There apparently is some confusion between accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and transient vacation rentals (“Ensure ADUs for local renters, not tourists,” Star-Advertiser, Off the News, April 6).

The City Council is in agreement with many residents and others regarding the lack of adequate affordable housing for residents and oppose the increased use of residential property for tourist rentals. When the Council approved the ADU legislation, it specifically included a requirement that someone renting an ADU must do so for at least six months. It prohibits the use of an ADU as a transient vacation rental.

There are strict limitations on the size of an ADU and the reason was to keep rents affordable. We firmly believe ADUs represent a tremendous opportunity to increase the amount of affordable rental units on Oahu.

Ron Menor

Chairman, Honolulu City Council

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Authority would improve airports

For decades, our company has served airports across the state, providing services to both locals and visitors. Through the years we’ve seen the numbers of flyers steadily increase and yet the conditions of the airports have significantly declined despite the effort and investment of concessionary groups.

It has become clear to us that we need a better-managed airport system to ensure that our airports and their respective concessionaries collectively provide a positive customer experience to all.

This month, our legislators have an opportunity to approve the creation of an independent airport corporation — a single entity with consolidated jurisdiction that would help to transform our state airports into world-class facilities.

I join other airport concessionaries in supporting this important initiative, which would greatly benefit travelers, as well as the many businesses that serve Hawaii’s hospitality and tourism market statewide.

Mike Osorio

Region President DFS Group L.P., Waikiki

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Stand together through tough times

I say “spot on” to writer Rene Hutchins for her exemplary commentary about the present White House administration (“Trump: Doing more good than harm? No,” Star-Advertiser, April 2). This restores my faith that the people of this great country will overcome this dark period we’re in. The truth will prevail. United we stand, divided we fall.

Gardenia Fiatoa

Kaneohe

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Ka Iwi Coast to stay idyllic forever

It’s more than 50 years since I first drove along the Ka Iwi coastline and was awed by its breathtaking expanse of land and sea and its unique beauty that borders on the spiritual.

In subsequent years I was repeatedly dismayed by attempts to urbanize large sections of this coast, which would have destroyed its natural integrity and magnificence. The 1972 plan for a large resort development at Queens Beach was followed by a 1987 plan for luxury homes across from Sandy Beach, and later by several other proposed inappropriate developments, the last of which was a plan for 180 resort cabins.

Driving along the Ka Iwi Coast recently, I was again awestruck by its beauty. My heart overflowed with gratitude to the many people who, during more than four decades, rose up and devoted their time and energy to defend this beloved coastline.

At long last, thanks to the acquisition of the last two privately owned mauka parcels, the entire Ka Iwi Coast will retain its beauty and remain in open space forever. It is a monument to the vision and sense of stewardship of all who helped protect this area for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

Ursula Retherford

Kailua

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Homeless have no regard for nature

We need to bring back public shaming and accountability for all the squatters, local or from elsewhere, who are obviously physically able enough to drag/carry large furniture to their illegal campsites, yet unable to clean it up afterward. All campers and hikers know you pack out what you pack in. Have respect for the aina. If the state doesn’t have enough staff to monitor Diamond Head or other areas where illegal squatters have been found, then enlist the help of community volunteers. Just don’t put up a chain link fence, because then, the homeless win.

They are destroying the natural beauty of Hawaii with their complete disregard for nature. City trashcans are overflowing, bulk items litter our sidewalks or become furnishings for squatters. Our oceans are constantly being polluted by trash and sewage runoff. There is no pride for Hawaii by this group. They are defiant, destructive and disrespectful.

The city and the state are losing the homeless battle big time and taxpaying citizens are getting restless. I refuse to allow the homeless to destroy Hawaii. Wake up, Hawaii!

Lane Woodall

Founder, CATFIGHT (Citizens Aligning to Fix Inadequate Government Handling of Transients)