Raise bus fares, restore services

Vicky Walker was right on saying "raise bus fares" ("Restore bus service with higher fares," Star-Advertiser, Letters, July 2). The renowned Honolulu bus system is being destroyed. As a senior, I have ridden the bus for 25 years for practically nothing ($30 per year). This is no longer feasible. It’s a different world.

Please figure out whatever it takes to restore our bus service to its former excellence and just do it.

Edith Prussman
Honolulu

Buses can’t compare to rail

The great cities of the world use some type of rail in their mass transit systems.

Ben Cayetano wants to add more buses to our already overcrowded streets. Maybe he should go to the Makaha Towers and catch the No. 40 bus to Ala Moana. I hope he can spare three hours out of his day because that is how long it takes.

To those that say it will spoil their view, it is already too late. Fifty years ago you could sit on the beach and still see the mountains; now all you can see are tall buildings.

Charles McDonald
Waianae

Look beyond rail transit costs

Let’s put our self-interests aside and have some sympathy for those who need the rail most. We should put our positive imaginations together to make it the best that it can be.

You may not be able to see the sky from under the bridge, but riding the train you will be able to see the mountains, the sea and sky. Imagine the morning sunrises and evening sunsets.

Personally, I doubt that I will live long enough to enjoy it.

So please no more nonsense talk about "my tax dollars." Why don’t we look beyond the dollars and envision the big picture, because like all things, it will come to pass.

Satoru Abe
Kaimuki

Don’t repeal ACA; improve it

The U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act brought a sigh of relief to millions of Americans.

This historic decision is a lifesaver for many poor working families in that they now have access to affordable health care and no longer faced with the painful decision to choose between food and health care for their children.

On the other hand, it is disheartening to read Republicans’ rhetoric about repealing the act.

It should be noted that the individual mandate was once a conservative idea to promote "personal responsibility" but when the Democrats adopted it, the Republicans said, "it is an intrusion on personal liberty." It is clear that the Republicans are just playing politics and have no intention of reforming the health care law, and it is so pathetic.

The highest court has now spoken; therefore, Congress needs to move forward by improving the act instead of repealing it.

Rod B. Catiggay
Mililani

Don’t delay plastic bag ban

I recently returned from Santa Cruz, Calif., a coastal community that deeply cares about preserving and restoring its ocean and coastline. The city council there recently initiated and enacted a successful ban on plastic grocery bags, creating an immediate positive impact on this environmentally aware city and its surrounding communities.

There are so many foundations and groups here in Hawaii with shared mission statements aiming to maintain and protect our island resources.

Shouldn’t putting in place a similar ban on plastic bags be a no-brainer for Hawaii by now? We have all seen footage of island sea life entangled, entrapped and endangered by this harmful litter, and it is heartbreaking.

As a resident of Waikiki, I find the amount of abandoned shopping wagons stuffed with these plastic bags encroaching upon our bus stops, hotel fronts, streets and neighborhoods. Such a shame, especially considering that Waikiki is the heart of Hawaii’s tourism-driven economy.

Lisa Kennedy
Waikiki