TRANSIT

TANDEM EXPRESS BUSES WOULD WORK BEST HERE

I think we can all agree that a mass transit system is a necessity in Honolulu; we just can't seem to agree on what technology to use.

I do not agree with the mayor that the system must be a fixed-rail guideway system. I also do not agree with Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi's idea for bus system that would have ramps off of the main fixed guideway to allow buses to branch off into various parts of the island.

I favor a bus system using a fixed guideway exclusively using tandem express buses from point to point. No special technology would be needed as our bus system already uses these vehicles. By keeping the tandem buses only on the fixed guideway, there would virtually be no timing problems with scheduled stops caused by surface street traffic. Using buses in spoke-and-hub routes would move people to and from the various guideway stations.

This system also allows as many tandem buses on the guideway during peak hours as needed without much effort or cost. Another benefit is the cost factor. No special technology would be needed as we would be using existing vehicles and facilities to maintain them.

It would be far cheaper to purchase tandem buses to add to the fleet than to have to purchase trains or special facilities and technicians to maintain them.

SUPERFERRY

ARE CULTURAL BRIEFINGS NECESSARY ON FERRY?

It would seem that there is an absolute moral, if not legal, obligation to allow the Superferry to operate until the now-required environmental studies are completed. After all, the Superferry relied on the guarantees that the elected officials of Hawai'i made. In addition, the majority of the people of Hawai'i want the Supperferry. Then the company would be given the choice of complying or going elsewhere. It is absurd to expect this ferry to wait for years before being given the go-ahead to operate.

Is it really necessary to require the Superferry to "retrieve and care for any downed seabirds?" Or is it needed to have "brief-ings for passengers on Hawaiian cultural issues?"

If this is what it takes to run the Superferry while the environmental studies are being completed, then it seems only fair to require all marine craft to pick up birds.

Also, to be consistent, all flights coming to Hawai'i and also interisland flights should be required to give a lesson in Hawaiian cultural values.

MIDEAST

END WAR IN IRAQ, SUPPORT IRAQI WORKERS

As a working person and union member I stand in solidarity with Iraqi workers in calling for an immediate end to the occupation of Iraq.

In June 2005, the leaders of the Iraqi labor movement declared, "The principal obstacle to peace, stability and the reconstruction of Iraq is the occupation. The occupation must end in all its forms, including military bases and economic domination."

Two years later, millions of Iraqi civilians have been killed or displaced, unemployment is rampant and basic necessities like clean water and electricity are in short supply. In the meantime, the Iraqi government — with the support of American occupation forces — continues to enforce Saddam Hussein's Decree 150, making it illegal for public-sector workers to form unions. Union offices have been raided, striking workers have been intimidated by troops and labor leaders have been threatened with arrest.

We need to let our government know that we oppose this war, we don't want any more money spent to continue it, and that we want our troops brought home now and taken care of when they get here. We also need to support Iraq's workers by calling for the end to government suppression of the labor movement and an end to the occupation.

COLONIZATION

YOKE OF OPPRESSION STILL IN PLACE IN HAWAI'I

I watched with interest the rededication of Sun Yat-sen's monument in Chinatown last Sunday morning.

Standing in honored positions along both sides of the monument were the flags of China and of the United States. The monument retells of Dr. Sun's organizing in Hawai'i to bring about the liberation of China from the policies of colonization, which were being pressed upon China from colonizing empires, including that of the United States.

Dr. Sun's arrival and early education occurred in the independent nation-state of Hawai'i. As he sought to throw off the yoke of colonization in China, the United States pressed a similar yoke upon Hawai'i. That yoke has yet to be removed.

It is apparent that the glorifiers of Dr. Sun and his accomplishments for China remain insensitive to that same colonization now going on under their feet here in Hawai'i. To be truly committed to the principles that are enshrined on the Dr. Sun Yat-sen monument in Honolulu, one can not continue ignoring the colonial situation now existing in Hawai'i.

Instead of the beautiful words of high principles and dedication to the ideals of Dr. Sun spoken that morning, it would be nice to see those ideals put into action to bring about the liberation of their adopted homeland, Hawai'i.

SAFETY

PEDESTRIANS, DRIVERS MUST LEARN PATIENCE

Our local daily news on television, radio, and newspapers suggest how O'ahu's drivers and pedestrians are too impatient nowadays. Vehicles and pedestrians don't yield and then there are collisions.

One can only wonder if those who were involved had the common sense to figure out that haste makes waste. By now, we should all realize that the human body cannot compete with the strength of metal so why challenge this fact.

Yes, both drivers and pedestrians are equally at fault for causing collisions but again, why do we need to find out the hard way?

When a person walks on a pier and reaches the end, he or she stops to look around before deciding whether to turn around or fall in the water. So also should a pedestrian stop at the end of the sidewalk and look around first for oncoming vehicles before crossing the street. We cannot take it for granted that the driver of a vehicle will see us crossing, so we must rely on our own good judgment to keep ourselves safe.

It's time to slow down; we're too much in a rush now days.