The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the non-governmental organization Island Conservation should be held accountable for the reckless pellet drop to eradicate rodents, which appeared to have killed fish and birds at Lehua Island (“State investigates dead fish, birds on Lehua Island after rodenticide drop,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 5).
There should have been a thorough environmental study of other wildlife on and around the island that could be affected by the rodenticide diphacinone prior to starting the failed project.
There is no doubt in my mind that the rodent pellets killed other wildlife.
Jonathan Maikui
Aiea
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2-pronged taxation railroads public
Rail taxes flummoxed the Legislature. As the two chambers battled over increasing the general excise tax surcharge or the transient accommodations tax, they reached a happy compromise: both.
A victory for democracy, railroaded by taxation with representation.
Michael Palcic
St. Louis Heights
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Shame on using Maui taxes for Oahu rail
The government has failed to collect the hotel room tax from transient vacation rental owners, such as Airbnb operators and others. The new, additional 1 percent hotel room tax increase will not produce the anticipated funds for the Honolulu rail system. Expect the rail system to be back for more money.
The rail system will operate at a loss. Expect hotel taxes collected on Maui to be used to operate Oahu’s rail system.
Shame on Maui legislators who voted to take Maui hotel taxes to pay for the Honolulu rail.
William F. Crockett
Wailuku, Maui
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No heart, no soul desert ‘Dreamers’
President Donald Trump has declared himself. He has declared himself poor of heart, poor of spirit and poor in compassion. He has never known want nor has obviously never been denied every opportunity this world could possibly offer. Yet by rescinding the DACA “Dreamers” program, he encourages the first and denies the second.
He is a man without heart, without compassion and perhaps even without a soul. I weep for our country in these times.
Beth Rasmussen
Kaneohe
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Giveaways to benefit Koa Ridge developer
City Council Bill 75 has several big giveaways to Castle & Cooke.
>> It deletes the medical park in Koa Ridge. This land was promised to Wahiawa General Hospital. Now Castle & Cooke is trying to renege.
>> It deletes requiring public input regarding approval of major facilities. Castle & Cooke would prefer to avoid public input, but it is vital to ensure that new facilities actually meet public needs.
>> It claims that traffic in 2035 will be below 2007 levels because of rail and feeder buses. This is nonsense. As population increases, so does traffic. Rail will only slow the increase. Castle & Cooke just wants to spend less on traffic mitigation.
>> It deletes requiring new residential developments to provide a minimum of 2 acres of land per 1,000 residents for open space and recreation. This will let Castle & Cooke build more houses and make taxpayers pay for parks.
Larry Meacham
Wahiawa
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Hurricane aid shows nation’s true heart
In the midst of Hurricane Harvey’s shocking devastation in Houston, the heart of Americans has come sharply into view. First responders, police officers, medical volunteers and our military are giving their all to help the victims of the storm. Neighbors are rescuing neighbors. Countless others are giving their resources and time to help lift their hurting brothers and sisters.
For the past year, the news has been showing an America bitterly divided. However, when called to task, Americans come together in compassion and sacrifice, many even risking their lives, to help one another.
In the days to come, when negative messages return through the airwaves and social media, let us reject the vitriol, and remember the true heart of our country.
Stephanie Darrow
Hawaii Kai
