• HPR
• Housing solution
• Backs Hooser’s bill
• Wailua traffic
HPR
Until last December, we on Kaua‘i received the Hawaii Public Radio station KHPR and National Public Radio (NPR) through the cable lines. Originally, it was provided through Kauai Cablevision, but the cable service has since been taken over by Oceanic/ Time Warner (O/TR).
Since Kaua‘i is so far from O‘ahu, we cannot usually get the signal over the normal tower transmission, even though HPR has recently improved their equipment. Now Oceanic/ Time Warner cable has declined to re-establish the signal to its subscribers over the regular cable lines. Instead, it is only available to subscribers of its digital service, at an additional charge.
HPR and NPR provide valuable programming of news, commentary, and the arts. This is necessary for an informed and involved citizenry. To be capriciously cut off from this source of programming is frustrating and perhaps a violation of the cable company’s public responsibility as a regulated entity.
I urge all those who have enjoyed “Morning Edition”, “All Things Considered”, jazz and classical music to contact HPR, O/TR, the FCC and our senators Inouye and Akaka, and Congressman Ed Case to see what might be done to return public radio to Kaua‘i.
Jack Lundgren
Kapa‘a
Housing solution
When my wife and I first traveled to Kaua‘i for our honeymoon, almost twenty years ago, we returned to our home beaming from our experience. What we boasted about included the amazing views, but it was the people the captivated us the most. We have been to the Caribbean many times. When people ask us what the difference is between Hawai‘i and the Caribbean Islands our answer is quick and precise — the people. Count us as firm believers in “No Hawaiians, No Aloha.”
I know that developers use Industrial Revenue Bonds and other types of quasi-governmental financing to create infrastructure in other parts of the country. This may already be a part of the homelands development effort and I am just not aware of it. On the outside chance that it is not, it seems that this tool could be used to provide development funds inexpensively.
The State of Hawai‘i backs the municipal bonds with their good faith and credit. The revenue streams from the land leases or impact fees can be used to repay the bonds. The interest rate is a below market rate because the interest paid to the investor purchasing the bond is tax free. This same tool can be used to create a mortgage pool to allow native Hawaiians to borrow money at rates even cheaper than the prevailing mortgage rates. An additional mortgage pool can be used for down payment assistance. I have even seen down payment assistance programs where the loan is forgiven if the home buyer stays in the home for ten years.
Kaua‘i can remain beautiful if development is carefully planned. Kaua‘i will be most beautiful when we have more people having a vested and invested interest through increased home ownership.
This is just one idea, but it will require that we use all the intelligent resources that we can to empower the new generations of Hawaiians so that Hawaii can be a true paradise for generations to come.
Dwight Holloway
Kilauea/Winter Park, FL
Backs Hooser’s bill
It’s certainly clear that R.S. Weir has it out for Senator Gary Hooser as evidenced by his letter to the Editor on 3/21/04. Unfortunately, his accusations are unjust and his tirade against “fascist” Senate Bill 2682 is unwarranted.
Introduced by Sen. Hooser and others, SB 2682 is titled Energy Efficient Water Heating for New Construction. It is forward-looking legislation that will help minimize dependency on imported fossil fuels. The bill does not mandate solar water heaters, nor are legislators giving “solar dealers a windfall opportunity”.
The bill provides three choices and reads as follows: “all newly constructed dwelling units shall be equipped with a primary hot water system comprised of a conventional solar panel hot water system or a standard propane gas water heater, or a system at least as energy efficient as a conventional solar panel hot water system…”
This bill is not an “anti-property rights measure”. It’s just common sense. Energy efficiency and promoting sustainability are important issues especially in Hawai‘i. An import-dependent society is vulnerable and therefore, finding economic opportunities for self-sufficiency is crucial.
For those who wish to read SB 2682 S.D.2, it is brief and is conveniently posted on the internet at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/sb2682_sd2_.htm
Rayne Regush
Kealia
Wailua traffic
I have been watching the comments and letters regarding the proposed bike path from Kapa‘a to Anahola with great interest.
It is obvious that none of the County Council or the Mayor travel through Kapa‘a during morning or evening rush hour or their priorities would be different.
We need a bypass road before a tsunami comes along and kills the hundreds of people stuck in traffic on our one pathetic road while trying to get to high ground.
We need a bypass road before the next major accident ties up traffic for hours from one end of the island to the other.
We need a bypass road before someone loses it and “goes postal” due to road rage and frustration.
Mayor and County Councilpersons: Why aren’t you addressing the needs of this community for better roads?
I, for one, am going to remember who you are and how you represented (or mis-represented) the people of this island come the next election!!!
Kay Obloy
Wailua
