Get solar power before too late

Hawaiian Electric Co. has been asleep at the switch for years on new technology and power distribution.

It could have embraced solar years ago but initially did nothing, then woke to have 11 percent of homes with rooftop solar.

Now NextEra Energy Resources, presented as the white knight, wants to continue HECO’s monopolist policies and control all power distribution.

My suggestions: Every HECO household that doesn’t have rooftop solar should get quotes this month for a solar system, sign a purchase order, then finance it or apply for financing via the new financing/on-bill program.

This people’s revolution could see 250,000 homes sign up for rooftop solar. Then Gov. David Ige could instruct his newly nominated Public Utilities Commission to require NextEra to clear all 250,000 homes for hookup before it pays Hawaiian Electric Industries’ Connie Lau her $15 million. This would change the face of Hawaii, and give people their own power.

NextEra would have to come to Hawaii on our terms.

R. Erik Soderholm
Nuuanu

Mariota made us all proud

What a fine example of what a role model should be like ("Pride of Hawaii," Star-Advertiser, Dec. 14).

No question, Hawaii and the whole nation are impressed by how Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota has conducted himself from high school to college.

Hehasmentioned "we" and "us" and never about "I," which shows he is truly humble. His speech included all the right words and his maturity goes beyond his young years as a great talent and leader by example.

Yes, to succeed takes the right teachers, coaches and teammates, and especially the support of family, friends and the commu- nity, but it also takes fortitude and commitment. His patience paid off. He made us all proud.

Tom Sugita
Pearl City

Hawaii talent could lead UH

University of Hawaii decisionmakers must realize that hiring big-name professionals from the mainland to key positions is not always the answer.

The recent resignation of Athletics Director Ben Jay is a good example. He is highly qualified but said of the job, "Honestly, if I knew more, I may not have taken it."

This same appraisal was probably shared by the long list of UH presidents and directors who have come and left us, costing taxpayers their contract buyouts.

Our leaders must look at qualified men and women within our state who are educated and knowledgeable about local political nuances and the ethnic customs of our state, which will translate to lasting employment.

We have the talent. Our 44th U.S. president and the most recent Heisman Trophy winner were born right here in Hawaii.

Hal Omori
Mililani

Jay deserves Hawaii’s thanks

It is generally agreed that there are only seven plot lines in movies and one of them is the "traveling angel."

This character comes into a conflict and changes everything, usually for the good, by telling the truth. He or she is often killed or banished, but the people he’s come to influence take up the task and move things along to make things better.

I, for one, would like to thank Ben Jay for being the University of Hawaii athletics department’s traveling angel.He plopped down in our dysfunctional community and told the truth. It cost him his job, but now it is our turn to play our roles and make things better.

Who among the faceless and nameless administrators and politicians is going to say that UH athletics is going to die a painful public death or come up with the subsidies that most top-level athletic programs receive?

Let’s start at the top, with Gov. David Ige.

Garry Francell
Waialae Nui Ridge

We need more bicycle tracks

I frequently bicycle to work downtown, and greatly appreciate the additional safety the King Street Cycle Track offers cyclists.

That biking can be a faster, more convenient alternative to commuting by car is a lesson Honolulu will gradually learn.

What concerns me are the angry comments about bike lanes and bicyclists generated by Star-Advertiser coverage, and the suggestion that accidents are deserved, unavoidable outcomes.

Accidents aren’t waiting to happen. The cycle track removes bike traffic from both King Street and the sidewalks, meaning a safer environment for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. I’m biking more because of it.

The cycle track is a huge improvement, and one that should be replicated throughout Honolulu.

Paul Migliorato
Makiki

‘Conflict’ zones oddly are green

I had a great experience testing out the new cycle track on King Street.

I definitely felt an increased sense of security using this dedicated lane. I hope many will take advantage of it.

I also drive a car and can see it will take some getting used to, as did the many two-way streets that became one-way streets here in Honolulu. We locals just need to get used to it.

There was one thing I found odd. There are these green painted zones that are proclaimed "conflict zones" where a higher degree of caution is necessary. Should these have been painted yellow?

Phillip Hino
Kapahulu

Cycle track lacks a payoff

Viewing the King Street Cycle Track and its complex arrangement of barriers, signs, markers and paint, I am left wondering where the payoff is.

We are giving up a lane of traffic, a lot of time, money and even some aesthetics, for what purpose? Moving traffic along in a more efficient manner?

Clearly not, since traffic has worsened since its construction.

Helping us to pollute less and move toward a cleaner environment?

Unlikely, as all the cars idling in the now-heavier traffic produce even more emissions.

So what did we accomplish, if anything? Maybe our elected officials should think about what they are doing before spending our hard-earned cash.

Glenn Yoshida
Kaneohe

Kailua also had quaint charm

I just finished watching a TV documentary about Kailua, Oahu.

Now in the paper there is an article entitled, "Rich and famous find ‘perfect’ playground," (Star-Advertiser, Dec. 16).

I read that the main reason for the influx of these "Birkenstock rich" is Kauai’s "inherent beauty" and "its small-town charm."

Wasn’t that once the "allure" of Kailua?

Mary Jo Morrow
Kailua