MUNITIONS

PUBLIC SAFETY A PRIORITY FOR ARMY AND THE DOD

I am responding to an April 10 editorial, "Army Owes Wai'anae a Munitions Cleanup." The Army and Department of Defense remain committed to protect the health and human safety of the public by working collaboratively with sister Services, federal and state agencies, and local communities to address munitions-related issues in Hawai'i, particularly on the Wai'anae Coast. To further this commitment, the Army and Navy engaged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and partners, including University of Hawai'i, to conduct a survey and sampling study of discarded munitions on Ordnance Reef.

We intend to convene a forum within the next 30 days with all relevant parties, including representatives of the Wai'anae community, to review NOAA's recent report and determine the appropriate way ahead. Our review of the NOAA data is under way and will assess potential risks to health and the environment, and identify potential risks associated with any removal action.

As demonstrated by the Army's immediate response to propellants recently found on area beaches, we are addressing health and human safety concerns, continuing our public awareness campaign and remaining vigilant to remove propellants when found.

Historically, it should be remembered that sea disposal of military munitions was an accepted practice for many years. Regardless of the past, this remains an extremely complex and sensitive issue requiring the cooperative efforts of everyone.

WAIKIKI

ONE OLD-TIMER FONDLY RECALLS LEWERS STREET

I saw your article about Lewers Street being the "armpit" of Waikiki.

It may have been an armpit in your writer's opinion, but I'll bet a high-priced dinner at one of the new "upscale" places that old-timers do not agree.

We all remember the great Pieces of Eight with the nightly piano bar, Perry's "All-you-can-eat" Smorgy and a couple of very reasonable eateries, and funky shops without Liberty House prices. And right at the end of Lewers at Kalia Road — The Buccaneer.

Some "alley" eh? You didn't have to take out a second mortgage to eat or shop there.

Maybe the new breed of tourist will dig it. There is no longer a trace of old Waikiki.

MIDEAST

U.S. INVASION OF IRAQ MISHANDLED, ARTIFICIAL

Recently, Newt Gingrich added his criticism to those who think that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales should resign for his involvement in the firing of U.S. attorneys.

As Gingrich argued, "This is the most mishandled, artificial, and self-created mess that I can remember in the years I've been active in public life."

Although Gingrich's comment is most welcome, his memory should be broadened to include President Bush's invasion of Iraq.

Can anyone think of a more "mishandled, artificial and self-created mess?"

CITY OFFICIALS

NO COURAGE TO CHOOSE BEST ROUTE FOR TRANSIT

I agree with Peter Caldwell (Letters, April 10). It is critical that the transit system include the airport.

Most of the City Council members admit that the choice of bypassing the airport in favor of the route through Salt Lake is not the best route. But, they voted for it as a compromise — as a political move.

This multi-billion-dollar project is going to be the biggest city undertaking in history.

Yet, the City Council did not have the resolve to choose the best route.

Our mayor, in the meantime, comes out in public and says, "We did not get our first choice, but we did get our second choice."

Again, we have a city official who is determined to spend this ungodly amount of money and not insist on the "best" route.

Ridiculous.

ELECTRICITY

STORY FAILED TO ADDRESS FOSSIL FUEL ALTERNATIVES

Fossil fuel utilities could have written the article, "Hawai'i not finding it easy to tap alternative energy" (Hawai'i section, April 8).

The article avoided discussing cost-effective, currently available non-fossil fuel solutions. They include conservation, energy efficiency, energy displacement (sea-water air conditioning) and baseload (non-intermittent) renewable energy (ocean thermal energy conversion).

The article avoided discussing how the electricity grid of the future can contain both intermittent (wind, solar, wave, tidal) and baseload renewable resources.

Instead, the article used the intermittent nature of intermittent sources as an excuse for Hawai'i's failure to move away from fossil fuels.

SEWAGE TREATMENT

HONOULIULI OUTFALL NOT HARMFUL TO MARINE LIFE

The Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant produces no harm to marine life nor does it endanger human health.

It treats sewage at two levels; advanced primary for discharge into the deep ocean and secondary treatment for agriculture recycling.

Gov. Linda Lingle's assertion to the news media that it dumps raw sewage into the ocean is false, yet not surprising when one considers how badly misinformed the public is when it comes to pollution.

It seems that pollution is the media's favorite whipping boy. Bad news sells and every spill, large or small, is front-page news, regardless of the impact.

Some, of course are serious, like the Ala Wai bypass. But these events have nothing to do with the 'Ewa outfall.

An exhaustive $9 million study during the 1990s established unequivocally that the 'Ewa outfall is ecologically safe and sound.

In fact, it showed that the outfall and pipeline are an ecological oasis attracting marine life, like an artificial reef with no negative environmental or health impacts.

Before we waste $400 million, let's make sure the governor and the public know the facts.