Prison sentence

Don't reward criminals with our tax dollars

If your prison series on criminals being shipped to the Mainland was supposed to make us feel sorry for them, it backfired. It's that liberal attitude that has turned this state into a criminal haven in the first place.

I was raised in New Jersey, a state run by liberals like Hawai'i is now. At that time, New Jersey had liberal drug and crime laws accompanied by the drug and crime problem that goes along with them. Most of my friends growing up were drug addicts and criminals.

Finally, New Jersey toughened their sentencing laws. My best friend did eight years for growing marijuana. The same crime committed in Hawai'i would result in no jail time. You know what? After that long prison term, he no longer grows marijuana. My ex-druggie friends are now all straight with steady jobs.

Life is about choices. Drug addicts choose to do drugs and steal from the productive members of society. Why should their bad choices be rewarded with no jail time and a free rehab on our tax dollars? Where is the deterrent in that? Real prison terms are the only answer. I've seen it work with my own eyes. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

Trains

Elevated highways are engineering marvels

Mayor Mufi Hannemann's review of elevated trains is a move in the right direction.

True, you block view plains, but elevated rail or highways are not monstrous. I have been to Hong Kong several times and marvel at their elevated rail and highways. They are engineering marvels and riders get exciting views.

I live in Kamehameha Heights. My view is from the airport to Honolulu Harbor and downtown. Soon after moving in, I no longer notice the view.

I have an additional suggestion. Go offshore from Hawai'i Kai to downtown Honolulu. I prefer rail instead of a highway. A highway only encourages more cars and their use of fossil fuels.

I served for eight years on the Land Use Commission. View-plain objections were always effectively used by opponents of a project as their objection is so obvious. I have always felt view-plain objections were given too much weight. I feel the benefits of elevated and offshore rail far outweigh view-plain objections and the cost of alternatives.

B&Bs

Establishments can be good neighbors

I just want to make a comment about the so-called B&B problem in Kailua. I have just returned from New Zealand, and there are B&Bs everywhere — all co-existing nicely and peacefully with the other residences in the neighborhoods.

In fact, the government helps the B&B owners with trainings about being good neighbors and hosts to ensure a quality experience for everyone. Maybe we should take a lesson from their example.

Real estate

Rental costs too high for students, residents

I'm an international student from Japan. I'm worrying about increasing house rent in Hawai'i. Actually, house rent is increasing faster than it did in January, when I came here.

It's hard to stay in Hawai'i as a student. If it increases more, I can't stay here. My friend wanted to study much longer here, but he couldn't because he can't find an apartment. International students can't work, so we have to find cheap apartments to be able to stay longer. Some students stay at the dormitory, others are in homestay and roomshare.

Hawai'i is most famous as a beach resort. Many people want to stay in Hawai'i, so many real estate companies buy condominiums and apartments for business. Consequently, house rent increases. People have to buy or rent at higher prices, even the locals.

I think state government should try to protect students and residents against increasing house rent. We have to stop increasing house rent to live comfortably!

Tow-in surfing

Safety means keeping distance law requires

You Oct. 6 article on tow-in surfing missed the most important aspect of safety ("Tow-in safety or ticket to trouble?").

Tow-in surfers are by law not allowed within 1,000 feet of any paddle-in surfer or any other ocean user not using a mechanized craft.

If people are willing to risk their life by paddling in to big surf with only a board and their shorts, then tow-in teams (with built-in motorized lifeguard escorts, rescue sleds, flotation vests, tow-ropes, radios, etc.) should show their absolute respect for these paddle-in athletes by leaving the area immediately and of course respecting the law and staying at least 1,000 feet away!

Also, I agree with Derrick Doerner's assessment that tow-in surfing should only be allowed on waves larger than 25 feet.

Wind farm

My backyard is just fine

In response to Valerie Kane's Oct. 5 letter ("How's your backyard?"), I'd have to say that I wouldn't mind at all having a wind farm above my neighborhood. We all need to make sacrifices and that includes me, as well as everyone on this island, including Ms. Kane.

Kahekili Highway

Contraflow, along with extra lanes, needed

In response to Jeffrey Esmond's Oct. 1 letter regarding contraflow on Kahekili Highway ("Contraflow could still have country-like feel"), I totally agree with him.

He talks about Neighborhood Board member Richard Vermeesch and his pursuit in achieving his traffic-jam vision.

As a resident of Kahalu'u for more than 90 percent of my lifetime, it's not only clear that we need a contraflow lane, if I had it my way, I would install an additional lane going in both directions.

I remember many years ago when Vermeesch was complaining about Kahalu'u's McDonald's and his prejudice of certain colors. Although the silent majority supported the McDonald's in Kahalu'u, the squeakiest wheel frequently gets oiled.

Once a complainer, always a complainer. As Donald Trump said on "The Apprentice," "People never change!"

Safe driving

Improving visibility of street signs crucial

I'm concerned about safe driving and would like to make a suggestion. The street signs need vast improvement. Whenever I need to find a particular building, I've found that it's very difficult to find exactly how far along the block it is. I've noticed that many streets have no sign at all; those that do often have the block number on the side street, which is usually on a small sign. When you're driving through the intersection you only have a second or two to read the number. That's not easy when you're trying to keep your eyes on the road while in heavy traffic.

My husband and I have traveled to many places and we've found that the best-marked streets are in Tucson, Ariz. Big signs are at every major intersection on the main arteries with the block number on the sign facing the driver. You can read the sign from a distance and don't have to hope you stop at a red light in order to read the small side sign like you do in Hawai'i.

Improving the street signs would help keep traffic flowing, and drivers wouldn't be slowing down searching for the block number and increasing the risk of an accident.

PRO GOLFER

WIE HAS SUPPORT OF HAWAI'I