Hawaii’s nature is not a ‘brand’

Carleton Ching, nominee for the chairman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, called Hawaii’s natural resources “our brand,” and that “people come for” the brand, which is “invaluable.” 

Destinations that evoke “brand” to me are places like Las Vegas, Miami, New York City and Hong Kong, primarily for their man-made features.

Whomever the Senate selects will have to be a kahu — guardian, caretaker, warden — of natural resources. Our natural resources indeed, are invaluable; however, they are also finite.

Laura M. Fink
Makiki

Facts support Gabbard’s views

First, in response to Renee Togafau and Khara Jabola-Carolus (“Gabbard rejects the progressive values that got her elected,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, March 12), U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is entitled to choose her own staff.

Next, we know that Islamic terrorism is global, killing and kidnapping thousands yearly and displacing millions of refugees without rival.

On “western encroachment,” only the “West” could combine the capital and technology to develop oil fields across the world that now support the national economies and feeding of so many including millions of Muslims.

As for elites, they are in every nation. Some elites are like ours, most are worse. The West offers hope, where many immigrants find refuge and opportunity.

On harmony, Togafau and Jabola-Carolus say we must do it their way or face civil wars, “deadly” consequences and “lethal hopelessness.” Why not have some give-and-take to achieve harmony and accommodate differences?

If they are reaching out, they should be aware of the facts and try some sugar instead of bitterness.

Ron Larsen
Makakilo

Honolulu needs cycle tracks

Honolulu’s ideal weather and mostly flat terrain are the makings of a world-class, bike-friendly city. It’s embarrassing that we are so far behind in terms of facilitating alternative transportation.

 The King Street Cycle Track allows me to feel safe, but is only part of my commute. The other streets I use for commuting (Pensacola, Lunalillo, Piikoi, Ward) are not yet bike-safe. I admit, if there are no people on the sidewalk, I’d rather bike on the sidewalk.

 Honolulu needs more cycle tracks going westbound, and mauka-makai.

 But it doesn’t matter how many cycle tracks we build if drivers aren’t educated. Navigating cycle tracks at intersections should be a requisite part of driver’s education and licensure.

Anna Manuel
Makiki

Anticipate effects of Kailua tunnel

How will Kaneohe-Kailua wastewater tunnel affect ground settlement?

The ongoing issues with the Seattle tunnel project (above-ground settlement, cracks in foundations and walls of buildings) raises issues to think about.

Both nearby Kaneohe Bay Drive and H-3 freeway have multiple recurring settlement issues, requiring periodic repair of those roads.

A contingency fund or insurance policy needs to be established for the lifetime of properties within a reasonable above-ground area, or at a minimum for 30 years.

Seattle set a legal precedent showing that property owners in Seattle who benefit from replacement will pay for costs beyond the $3.1 billion project cost.

Harry Huyler
Kailua

Rail critics avoid worst of traffic

As a resident of Ewa, there are now two things I can count on every morning. The first is having to endure endless minutes in skull-crushing traffic.

The second is having the joy of reading an anti-rail letter to the editor written by someone who lives in Kaimuki, or Hawaii Kai, or Kailua. 

If the commute time from the windward side or Hawaii Kai to downtown doubled over a few years, a viable solution would be quickly adopted without a squeak of protest.

John Merriman
Ewa Beach