Don’t ‘up the ante’ for Howard Hughes Corp.

I applaud the Star-Advertiser editorial board’s support for more affordable housing, but I would urge the Hawaii Community Development Authority to reject the board’s suggestion to "up the ante" on a proposal by the Howard Hughes Corp. that would generate substantially more workforce housing.

Howard Hughes has offered to construct 375 rental units for low income that would triple the number of subsidized housing that it is required to build.

This offer is substantially better than the current obligation to build only 125 "for sale" condos for moderate-income buyers that can be sold on the open market within two to five years.

The editorial board is suggesting the commitment to retain the condos as rental properties be doubled from 15 to 30 years.

While I understand the rationale for this recommendation, it is unlikely such an approach would be economically feasible for the developer and would result in Howard Hughes withdrawing its offer, which would be a blow to affordable housing and a loss to the community.

Bob Hines
Kakaako

Blame rail bidders, not subcontractors

Direct the blame for the protest on the rail-transit bids to the bidder who apparently failed to list properly licensed subcontractors.

This is a well-balanced requirement of the procurement code for all bidders to see and know before they file a bid.

General contractors are well aware of this requirement.

Do we want unlicensed and unqualified contractors on this important project? When subcontractors are not listed, bid chiseling occurs.

Who gains by this lower price? Only the general contractor. There is not a similar savings to the taxpayer, only for the general contractor’s pocket.

Similarly, to not require a bidder to pay its taxes will also lower the bid of the guy who does not follow the rules.

Do we want him to build things, knocking out the guys who do follow the rules, making the price higher?

Blame the bidder and the acceptance process, not the law.

Tim Lyons
President, Subcontractors Association of Hawaii

Get a grip on abuse of work furloughs

The city of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department and Hawaii Public Safety Department in charge of the prisons system should be the laughingstock of the nation.

Stop the work furloughs!

Besides traffic, every night the lead story on the news is, "HPD is asking the public’s assistance in locating another work furlough escapee."

This has been going on for weeks. In any other city, there would have been removals for incompetence and lack of common sense.Why not here?The "old boy" network? Union contract?

Someone needs to get a handle on this situation.

James Roller
Mililani

Ethics panel unfairly hard on chaperones

The notion that a free plane ticket, a stipend or points earned is a "gift" for accepting leadership and chaperone responsibility is false.

The state Ethics Commission would be wise to expand its perspective of such undertakings to understand the level of responsibility, organization, planning, orientation and daily stress that is required to take a group of middle or high school students on a trip.

As a veteran chaperone of a dozen trips, I can attest to the fact that the teachers work the entire trips, making sure students are accounted for, healthy and safe, respectful of their peers, behaving appropriately as ambassadors of Hawaii, and optimizing their learning. It is by no means a relaxing vacation.

The Ethics Commission should embrace the fact that such incentive compensation is "earned" and for good reason is built into the travelers’ fare.

The students are the beneficiaries.

Scott Power
Manoa

Get the word out now about plastic bag ban

Come July 1, Oahu will be joining the other islands in banning plastic bags that are so harmful to our environment, especially marine life — fish, turtles, seals, birds. Fantastic!

Kauai instituted its ban in 2011; Hawaii island in 2013.

It drives me crazy to see someone at the store accept a plastic bag for one 20-ounce soda, then walk 10 feet and drop the bag in the trash.

I’ve been waiting to hear something about our Oahu plastic bag ban — on TV, newspapers or from store cashiers. Nothing.

I’d hope to see some education and preparation for this.I ask cashiers if their stores are discussing this upcoming change, and they don’t know anything about it. I never hear the cashiers suggest we bring our own bags.

It is time for stores to remind their customers that they need to think ahead about bringing reusable bags.

Kathleen Elliott
Waialae Nui Ridge

FROM THE FORUM

Readers of the Star-Advertiser’s online edition can respond to stories posted there. The following are some of those. Instead of names, pseudonyms are generally used online. They have been removed.

“Rent subsidies fall short for isle vets,” Star-Advertiser, April 27:

>> Perhaps those receiving rent (and other) subsidies should not expect to be able to live in Hawaii, one of the most expensive places in the country.

>> Maybe more effort and resources dedicated to building and providing low- and middle-income housing would help to ease the problem.

>> The housing shortage, especially rentals, is made more difficult because of the very generous allowances given to active duty personnel and families.

>> These days, $1,100 will not cover monthly rent on a studio. It’s going to get worse. 

———

“Pearl Harbor’s giant ‘golf ball’ might be moved,” Star-Advertiser, April 27:

>> Moving it elsewhere is not going to make a difference. The Pentagon has already admitted that the golf ball is not effective in detecting missile attacks and the money spent was wasted. Good riddance. The system should be scrapped.

>> Sell it to our enemies?

>> Actually it looks like a ping pong ball.

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“Pearl Kai tenants fear rail work will kill shops,” Star-Advertiser, April 28:

>> Construction of infrastructure always inconveniences some, including businesses. This is the unfortunate price of progress.

>> As a business owner in Waipahu, I can attest to the fact that it (rail construction) will drive about 85 percent of your customers away. The construction started in front of us over 14 months ago and traffic is down by over 85 percent as people shop elsewhere rather than fight the traffic in Waipahu. So the fear is spot on. They told us only three months, but it’s been well over a year now and no end in sight.

———

“Disputed roadways tied to tax measure,” Star-Advertiser, April 28:

>> How dare Rep. Sylvia Luke even suggest that property taxes be used to pay for rail. Hasn’t she been paying attention all these years? Where was she when the politicians stated that property taxes will not be used for rail?

>> Mayor Kirk Caldwell remarked that the property tax is not immune to the depredations of the choo-choo, should the permanent raise in the GET not go through. So, Luke is merely stating what has been already stated by our illustrious mayor.

>> If they raise property taxes, then the rail should be stopped until the public can vote on it again. 

———

“Operating drone at lava lake gets man Tasered by ranger,” Star-Advertiser, April 29:

>> The National Park Service announced in June 2014 that it was prohibiting unmanned aircraft within national parks. He was asked three times to bring down the drone. He knew what he was doing was illegal. Why else would he try to run? He wanted an electrifying experience and he got one.

>> So what would have been the harm if the ranger let the guy go after he brought down the drone? He didn’t have to taser the guy, and it’s not like the guy was doing anything harmful to the environment or other people. He eventually brought it down and was going to leave. Let him go.

>> If you do not want to get tasered, beaten, shot or put in jail, simply mind the law and law enforcement personnel. 

>> Yes, authority is always right and they only have your best interests at heart. But you know even if you mind the law, you can get injured, especially if you are black.

———

“‘Loss of trust’ removes Marine Corps base leader,” Star-Advertiser, April 29:

>> Wouldn’t it be nice if elected officials were subject to similar administrative rules and command oversight?

>> They can be removed via something called an election. Or by another process called recall. Or, in the extreme, a military procedure called a coup.

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“Bill would allow sponsorship signs at Honolulu Zoo exhibits,” Star-Advertiser, April 30:

>> Lower the admission fees and you’ll sell more tickets and make more money.

>> We are zoo members, and I think the annual family membership ($55) is a fantastic value. I am not in favor of advertisements populating the exhibit areas. Perhaps the zoo should be more innovative and offer some “extras” to boost attendance, like a splash pad, a kids’ climbing wall, or a small train. A splash pad alone would be a huge draw.

———

“Hokule‘a crew sets sail for Australian landfall,” Star-Advertiser, April 30:

>> Best wishes to all. Also get ready for some shrimp on the barbie.