amo
Lanikai