LANDFILL

HAWAI'I MUST CUT TRASH BEFORE EXPORTING IT

Why is there so much discussion about shipping our trash when we haven't even begun to exhaust methods to reduce it first?

The city needs to implement curbside recycling immediately to determine how much non-recyclable garbage we really produce.

They should also work with the state to set up recycling containers in public places for people to recycle their HI-5¢ cans and bottles when strolling around Waikiki or eating lunch Downtown.

Until we have tried at least these two things to reduce waste that ends up in the landfill, we have no business moving our garbage off-island.

INTERISLAND

HAWAI'I AIRLINES CAN'T BLAME GO! FOR ALL WOES

Aloha and Hawaiian airlines, what were your reasons for losing money before go! Airlines came into town?

Please don't place all of the blame on go! If I remember correctly, both airlines filed for bankruptcy before go! arrived.

CONGESTION

STORY ON CAR OVERLOAD SHOWS NEED FOR TRANSIT

We are fast approaching complete traffic overload in Hawai'i with almost as many cars as there are people.

The article on the front page ("Cars on road close to matching population," June 25) was both accurate and frightening in describing how traffic congestion erodes our quality of life, takes time away from families and causes stress.

Add to that the rising cost of fuel and the toll automobiles take on our natural environment and you've got proof positive that the time for mass transit is now.

WALGREENS

LONGS DRUGS HAS NEVER ABUSED MONOPOLY HERE

I had looked forward to a Walgreens in Hawai'i, but after the June 22 article stating the company's intention to locate right next to a Longs Drugs whenever possible, you can count on me to never darken their doorstep.

Yes, Longs Drugs has enjoyed a monopoly of the drugstore market in Hawai'i but they have never abused it. They have always offered fair pricing and good weekly sales.

I urge Hawai'i shoppers to show their loyalty to a company that has served Hawai'i well for more than 50 years, even if it means paying an extra 5 cents on a tube of toothpaste.

NCAA

KAMANA'O DESERVING OF AWARD NOMINATION

Thank you for your interesting article on Kanoe Kamana'o (June 21).

I'm not surprised at Kanoe's nomination for the Division I 2007 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. For years, Kanoe has dazzled us with her deft handling of the volleyball and timely kills at opportune times.

Kanoe makes Hawai'i proud, and no one is more deserving than she for bringing fame to the University of Hawai'i's athletic program.

SAFE HAVEN

HB 1830 NEEDS REVISING BEFORE IT IS APPROVED

Gov. Linda Lingle has placed HB 1830 on her potential veto list. If she does veto it, the Legislature would do well to not override this veto.

The purpose of HB 1830 is to establish a safe haven for newborns. The bill provides immunity from prosecution for leaving a newborn at a hospital, fire station or police station.

Unfortunately, this bill encourages individuals who are unable to deal with the harsh reality of parenthood to legally abandon their newborn.

It fails to address the cause of the problem or the psychological/emotional needs of the child. The author of this bill believes that any child removed from birth parents will always thrive.

We know of adoptees who will tell you otherwise. Their struggles with identity, medical history, cultural background and feelings of abandonment/rejection are lifetime issues. As adoptive parents of two, we have witnessed this struggle.

The Legislature would serve the community well by revising this bill to address the total needs of the newborn.

BURIAL REMAINS

NO MORE TOLERATION FOR O'AHU'S URBAN BLIGHT

Funny how life works. Here we have O'ahu bending, some would say breaking, with unchecked development, the subsequent overpopulation and an almost unperceivable urban blueprint.

Too shortsighted to plan for future generations, we continue the mass degradation of O'ahu, complete with an eroding quality of life.

Lo and behold, who should rise up and save us from ourselves? The ancients, whose bones and spirits will no longer tolerate the blight of rampant development on the lands they once wandered.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

FISHERMEN HAVE TRIED TO AVOID MONK SEALS

In response to John E. Randall's June 21 letter on gill nets: It was the National Marine Fisheries that transplanted 80 male monk seals to the main Hawaiian Islands.

As a fishermen, I can say we have tried our very best to tiptoe around these creatures and give them a wide berth.

Although they have caused havoc for many of us by breaking gear and stealing entire catches, we have tried our best to coexist with them.

We believe with the new strict rule changes just enacted and signed by the governor and the much-needed increase in enforcement officers the state will have a handle on gill nets in a short time frame.

As for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' abandoned gear situation, this is an international problem concerning many countries.