Cable critics miss big picture

I was disappointed in David Shapiro’s column criticizing the interisland cable bill at the state Legislature to bring renewable energy from one island to another ("Vote highlights Democrats’ stranglehold on isle politics," Star-Advertiser, May 16).

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Sen. Mike Gabbard did the right thing by getting this bill across the finish line this session.

Hawaii’s situation is very precarious, given that we have only a two-week supply of petroleum products on hand at any given time to power our homes and businesses. If there’s any disruption in our shipments of oil, it will basically shut down our economy. Also, we continue to have the highest gasoline and electricity prices in the nation.

The only way we’re going to become more sustainable in terms of our energy production is to move forward with these types of innovative projects. It’s too bad people like Shapiro and Kanoho­wai­luku Helm can’t see the big picture.

Allison Sanderson
Aiea

Del Castillo also in District 2 race

I was a bit dismayed to find such prominent coverage devoted to Tulsi Gabbard, a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District ("War veterans group endorses Gabbard’s run for Congress," Star-Advertiser, May 16).

Barely mentioned was Rafael Del Castillo, whom I supported vigorously in 2010 during his run for the District 1 seat.I found Del to be super supportive of health and general welfare issues relating to veterans, at-risk children and others in our state.

As a Vietnam-era vet myself, I know and respect Del as a mature, compassionate, traditional-progressive Democrat who would serve us well in Washington, D.C.

I don’t know what lies behind VoteVets.org’s endorsement of Gabbard, but I do ask that veterans and all open-minded voters check out Rafael Del Castillo before they are swayed by PAC money from afar.

Robert H. Stiver
Pearl City

Coastal erosion is pressing issue

The recent articles on coastal erosion are a good start. The wisdom and regulations of the past have been to prohibit seawalls.

The time will come when the erosion is so rapid that building walls will become a necessity to preserve our beach parks, dwellings and highways.

We do not currently appear to have the studies or the will to change our perspective regarding seawalls. Erosion back to Kamehameha Highway has already occurred in some areas, resulting in ugly tumbled boulders and concrete pilings.

In contrast to this, some beautifully constructed walls exist, including between Kahana Bay and Punaluu Beach Park and in Kihei at Kalama Park.

They have a smooth boulder face that slopes gently into the water, with stone steps for access.

Implementation will require a challenging change of perspective on the necessity and value of seawalls.

Clark Leavitt
Palolo

Be sure to wash reusable bags

With all the recent debate regarding plastic bags, this is an opportune time to remind shoppers of good sanitation practices regarding reusable shopping bags.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases recently reported on the first scientific documentation of norovirus transmission via a reusable bag. In October 2010, a young soccer player who was experiencing norovirus infection symptoms returned home without rejoining her teammates. She did leave them packaged food and fresh grapes that she’d kept in a reusable grocery bag that was stored in the bathroom she had used. Vomiting and flushing the toilet produced aerosolized viruses that landed on the bag; touching the contaminated bag transmitted the viruses to their hands, and the viruses were ingested when the sealed packages were opened and the food eaten. Their chaperone and seven other soccer players reported similar symptoms within 72 hours of returning home.

This report strongly advises users of reusable grocery bags to wash their bags regularly to reduce the risk of contamination.

Aurora A. Saulo
Honolulu

Release teachers from HSTA grasp

While reviewing the choices the Hawaii State Teachers Association gave teachers this week, I could not support either choice. The contract is not impressive and I will not strike. So I thought of a third option: Dissolve the HSTA.

If this seems impossible, please change state law to no longer require HSTA membership. I want to be completely separate from this union. To those who say that I should pay because I benefit from their negotiations, I would say we are not getting competent representation. In fact, I have negotiated far better benefits and salaries on my own.

Please release us from the burden of membership. The state Department of Education is free to evaluate me anytime, and I will keep doing my best to improve my teaching.

Eddy Rivers
Aiea

Rail commercial isn’t realistic

I am sick of the rail commercial that features a young girl on the bus.

Doesn’t she know that on the rail she will not be able to do her homework, nor will she be able to even sit?

She is very lucky to be able to sit and to do her homework on the bus.

Use the rail money for dedicated bus roads. It will be a lot cheaper and have lot more seats.

As for our congressional representatives in Washington, D.C.: If they live and work there, then they are all out of touch with locals.

Ed Maeoka
Kahala

Mandate crucial to health reform

In a few weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide the fate of 62,000 Americans. No, this is not a death penalty case; it is about whether the court will strike down the Affordable Care Act.

Cancer patient Kathy Watson, who has benefited from the act, told The Associated Press that she does not like the law because it requires all people to buy insurance. I don’t understand her logic. The reason people like her will be able to get insurance is because the cost of health care will be lowered by having all people buy insurance. What Watson wants is the equivalent of driving without insurance and then being able to buy coverage after getting into an accident.

I’m glad that Watson was able to get insurance to fight her disease. But I don’t think that the other 62,000 uninsurables want to lose their coverage.

John Ishihara
Waialae

Chamber ads give false image

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce misleads the public by sounding like a bona fide government organization.

It funds TV ads for the political party of its choice — the Republican Party. By right, this organization should be calling itself the Right-Wing Party. So, the public should view these ads as what they are.

Paul Chun
Niu Valley