TRANSIT

PLANS NEEDED FOR ALL FORMS OF COMMUTING

Proponents of the proposed rail system say it will relieve traffic. They envision everybody else taking the train so they will be able to drive in comfort.

The most that will happen is traffic will not get worse as fast as without the rail.

You can go to any large city in Japan and see the rail and other public transportation in action. Tokyo traffic is horrendous and the rail and bus lines are crowded. Can you imagine if all the train commuters got in their cars and drove? The traffic would be so bad that no one could move.

Then there are those that say we should have a bus guideway system instead of rail. We need both.

We should make long-term plans now to expand public transportation with rail, bus, guideway, taxi and anything else to move people.

We need planners with the vision to see that our population will grow. Plans should be made to help people go from point A to point B and back.

TENBRUGGENCATE

ENVIRONMENTAL STORIES RELIABLE, THOUGHTFUL

Jan TenBruggencate's environmental reporting has always been reliable, thought provoking and provided a much-needed "pulse" of important issues affecting our Hawaiian Islands.

As an active outdoors person and Sierra Club member since the late 1970s, I truly appreciated his commentary, especially on important matters that our young people could relate to.

His broad pallet of topics and his ability to spotlight key timely issues made it easy for the reader to instantly relate to the subject, and most importantly be able to understand the importance of preserving our unique biological and botanical heritage.

I am heartened to read that Jan will continue to report on these important matters via his blog. I wish, however, that The Hono-lulu Advertiser would have chosen to continue the column to benefit those who do not have access to computers and relied on Jan's journalism to keep abreast of these most important issues.

Mahalo, Jan, and good luck!

WEAPONRY

SIERRA CLUB CONCERNED OVER POHAKULOA DU

The Sierra Club is deeply concerned by the finding of depleted uranium at Pohakuloa. We are also concerned that continued live-fire training may disperse the DU.

The risks of DU are controversial. The Aug. 21 Army Times reports "Some researchers suspect exposure to depleted uranium may have caused chronic fatigue and other symptoms in veterans of the first Gulf War," then goes on to say "but there is no conclusive evidence it has."

But Physicians for Social Responsibility urges that DU weaponry be "withdrawn from military arsenals, until a risk analysis can be undertaken."

And a 2005 study of DU aerosols found there may be "increased risk of birth defects in offspring of persons exposed to DU."

The Army denied DU use in Hawai'i for years. Whether they were not aware, or not forthcoming, one must question whether safety of people and the environment was given the priority it deserves.

We encourage close public scrutiny of the remediation. We support involving Dr. Lorrin Pang of Maui.

Pang, who assisted a recent radiation monitoring effort by Kona residents, is a physician who served in the Army and as a World Health Organization consultant.

We support involving Ku Ching of Waimea, an attorney and former nuclear worker, and Jim Albertini of Kurtistown, from Malu 'Aina Center for Non-violent Education and Action.

We also support public forums on the safety of DU, including representatives from the Army, state Department of Health and speakers concerned about safety.

CANOE RACING

CONGRATULATIONS TO GIRLS' CREW FROM KAUA'I

Recently, at the Hawai'i Canoe Racing Association's State Championships in Hanalei Kaua'i, the 18-year-old girls' crew from the Alapa Hoe Club took top honors for their race.

These young women were also undefeated throughout the season. They accomplished this awesome feat with little more than an inspirational coach and a whole lot of fortitude, dedication and guts.

They had no professional trainers, no gym or equipment, and no shoes to practice in, yet they paddled with all their hearts in a borrowed koa canoe and took first place that day.

Congratulations to Chelsey Takahashi, Jasmine Parish, Nalei Mendonca, Jessica Higgins, Brianna Abrigo and Miyuki Tanaka on a job well done.

SOLID WASTE

WAI'ANAE NEEDS LANDFILL SOLUTION NOW, NOT LATER

At a recent meeting at Nanaikapono Elementary, Mayor Mufi Hanneman stated that courses of action are being evaluated for future landfill use on O'ahu.

Furthermore, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee would have a recommendation by 2011 with a final proposal by 2013, and that no landfill sites on the Leeward Coast will be considered for recommendation.

Unfortunately, I asked the mayor a question that he couldn't answer. I asked why it takes until 2013 for a solution. He stated that the process takes time.

That's not an answer. As the chief executive of the administration, he sets the planning priorities. If the SWAC review process is every five years, change the process. We have a problem now.

Let's cut through the bureaucratic nonsense. Can't we make a timely decision? Furthermore, in 2013, he won't be mayor. So who guarantees that the Waimanalo Gulch landfill will be closed?

Bottom line: Six years to make a decision is just poor government. There is no other way to look at it. The Wai'anae Coast residents have been patient enough. Give us solutions now, Mr. Mayor.

FOOTBALL

BRENNAN HUMBLE, GIVES BACK TO UH PROGRAM

I recently attended a University of Hawai'i football team practice at the soccer field in Manoa.

After the practice was over, I was fortunate enough to get an autograph from quarterback, Colt Brennan. He was very cordial and in no hurry to leave the field as he signed autographs for a line of fans.

I'm sure he would have preferred to take a shower and rest a bit before returning for the afternoon practice, but he patiently signed autographs for all those in line.

When he was through, he was the last Warrior on the field.

With all the hype as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate as well as other football awards, he remains humble and true to his word about returning for his senior year to give back to a football program that gave him a second chance.

That's a Colt with a lot of class.