1 person can hijack Democratic process

How have we, as citizens, strayed so far from the principles and ideals of a representative democracy that we keep allowing, keep electing and re-electing individuals who do not have the courage to stand up and speak out loud for the people?

Do we, the public, simply watch as individuals in our legislative system disrespect the process of fairly representing the people? I am appalled by the autocratic nature of legislative committee shenanigans allowing ONE individual in a committee (typically the chairperson) to completely disregard and hijack all the hard work and direction given by the people and other political representatives, often at the last minute (a hijacking trick of the trade).

When a bill has passed through virtually all the hoops, gaining overwhelming support, the democratic process would suggest that no one person should be able to derail it. However, far too often, one government official effectively tells the people what they will and will not receive from the Legislature, rather than ask.

Enough.

Doug Fetterly
Manoa

Rail could siphon bus, property fees

We are told excise taxes for rail are exceeding expectations.But this happened after expectations were lowered — twice.Let’s lower our expectations for our schools — school problems solved.

Then we find out a $450 million bond issue for rail is only a "contingency." But how will these funds be repaid if they are used? Property taxes.

Now we learn federal funds earmarked for TheBus are included in the rail funding plan.Is this why bus routes are being canceled, er, being made more efficient?

Again, we are told the earmarks are a contingency.But if they are in fact used, where will the funds come from for TheBus?Again, property taxes.

Our roads are in terrible condition due to deferred repaving and maintenance.Now TheBus is poised to receive the same treatment, all for the God of Rail which must be built, for jobs or whatever new reason comes forth.

Rail proponents are not honest about the need for property tax increases to build rail.

Our mayor says he will not raise property taxes for rail.But he is not likely to be in office when these bills come due.

Peter Chisteckoff
Mililani Mauka

Kailua turned into resort hub long ago

When they tore downour affordable apartments, the demise of Kailua town as we know it began. Without regulation of vacation rentals, we now have a resort community and all that that implies.

Although I despise the fact we now have a tour bus depot on Hekili Street behind Longs, I realize more visitors are good for the retail businesses in Kailua.

If vacation rental owners can take advantage ofan unregulated financialopportunity, how can we stop other tourist businesses from doing the same? Everyone deserves to make their buck.

Unfortunately, the decision to stop our town from becoming a resort destination should have been made years ago. Banning beach activities is like yelling out of your car window, "Go home."

Candas Lee Rego
Kailua

Kailua kayak rental happening illegally

Kayak companies in Kailua have been actively attempting to deceive the public and direct public opinion away from the fact that they have been operating illegally for more than 10 years.

Renting kayaks, which includes any type of service, drop off, instruction or advertising in beach parks or by the side of the roads, is illegal.

I attended a City Council meeting in Kailua on April 18 and the parks director stated that "renting kayaks at Kailua Beach park is illegal, period." The very next day, I was at the beach and the companies were doing business as usual, yet they would have you believe that they are ethical companies with the public’s interests at heart.

This willingly and knowingly breaking of current laws was part of these companies’ business plans from day one.

Now there is new legislation being drafted making it easier for the city to enforce existing laws and these companies are upset.

The indisputable fact is that every day, these companies are breaking the law. Period.

Andrew Bisch
Kailua

Double standard in plastic bag ban

It seems to me that there is a double standard regarding the ban on plastic bags.Doing far more damage to the environment is the use of plastic baby diapers, which take a much, muchlonger time to disintegrate than plastic bags.

Many storesalready have a recycling bin for used plastic shopping bags, but, ugh, not diapers.What will residents use to dispose of trash and garbage?The "cure" could be worse than the "kill." Also, why are plastic bags being singled out when Hawaii, of all states, does a very poor job of recycling?

On the mainland, cans and bottles can be returned to any store that sells them — not like here, where it is made necessary to inconvenience users by making them stand in line in the heat at scarce recycling trucks. It has become a financial windfall for Hawaii to collect a recycling fee,yet not having to reimburse users because of that inconvenience. What a laugh!

Donald D. Graber
Kakaako