State can’t afford to buy Alii Place

I remember Mufi Hannemann’s reply during one of his political campaigns.

Regarding government starting something new or acquiring something, he said to ask three questions: Do we need it? Can we afford it? Can we maintain it?

Regarding the state buying Alii Place for additional office space ("25-story tower seen as possible solution," Star-Advertiser, April 5), the replies might be:

» We probably need it (because of the rent the state is paying).

» We can’t afford it at this time, with other priorities facing the state, such as getting classrooms air-conditioned and the backlog of existing facilities needing repair.

» We probably can’t maintain it, because the state has not done a good job maintaining our schools or parks and other existing state facilities.

If the state has $90 million to spend, then get the schools up to par with that money and start cutting the state payroll of unneeded positions.

Gregory A. Poole
Mililani

Don’t turn away qualified people

We are very fortunate to have Michele Nekota as the city director of parks and recreation.

The regulations governing the nomination of city directors need to be amended if they technically might disqualify such an outstanding candidate ("Constitution defied in city hiring," Star-Advertiser, March 30).

Since taking up her position, Nekota, a true kamaaina, has worked hard to develop relationships with communities on the North Shore. This has certainly paid dividends.

In the last six months, at almost zero cost to the city, the following projects have been completed (contributors in brackets):

» Ali’i Beach Park restrooms cleaned, painted and treated with MicroGuard (Triple Crown).

» Haleiwa Surf Center painted (community effort).

» Shark’s Cove restrooms cleaned and painted (First Wind, Malama Pupukea Waimea).

Already planned:

» Cleaning of Three Tables restrooms (First Wind, Malama Pupukea Waimea).

» Tiling at Ekuhai Beach Park (Triple Crown).

Without Nekota’s support and approval these projects could not have been undertaken.

Bill Quinlan
Velzyland

Incentives can blunt income inequality

Both political parties admit that income inequality is a problem. To have a robust economy, we need a middle class with disposable income. Business people know this; they don’t want poor customers.

But fixing income inequality with government intervention can blunt the incentive to be productive and reduce overall liberty. Also, we should recognize the difference between wage inequality, which is real, and investment income inequality, which is not. We should recognize that wage stagnation has more to do with globalization than the decline of unions.

While it is easy to talk about income inequality, it is hard to find a solution.

Lloyd Lim
Makiki

Small fry go to jail; big fish get a pass

A lowly prison guard is sentenced to eight years for bribery ("Former Halawa guard draws 8-year term for taking bribes," Star-Advertiser, Feb. 12), while those who perpetrated the $6 billion rail swindle, now devastating Oahu’s beauty and economy, remain free.

David Swift
Aina Haina

NextEra Energy will be good for Hawaii

The arrival of NextEra Energy to Hawaii should be a cause for celebration and an exciting opportunity to engage with a valued partner.

Florida Power and Light (FPL), a division of NextEra Energy, has been a longtime member of our Coral Gables Chamber. It has contributed generously in support of education, sustainability and other initiatives that help grow our businesses locally.

Working with FPL has been a highlight while I have been at the helm of our Chamber. It is a model member and outstanding corporate citizen. It works hard to communicate about its company and industry, while engaging with our members. Its transparency is refreshing in an era where competition — and criticism — often drives companies into a cocoon of protectionism. Not FPL. It shines the very lights they power with honor and integrity.

I hope you will welcome

NextEra Energy to your hometown and make it part of the community.

Mark A. Trowbridge
President and CEO, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
Coral Gables, Fla.

Who’s responsible for cleaning Makua?

The concerns expressed by Earthjustice’s David Henkin raise questions ("2 hurt in Makua Valley explosion," Star-Advertiser, April 7).

» Is it the Army’s responsibility to clear Makua Valley and mountains of unexploded ammunition, or is it the responsibility of our elected officials to provide the funds necessary for this?

» What were the criteria used to determine what has been identified of cultural significance? The Army spent more than $700,000 of our tax money to make accesses safe to a dried-up watering hole and river bed, a hole in the ground, a rock and an altar, all of which have nothing to do with Hawaiian culture, in my opinion.

» Was the military justified in using Makua Valley for live fire training during World War II? We who were here say they were and we fully supported them. Moreover, we should never forget that more than 200,000 of our military died protecting our islands and people during World War II.

Bill Punini Prescott
Nanakuli