Have Legislature deal with spiking

The current debate about pension spiking is beyond ridiculous. How can anyone believe that his or her pension should be based on grossly inflated earnings?

With most states and the federal government, your retirement is strictly based on your base pay. Any system that allows overtime to be counted is automatically and without exception vulnerable to abuse.

The lack of legislative will to address this issue shows the extent to which our lawmakers are beholden to the public employee unions.

Those who say this issue is a management call must think that we taxpayers are simpletons. Yes, the assignment of overtime is a management prerogative. But changing the rules to eliminate abuse of overtime as far as pensions are concerned is most definitely not a management or union prerogative. Passing a law to make it clear that your retirement is based on your base earnings is clearly in the legislative arena.

Jack Arnest
Kaimuki

It’s great to have symphony back

From mission impossible to mission accomplished! What seemed like an impossibility just a few months ago became a reality with the opening concert of the Hawaii Symphony on Sunday, March 4.

It kicked off a spring concert series with a thrilling performance. What made it even more wonderful was the warmth and aloha of the audience, which showed its gratitude for the symphony’s rebirth.

Congratulations and thanks to the new board members whose generosity and perseverance succeeded against a formidable task. I was thrilled to hear that Steve Monder has agreed to serve as president. His and Maestro JoAnn Falletta’s tireless determination was essential to launching this new enterprise.

It is now up to the community to show its support through continued attendance and through financial and moral support as well.

Bill Gurowitz
Kailua

Enforcement lacking for B&Bs

In response to Will Page’s letter, there is one important issue that he fails to mention ("B&B issue ignored in mayor’s race," Star-Advertiser, Letters, March 1).

All B&Bs operating since 1989 without a permit are illegal. Closing these B&Bs would be the correct thing to do by a mayor who was once our prosecuting attorney. The only "economic genocide" would be for the owners using their property for illegal gains.

B&Bs have proliferated with impunity throughout this island as there is no enforcement. I know because I have had one of these illegal businesses directly behind me for the past eight years.

The Department of Planning and Permitting, a lawsuit, three judges and even the state Department of Taxation convicting the owner of tax fraud could not shut down this business. Seeking justice over the years has been financially devastating.

Susan Cummings
Kailua

Make a deal to expand rail

Our transportation system, as everyone knows, is in virtual gridlock. I suggest that we stretch our thinking and ask a world-class entertainment company to contribute to Hawaii’s share of the cost of the new rail system in return for a super site, provided by the state, for a major new entertainment complex at an extended western terminus. The rail route should be also extended to the east to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Such a strategy could unclog our transportation routes and further enhance Hawaii’s value as an entertainment and convention destination.

Perhaps only then could we afford to fix everything else that needs fixing.

Bill Miller
Pearl City

Change law on 89-day hirings

The solution to the 89-day pay-pact problem is really quite simple, except for the political turmoil. Change the law so that the pension benefits are suspended for the duration of the pay pact, or at least by an amount equal to the pay pact compensation. It’s an election year. Our senators and representatives would love to hear from us on this subject.

James V. Pollock
Kaneohe