ACTIVITIES INFRINGE ON AREA SWIMMERS

With reference to the DLNR's invitation for public input on the use of Ala Moana Beach by stand-up paddlers (My Communities, April 15), I have the following comments:

1. This beach is designated for swimming. Board paddlers, especially novices being taught how to paddle, are often a danger to swimmers.

2. There is an increasing presence of instructors and students using the beach. In other words, it is becoming a commercial enterprise.

3. If swimmers wish to backstroke, for example, they are in danger of colliding with these boards. I am speaking from several such painful experiences.

TAX INCREASES

HOTEL ROOM TAX SHOULD BE OFF-LIMITS

The state government may need to consider some tax increases, but there should be no increase in the hotel room tax. Economics, and common business sense, predicts that as the price of a product goes up, demand will be adversely affected. This is particularly the case with discretionary spending, such as leisure travel.

But we don't need to rely just on theory to know this. Back around 1990-91, New York City raised taxes on hotel rooms and immediately suffered a severe decline in tourism. They reversed course the next year. Given the importance of tourism to Hawai'i's economy, we shouldn't try to repeat that mistake. The heads of the public unions should know that it is in their interest to keep tourism healthy if their long-term objective is to keep public employees employed. If we raise the hotel room tax, we all lose.

LAWMAKERS' IDEAS SMACK OF SOCIALISM

I could hardly believe my eyes as I read Rep. Marcus Oshiro's column regarding tax hikes on the wealthy. I am not in the wealthy category or even close to it, but his ideas smack of pure socialism.

The quote he cited, that "it is economically preferable to raise taxes on those with high income than to cut state expenditures," is classic liberal garbage. Doesn't anyone in state government understand that when there is a budget crisis, you don't take even more money from taxpayers, you tighten the belt of government? But for someone like Mr. Oshiro, it may be hard to understand that it is these very people, the rich, who are most likely to fund new businesses, make sizable donations to charities and universities, and keep the economy growing.

Mr. Oshiro summarized his thoughts by saying, "Raising taxes must also be part of the solution, and raising the personal income tax on the wealthiest of our society seems to be the best option overall."

Let me offer a better solution. Cut the ridiculous wasteful government spending and put some accountability on well-paid state workers first. Taking more money from those who are productive in society only makes those people less productive. Then we all lose.

RAIL TRANSIT

REPORTING IGNORED INOUYE ABOUT EPA

Once again, Advertiser staff writer Sean Hao has demonstrated a penchant for slanted and selective reporting that calls into question his ability to cover Honolulu's rail transit project fairly and objectively.

His article regarding concerns expressed by the Environmental Protection Agency inexplicably ignored every statement made by Hawai'i's senior U.S. senator in response.

Sen. Daniel Inouye had explained to Hao and others that the EPA's comments about land acquisition in the Banana Patch area of Wai-awa and other issues are to be expected as part of a process designed to ensure concerns are properly aired and addressed.

Surely, a U.S. senator of such stature and experience is a credible news source regarding a federal process he thoroughly understands. Moreover, the senator reassured everyone that the EPA's comments would in no way jeopardize the federal funding he continues to work so hard to pursue for the rail project.

KGMB9 responsibly inquired with the EPA, and reported that the agency is satisfied with assurances the city has made to Banana Patch residents. An EPA official stated that, "At this point we don't see any environmental issues that would cause us to object to the project," the station reported.

SHARK CAGES

IF YOU FEED THEM, THEY WILL COME

Educating the public about the safety of shark cages and sharks is fine, but here's the catch. What happens when there are no cages out there to protect you? You do not want it to become like parts of Australia where shark nets have to be up to protect the swimmers.

Sharks are not stupid. If you feed them, they will come. And what will come is some very unwelcome visitors like the great whites, which did come to Hale'iwa a few years ago, and tigers, bull sharks, etc. Associating engine sounds with food will draw them to the South Shore, where there are very few problems with sharks so far. That will change if this is allowed to begin. You don't see the Hawaiians doing this.

Bottom line is this is all about money at the expense of the rest of us who use the ocean for recreation — paddling, swimming, racing with escort boats (engine noise), diving, etc. These operators claim they are educating the public. Do they do this free of charge? I doubt it. Don't allow them to start this business.