Tax on sugary soda is win-win situation

A tax on soda makes perfect sense, as a way to bolster our state’s finances while reducing childhood obesity. Win, win.

In response to Thomas Rea’s letter, in which he decries the proposed tax ("Sugary drink tax yet more taxation," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 29), his stance is understandable. I assume that as owner of Kaimana Pantry, he has a direct stake in soft drink sales.

Yes, higher taxes do produce higher retail prices — and thus discourage consumption. Isn’t that to be desired, given our national obesity epidemic? Today, says the National Soft Drink Association, males between 12 and 29, consume an average of a half-gallon a day. Scary!

Look at the example of cigarettes: Consumption has declined dramatically since federal taxes were raised to $1.01 per pack from 39 cents.

As for Hawaii’s existing 5-cent deposit fee on bottles and cans, which Mr. Rea decries, undeniably, it has helped de-litter our landscapes.

Christopher "Kit" Smith
Hawaii Kai

Don’t bring home mainland prisoners

I listened to Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s State of the State speech and I have a piece of my mind that I want to let the public and the governor think about.

My daughter was murdered back in August of 2009. She was 18 years old. I and my family are very pleased that the convicted man is in an Arizona prison. Why should he be allowed back home to the islands? I still have dreams, and my kids always think of her. Why bring this creep back to the islands? Coming home to him is what the governor wants, and what me and my family don’t need.

Steven Rodrigues
Kalihi

North Shore traffic already unbearable

We are long-term residents along Kamehameha Highway at the Sacred Falls level. Generous expansion of Turtle Bay Resort will mean even more traffic than we have to bear now.

Large construction trucks shake the properties and the road when they pass, by displacing such a volume of air. The road is fragile, particularly at times of neap tides and during rain and wind storms. Should there be an emergency, we are basically blocked. Not even the warning sirens are to be heard.

The developer of the property should be required to make an alternative road, farther inland or over the mountains, to permit better access and egress to the area. As is, the project seems to be unconscionably poorly conceived.

Edward and Katia Oliver
Hauula

Homeless driving away some tourists

I was happy to read in Thursday’s newspaper that they are finally cleaning up the mess of tents at Thomas Square. When are they going to clean up the mess  in Waikiki?

The shelters along Kalakaua Avenue are a mess. The homeless, with all their furniture, suitcases and junk taking up the tables in the shelters, are a real turn-off to the visitors in Waikiki.

The floors in the shelters are filthy and haven’t been steam-cleaned in months. I thought that stolen grocery carts were outlawed in Waikiki. They are all over the place; what an eyesore. The campers along Kalakaua by the Hawaii Convention Center are another disgrace.

We have been "snow birds" from Minnesota in Waikiki for many years, and each year friends that we met here don’t return because of the homeless situation.

Dennis Boom
Waikiki

Some bicyclists fail to be courteous

I don’t mind sharing the roadway with bicyclists. However, if they want to be treated with the same courtesy and respect of automobile users, then all of them should also follow the same courtesies.

I have witnessed not only pedal bike users but motorcycle riders zig-zagging between cars that are waiting at a stoplight so they can get to the front of the line, or ride past cars waiting in traffic on the shoulder of the roadway. Maybe the bicycle or motorbike is small enough to pass alongside other vehicles, but that isn’t what those areas are meant for.

If bike riders want the courtesy and right to operate their mode of transportation alongside and on automobile roadways, then all riders should show the respect and courtesy that all riders ask for.

Eugene Kon Jr.
Kaneohe

‘Five-0’ actor should be more thankful

The uproar over comments by "Hawaii Five-0" actor Scott Caan isn’t about a mainland visitor not liking his trip. It’s about one guy with a dream job not being thankful about everything that’s come his way. It’s about someone who makes more than us, lives in a house nicer than us, does a job that’s easier than ours — and still has complaints.

Marcus L. Landsberg IV
Waikiki

Pit bulls, pit mixes should be banned

My Yorkie, Lily, was killed on Jan. 8 by a vicious pit bull or pit mix running loose through Ewa Villages. I was walking Lily on a leash and had just gotten as far as the house next door when this dog appeared like a lightning strike where, after taking Lily’s head in her mouth, proceeded to tear her intestines out.

There is so much talk of gun control now, but why is no one in Hawaii speaking about a ban on this type of dog? The dog that killed my Lily was a loaded weapon.

I was given a report number by the police and after many phone calls, I was told the report had been sent to the Prosecutors’ Office in Kapolei.

There are many areas in the U.S. where one is prohibited from owning this type of dog. Is it not possible that this could be done on Oahu? We all want to feel safe where we live, and I no longer feel safe.

Joan Severs-White
Ewa Beach