Best choice for bus is to increase fares

There are three choices facing residents and politicians regarding the changes in bus service, each with their own challenges and political risks:

» The City Council can increase the subsidy to TheBus, placing a heavier burden on property taxpayers.

» The fares can increase, placing a heavier burden on riders.

» Bus service can be modified to increase efficiency and cut some routes.

As a Manoa homeowner and non-bus rider, I would rather see fares raised. I challenge every elected official to go on record as having chosen one of the three options. Whatever you may think of the Carlisle administration’s decision, at least it is one of the few actors operating in the real world. "Finding money" and the red herring of rail are not legitimate solutions.

Eric Eads
Manoa

HART PR needed to counter shibai

Someone needs to tell Councilman Tom Berg the truth.

He incessantly asks Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation Director Dan Grabauskus why HART needs so many public relations people, when there is only one at the state level for the airports and harbors divisions.

It’s simple: People aren’t going around town spreading blatant falsehoods about airports and harbors. HART needs public relations people simply to counteract the sheer amount of shibai coming from the Berg and Ben Cayetano camps.

Kalani Melvin
Kailua

Young writer seems ignorant of rail cost

Brandon Elefante notes that "a major part of the overall project is future extension plans from West Kapolei to East Kapolei; Ala Moana to Waikiki; and, most important, Ala Moana to the University of Hawaii" ("Rail’s urban boon appeals to young adults," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, July 15).

I wonder if he has any comprehension of the cost of such a system. The 20 miles in the current plan are estimated to cost more than $5 billion. From Ala Moana to Waikiki and Ala Moana to the University of Hawaii? I shudder to think!

I wonder if he realizes that the cost of construction, maintenance and subsidy will be borne by his generation?

Arthur Y. Sprague
Manoa

Change of mind can be a good thing

Reading the account in the Star-Advertiser of the debate between candidates for the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District, I was struck by a sentence stating that candidates Esther Kia‘aina and Bob Marx were critical of Tulsi Gabbard for changing her position on civil unions and same-sex marriage.

There is nothing wrong with changing one’s mind about such controversial issues. We, as a nation, are a work in progress.

Look up the U.S. Supreme Court case Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857). Had the Supreme Court not changed its position, slavery could still be in existence. Had we, as a nation, not changed our position, women would not be able to vote. Had we, as a nation not changed our position, we would all think that the way Japanese-Americans were treated during World War II was just fine, no apology needed.

Jim Howard
Manoa

Bill 11 proponents not anti-business

Kudos to the Honolulu City Council, which passed Bill 11 with a clear majority vote of 7-2 banning commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama Beach parks.

There are tourists who come to Oahu and happily spend their vacation partaking in many of the fun Waikiki activities. Not all tourists are alike. There are tourists, new residents and part-time residents who invest their time and money in the Kailua community precisely because of its beautiful beaches, waters and vistas.

Bill 11 is a demonstration of aloha aina, not an anti-business move. To ruin the very reason why folks want to visit and/or live on our side of the island is being penny-wise and pound-foolish; to allow the continuation of the unchecked commercialism in our parks would end up doing more long-term harm than good.

Lydia Hemmings
Kailua

Coulter columns too often vitriolic

I fully concur with James Richardson’s sentiments about Ann Coulter ("Coulter poor choice for alternative view," Star-Advertiser, Letters, July 5), as I am all too aware of Coulter’s penchant for uttering offhand remarks laden with vitriol.

And I question the editorial judgment of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for its willingness to present her rabid views to an intelligent populace. Underlying this, there seems to be a generally right-leaning editorial stance even in the selection of letters to the editor.

I’ve always thought that the more responsible role of a newspaper, besides providing information on current events, is to be a means of educating the public. In my opinion, that duty would seek to encourage reflection and dialogue on the part of its readership on matters pertinent to the day.

Al Braidwood
Kaneohe

Bicycles don’t belong on sidewalk

People who ride bicycles on sidewalks have little consideration for walkers. If only they knew the walkers have the right of way. I’ve seen a lot of people almost get hit. Please slow down and ride to the side.

Patrick Carvalho
Honolulu