Letters: changed circumstances require the rail to be stopped; President told 2,000 lies – times 10; Mazie Hirono lacks aloha spirit with court candidate
Andrew Robbins, executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, said that “world-class teams of developers and contractors” are ready to complete the track for the people of Honolulu.city is withdrawing from the P3 Honolulu rail procurement process, Mayor Kirk Caldwell tells the Feds, ”Star Advertiser, Top News, Sept. 25th). But at what price? Is Robbins aware that we are in an economic crisis and we are short of funds?
The project was in trouble when the city chose Ansaldo to build the railroad, a company that was on the verge of bankruptcy. But the biggest problem was that too many political hands were stuck in the biscuit jar of the rail.
The circumstances have changed. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Honolulu may never have the billions it will take to complete the rail. Money is needed elsewhere. Therefore, the most expensive project in the city is to be stopped and the city’s highly paid employee fired.
The economic recovery of this state is more important than this rail. The railway costs are a long-term debt and only hinder this recovery.
Clarence Chun
Kalihi
Don’t bet the train will reach Ala Moana
Will Rogers once said, “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.” The recent negative logistical news about our rail project shows the undeniable handwriting on the wall. It is uncertain whether our policy makers will accept the sad facts or continue to fantasize about a miracle solution that will bring the project to the Ala Moana Center and operate.
The time has come for sensible leaders to accept the fact that there are two clear options for the railroad. One is to end the project where it can be completed and made functional. Or keep going until we run out of money and give up on the project until some miracle happens that will allow it to close. Our government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the decimation of our economy will keep revenues tight for the foreseeable future.
We have to make the most of a failed pig barrel project and stop the red ink that has been funded by our taxpaying citizens. You have been punished enough.
John Tamashiro
Pearl City
Losing the ecosystem for the cemetery is a bad idea
Let us give more of our precious Aina to unsustainable cemeteries (“Hawaiian Memorial Park Receives Approval to Expand Kaneohe Cemetery, ”Star Advertiser said Sept. 24).
In the particularly depressing case of the Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kaneohe, excavate a complex ecosystem of plants, animals, and soil that took at least centuries to reach, and replace it with pesticided grass, concrete, asphalt, and random seedlings, all for the benefit of an offshore company. So visionary, such a great example for our Keiki.
The will to live takes another hit.
Esther Shimazu
Kailua
President told 2,000 lies – times 10
While Hal Omori’s statement that “Trump told more than 2,000 lies in the last 3 1/2 years” is true, it is also true that President Donald Trump told more than 20,000 lies, which is a more compelling case (“Fact checker needed for the presidential debate, ”Star Advertiser, Letters, Sept. 26).
James Metz
Makiki
Hirono has the right to request the issuance of aid funds
Hawaii‘s US Senator Mazie Hirono is an amazing woman. She survived late-stage cancer to continue fighting for our state and nation.
That being said, Governor David Ige Hironos should listen to a plea to use the remaining $ 321 million allocated by the federal government to help anyone and everyone affected by the pandemic.US Senator Mazie Hirono wants Governor David Ige to spend the CARES Act money before it goes away, ”Star Advertiser said, Sept. 25th).
For small businesses, unemployment benefits, schools and students, medical workers and equipment, $ 321 million can go a long way.
If the remaining funds were to be wasted as unspent funds, resulting in a return to the US Treasury, it would not be just a moment for our state’s governance. It would be a dire failure for the people and economy of Hawaii.
Han Song
Kaneohe
Hirono lacks aloha spirit with court candidate court
The meanness and rudeness of Hawaii’s US Senator Mazie Hirono are legendary. Her treatment of Supreme Court candidate Brett Kavanaugh was disgusting, and her charades and plays on national television were an embarrassment to Hawaiian residents.
Now she refuses to meet with Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. How unprofessional and how little aloha spirit!
John Wright
Volcano, Island of Hawaii
Treat other people as we would like to be treated ourselves
So many of the problems the world is facing today could be solved if everyone else was simply treated the way they would like to be treated.
Doug Tonokawa
Kailua
Postal voting errors may not be resolved
I’ve been doing the polls in Mililani for the past 10 years. I see a couple of issues with postal votes across the country.
The signature verification is carried out first. The signatures I’ve seen in the past have been amazing. At least we had photo verification.
The next problem will be spoiled ballots. At least in the elections, if one person made a mistake, the machine would reject the ballot and another would be issued. It happened quite a lot. If voters make a mistake in the mail-in system, the ballot will be rejected and you will lose your vote. Be careful with your voting slip.
Bill Porter
Mililani
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