Tax exemption not well explained

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and his budget director, Nelson Koyanagi, just don’t get it.

Contrary to Koyanagi’s assertion, the availability and value of a homeowner’s exemption is not well articulated.

Telling a 65-year-old first that he can save $420 in property taxes on his $1 million home, then revising that to say the savings is really $2,500 — but it’s too late to apply for the current year — does not meet any reasonable person’s concept of fairness and transparency.

This mindset is typical of this and other recent city administrations.In recent years, property tax revenue has increased at enormous rates through higher assessed values.Yet monies are regularly diverted elsewhere and user fees are proposed to pay for basic services that those property taxes should be paying for.

And before the administration responds with comparisons to property tax rates elsewhere, be reminded that in most other municipalities, property taxes support the schools, which is a state function here in Hawaii.

Michael Ho
Moanalua

Developments ruin beauty of Oahu

A thank you to Jane Nishiguchi for her succinct letter ("Abercrombie bought by rich developers," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 3).

Gov. Neil Abercrombie had his chance with his constituents for years, but succumbed to the money, along with his new crony, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Their association with John White speaks for itself. Our parents always told us kids we are judged by the company we keep, and they were right.

How rail, Kakaako development, Hawaii Community Development Authority’s free rein on ignoring our laws and catering to wealthy investors took precedence over the plight of everyday citizens trying to earn enough to have a decent roof over their heads, along with a well-planned, green community in which to live, was such a blatant turnaround on promises made when running for election the first time.

We need Honolulu returned to its people, and a shakeup of those holding office is in order.

Get out and vote this year; remember all that our beautiful city has already lost.

Mary J. Leineweber Culvyhouse
Kaneohe

Racial tensions rife in Deedy case

I find Christopher Deedy’s account as told to the courts to be completely credible.

It is time for the people of Hawaii to recognizethat the "h" word is a racial slur.Being a Caucasian, I have experienced the rage brought on by the hateful bigotry caused solely by my race.

My broken jaw with its numbed spot (a damaged nerve) reminds me of the event from years ago, delivered via an anonymous gang.A visit to a Hawaiian church reminded not only that the land was stolen but emphasized the race of those responsible. Did the offense begin here?

I was ostracized after the service that I was led to understand God himself was invited to attend.In my religion, acknowledging my transgression is the first step in healing.Understanding what I believe happened to Deedy should challenge the community to confess our biases and shortcomings and bring us to the realization that Deedy isn’t the problem.

Matthew Walker
Makiki

Don’t dismiss vote for any candidate

It’s disappointing and disconcerting that Gordon Pang quoted former Honolulu Advertiser editorial page editor Jerry Burris as saying, "if theyvotefor one of the second-tier candidates, they’re simply wasting their votes," regarding the 1st Congressional District race ("Takai erases Kim’s advantage, turning race into dead heat," Star-Advertiser, Aug. 4).

Considering that our state has a low voter turnout, Burris’ comments could make some voters just stay home and not participate.Moreover, to imply that a vote for someone other than the poll leaders is a wasted voteis simply wrong.

People should be encouraged to vote whether they support the front runners or the "second-tier candidates." Burris’comments are a disservice to those who are not "top" candidates. And by the way, polls have been wrong in the past.

So in the future,encourage people to vote for their candidate, and thank them for voting.Don’t tell them they are wasting their time on a second-tier candidate.It sounds so undemocratic and un-American.

Sen. Will Espero
Candidate, 1st Congressional District

City ignores foes of Ritz-Carlton project

The city Department of Planning and Permitting recentlyapproved the second tower of the Ritz-Carlton project at 2139 Kuhio Ave. This tower is another massive 350-foot tower that has all ocean-facing units.The mauka-makai orientation requirement of the Waikiki Special District guidelines has been disregarded by DPP again.

A Star-Advertiser article included a comment that "It’s too bad that the DPP wastes everybody’s time because they obviously don’t listen" (Star- Advertiser, July 19). Negative criticism, even from theWaikiki Neighborhood Board, made little difference.

It is unclear why mainland developers and their wives and associates make contributions to local politicians. Does this aid in the approval process?

The guidelines were put into place for a purpose, which is to protect the land and the greater interest of the people, and they should not be ignored.

The precedent set by allowing this type of construction will negatively affect our land forever.

George Brown
Moiliili