DLNR nominee needs fair hearing

I don’t know all the facts, but I agree that Gov. David Ige is correct that the confirmation process will be the place to confirm or deny Carleton Ching the opportunity to serve as director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources ("Environmental hui assails pick to run land department," Star-Advertiser, Jan. 27).

For the environmental community to react so quickly may indicate that the opposition lacks research and facts.

Facts will be established during Ching’s confirmation hearing. To withdraw his nomination without a hearing because of criticism would indicate that Ige acted without research and serious consideration.

Let all interested parties submit their testimony so we the public can be educated and view our government in action.

Leonard Leong
Manoa

Make changes to rail transit system

Mayor Kirk Caldwell wants the rail tax extended to keep the project afloat.

Since 40 percent of the rail-related contracts have not been finalized, it would be prudent to revisit the system and downsize each station, and transition from elevated rail to street level through the downtown corridor.

We buy what we can afford. The same holds true with government.

Debby Lee
Liliha

No confidence in city, state leaders

I am incredulous at the mayor’s attempts to hold taxpayers hostage on Honolulu’s biggest-ever boondoggle, rail. From the start, opponents of rail warned of the shortfalls, delays, lowball estimates, escalating costs and mismanagement that now occur on a daily basis. For Kirk Caldwell to blame the $910 million shortfall (to date) on lawsuits against the project is mind-boggling. What a pity that those of us who supported Ben Cayetano, who would have saved us, are now victims of the very notion we opposed.

And while we’re at it, the State of the State address of our pro-rail governor could have won an award for ambiguity. This kind of leadership for our city and state does not inspire confidence.

Jocelyn Fujii
Makiki

Rail offers commute and a lovely view

An above-ground rail transportation system islandwide, following the existing paved highway where all of us are using to go around the island of Oahu, would alleviate traffic.

People living far from town will be able to commute to anywhere without having to drive, spend money on gas, or sit in traffic in an expensive car. It would be a positive alternative for all of us. The jobs created would be spread around to areas not noted for opportunity.

The ability to see the beauty of our island from a different perspective is priceless.

Greg Tabasa
Moiliili

Don’t depend on military for money

It is time to stop depending on a transient entity like the military to be a top contributor to our budget in Hawaii.

We need different, ecologically sound entities that could help the Hawaii economy.

How about encouraging businesses that would provide a richer tax base of permanent residents who would be invested in, and contribute to, our community in ways other than the economy?

Forbes magazine pointed out that we couldhave more high-end employers if the schools here were better. Having permanent residents employed in high tech and similar industries would demand and thus help produce better education.

I often think of what a wonderful location Marine Corps Base Hawaii would be for condos and houses, with great views accompanied by a tech park or similar use. State Rep. Ken Ito should be thinking along these lines instead of backing the usual easy way.

Gretchen Gould
Kaneohe

Ask hard questions about NextEra now

Now, at the get-go, it is crucial to establish what powers the Legislature and the state Public Utilities Commission can exercise regarding the purchase of HECO by NextEra.

Does NextEra have a plan to reach 100 percent renewables for all Islands?The onset of climate chaos, the economic, political and environmental costs of depending on coal, oil and fracking for liquefied natural gas are known.We also know that someday fossil fuels will no longer be arriving here.

It is my understanding that roughly a third of the fossil fuels we use goes to non-transportation and the rest to transportation. If vehicles are to be powered by electricity and/or hydrogen, then there will be an increasing demand.Will NextEra be able and willing to meet this demand without price increases? This and other important questions need to be answered now, not later.

George Cattermole
Waikiki

Hold solar project hearings in Waianae

Why is the state Public Utilities Commission holding a public hearing on two solar-farm projects, covering more than 300 acres, in Nanakuli instead of Waianae?

The projects by NextEra and Eurus will be located behind the hillside of Waianae Intermediate School, not in Nanakuli.

The residents who will be most affected by thousands of solar panels for the next 30-plus years have to travel to Nanakuli Elementary School on Feb. 12 at 3:30 p.m. to have their voices heard.Really?

Johnnie-Mae L. Perry
Chairwoman, Waianae CoastNeighborhood Board
Waianae