Big government is the problem

Problems with the state Department of Education? The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs? The University of Hawaii-Manoa athletic department?

These are symptoms of a bigger problem that citizens of our country face: bureaucracies expanding in size and inefficiency.

Despite good intentions of providing needed services, they end up serving themselves. They command more and more funding in order to grow and further serve. But who?

Teachers and principals get bogged down with administrative busy work. Veterans die waiting for promised service. One politician wants a larger VA as the solution. The UH athletic department is told to balance its books by a government that restricts its sources of income.

This is big government at its best — and it doesn’t get better with size.

Neal Ikeda
Kaneohe

VA employees must face music

From your headline, ("145 days," Star-Advertiser, June 10), I conclude the Star-Advertiser, over the past weeks, has failed its readers.

In spite of allegations and confirmed Government Accountability Office reports, you circled the wagons and printed a strong editorial pleading for more time for the then-leadership of the Department of Veterans Affairs ("Firing Shinseki is not a solution," Star-Advertiser, Our View, May 26).

You dismissed facts and were snookered by VA officials, and your reporting was deficient.

The VA had authority to use private-sector medical resources, carried over budget allocations from 2010-2014 to the tune of $4 billion, had a shortage of doctors, and paid millions in bonuses for false reports.

Yes, in context, VA care to veterans is exceptional, especially for PTSD and serious injuries, but wait lists must be cleared and complicit employees disciplined.

Jim McDiarmid
Mililani

Give Honokaa historical status

Honokaa is a heavenly and pristine area that should stay that way.

With many of its buildings built in the 1920s and maintaining their architectural originality and uniqueness, the Honokaa area deserves historical recognition by county, state and federal agencies.

Recognizing Honokaa’s original buildings would benefit the entire state of Hawaii and not only Hono-kaa, for tourists would flock to Hawaii’s historically recognized areas. It would definitely be conducive toward strengthening the social and econo- mic fabric of Hawaii.

Recognizing the unique and original architectural wonders of Honokaa would be an economic boon for the state.

Dean Nagasako
Honokaa

Foam boxes ban worth the price

I am writing to counter the claims made in the commentary relating to Bill 40, the City Council’s proposed ban on foam containers ("Ban on food- grade foam containers would raise prices, hurt environment," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, June 8).

The claims made by its authors are, honestly, insulting to our community. To say that expanded styrene foam is safe and that alternatives are worse for the environment is simply false. The effects of foam containers on the environment are devastating and well-documented.

Compostable alternatives can be composted in facilities that return the contents to usable compost — facilities that Hawaii should soon have. Styrene is a known carcinogen in lab animals and is "reasonably anticipated" to be carcinogenic in humans, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In businesses that have switched to compostable alternatives, spreading the cost across all items raises each item 2 to 3 cents typically. That’s an increase I would gladly pay to protect my health and that of Hawaii’s environment.

Jennifer Milholen
Diamond Head

Submit letter for HART’s time capsule

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation intends to seal a time capsule that it will open in 25 years, and you are invited to be a part of it.

In a 150-word letter, give the people of tomorrow a glimpse into your transportation situation today. You could talk about your life dealing with traffic; how you get around, or what gadgets, favorite music or notable vistas are part of your commute. 

Send your letter to letters@staradvertiser.com or to 500 Ala Moana., #7-210, Honolulu, 96813. The deadline is June 18. We’ll select the best letters to run on June 22 — and that edition will likely be placed in the time capsule.