BLACKOUT

SIMILAR BLACKOUTS HIT PRIOR TO 2006 AS WELL

Like many others here in Hawai'i, I continue to be amazed at the Third World quality of our utilities. I noticed that none of the media reports about the islandwide power outage mentioned the previous times this has happened prior to 2006. They act like the 2006 earthquake was the only other time this has happened.

But I remember in 1986 when the same thing happened for 13 hours. I believe HECO tried to say that one was due to something like a Mylar balloon hitting one of the main power lines and causing it to go out. And that this caused the old chain reaction/domino effect.

In March 1991, there was another islandwide outage during the middle of the day. I forget what HECO said caused that one. They have had a long time to consider how to protect the grid from minor or trivial trauma, but obviously nothing has been done.

My personal feeling is they would rather inconvenience the entire island and cause businesses and residents to lose untold amounts of money from these power outages than spend the money to upgrade the infrastructure. Some people's lives depend on electricity for medical equipment! One of my acquaintances, an elderly woman, is in the hospital right now for lacerations and abrasions she suffered when she fell during the blackout. What will it take for HECO to wake up?

TRAFFIC SAFETY

MORE ATTENTION NEEDED ON DANGEROUS DRIVERS

I think it's time for our lawmakers to address the dangerous drivers. They pose a danger to other drivers and pedestrians.

Inattentive drivers texting or talking on cell phones; you see these people every day. They drive really slow thinking it's safer or are weaving in and out of their lanes or not noticing the signal lights have changed. We need to have some rules or laws regarding the use of cell phones for talking and texting.

Why don't we have red-light cams like other cities? We know they made a mistake the last time, but it's time to get serious about the problem and do it right this time. I think the problem is especially bad on Kalaniana'ole Highway, but I'm sure it's bad everywhere else.

I've had drivers behind me overtake me after I've stopped and run the red light. I usually catch up with these people at the next couple of lights. They really didn't save any time by running the light.

Lastly, I'm not sure how some people obtained their driver licenses but it appears they don't know or understand the rules of driving. Have the written and driving tests changed since I took the tests? I think not.

I think people should have to show some level of competency to get a license. We cannot allow unqualified people behind the wheel; too much damage, and too many lives, are at stake.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

INCENTIVES EXIST FOR RESIDENTS TO GO GREEN

Jeff Mikulina, in his commentary "Five steps to a greener tomorrow" (Jan. 2), left out something very important. Homeowners can save money on their electric bills and reduce the importation of oil, beginning today.

The City and County of Honolulu has money to loan homeowners for purchasing solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. Interest charged on these loans is zero percent for low-income families and 2 percent for middle-income families. Loans are repaid with the savings your solar collectors provide, which HECO estimates at 20 to 30 percent of your total electric bill. After the loan is paid off, you will benefit from lower bills.

For more information and application blanks, homeowners should call the City and County of Honolulu Rehabilitation Loan Branch at 523-4207.

FIREWORKS

SUPPORT RETURNING REGULATION TO COUNTIES

I read with interest the (Jan. 1) article in The Honolulu Advertiser reporting that "Rainy night, big drop in permits suggest dampened enthusiasm" (for fireworks). Are you kidding?

Have you noticed the huge number of complaints to the police, along with columns by Lee Cataluna and a number of letters to your paper complaining about the increase in illegal fireworks? The decrease in the number of permits suggests that more and more are buying illegal fireworks at an all-time record pace this year.

Also, I want to say mahalo to Rep. Roy Takumi for his letter ("Enforcing the law is near impossible," Jan. 1). He accurately described the problem our neighborhoods have been facing for months. We should all support his efforts to introduce legislation to return regulation to the counties or an outright ban on fireworks. He correctly states that no culture or tradition encourages the breaking of laws, depriving neighbors their right to a safe and quiet community or imposes risks to our pets and health. Mahalo, Rep. Takumi!

FORCED TO LEAVE HER HOME DURING FIREWORKS

This New Year's Eve I had to leave my Kaimuki neighborhood because the fireworks noise made it sound like a war zone.

The big kabooms started at 6:30 p.m. At 8:30 p.m. it was so unbearable I had to leave for the hills of Wai'alae Iki, a much quieter spot where I could see plenty of mini-explosions below in Kaimuki.

My dog, who is rather mellow, also had to leave because his 13-pound body started to pant, followed by uncontrollable tics in his left leg. A friend took him to spend the night in Waikiki, a fireworks-free zone. Sorry, but I will not drug my dog.

A retired police officer friend in Salt Lake heard explosions that rattled him so much that he was not himself the next day. He literally felt the blast of one firework against his chest and he was not near the "celebrations."

For the last 10 years I have thought these are cultural celebrations and people (usually kids) having fun. However, is it really fair that my dog and I have to leave our home and now plan and or pay to be somewhere else every New Year and/or Fourth of July?

Why not designate Aloha Stadium and Campbell Industrial Park areas for fireworks, while the rest is off limits? Forcing me out of my home with these illegal fireworks that look and/or sound like city fireworks displays is too much.