DEVELOPMENT

LA'AU POINT PLAN IS WRONG FOR MOLOKA'I

Moloka'i is in an uproar regarding development at La'au Point, but much of the struggle has received little attention on other islands. This is not an everyday squabble against new development.

Moloka'i is often affectionately known as the last "Hawaiian" island. While much of Hawai'i's coastline is blocked by sprawling mansions and hotels, Moloka'i retains a pristine coast. Molokaians have also managed to continue ancient traditions of living off the land and sea.

Billionaire Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan and his local subsidiary, Moloka'i Ranch, want to develop 875 acres of pristine beachfront into 200 fenced million-dollar lots. In return, they promise to donate a substantial amount of land for the community and restore the old Kaluakoi Hotel.

Their claim that they need to develop Moloka'i's prime fishing and hunting grounds to afford the hotel restoration is ludicrous.

On an island of Moloka'i's size, an influx of 200 millionaires would deliver a knockout blow of higher property taxes and infrastructure costs.

If we want to preserve any trace of Hawai'i's heritage, it is crucial we support the residents of Moloka'i.

ENTITLEMENTS

HAWAIIANS IN HAWAI'I HAVE BEEN OPPRESSED

This is a response to Jere Krischel's Island Voices column (Jan. 9).

It is not fair to compare Hawaiians living in California with those Hawaiians living in Hawai'i.

Hawaiians in California are more protected than the Hawaiians here. There is no perception of a threat of taking over California. They are genuinely protected by civil rights laws like everyone else, and are respected.

Hawaiians in Hawai'i are often attacked, maligned and discriminated against because of subjective notions that they have more advantages and are out to get or get rid of non-Hawaiians.

Indeed, many Hawaiians in Hawai'i are more vocal and militant — because we have the right and entitlement because of the oppression we've gone through for so long.

It is also very difficult for many non-Hawaiians that Hawaiians are getting more educated and aware of their own rights as the first inhabitants of the state.

Mahalo nui loa!

HO'OPILI

INFRASTRUCTURE CAN'T SUPPORT THE AREA NOW

Does the Planning Commission have any idea what the impact is going to be if it approves the Ho'opili project in 'Ewa?

The existing infrastructure cannot support the homes in the area now.

Why is it that the state and city do not understand that infrastructure has to be in place before approving any project?

Just look at the mess at Kapolei.

COST BREAKS

KAMA'AINA RATES ONLY FOR LEGAL RESIDENTS

Being in the hotel business for more than 15 years, let me define what "kama'aina" is from our perspective.

It is someone who has legal residency in the state of Hawai'i.

You do not have to be born here to receive a kama'aina discount, but you do need to show proof you live here with a valid Hawai'i ID.

Mr T. Oyama (Letter, Jan. 10) has not lived in Hawai'i for almost 50 years. He said in his letter: "Those of us who relocated to the Mainland did so because of economic reasons."

This is exactly why the discount is for people who actually live in Hawai'i.

PROPERTY TAX

LANDLORDS ARE DUE SOME CONSIDERATION

Barbara Nakamura's letter ("Second-home owners don't need tax relief," Jan. 10) sadly illustrates how misguided some people can be.

She expresses her concern for people living "one check away from homelessness." Doesn't she realize that homelessness may soon become a reality for many tenants as well? Failing to provide tax relief to landlords is the equivalent of failing to provide tenants with affordable rentals.

I am a landlord, yet my family faces the same challenges as everyone else to make an honest and decent living here in Hawai'i. We've sacrificed for what we have, and we continue to work toward financial independence after retirement. Is it fair to be penalized for owning more than one home as an investment toward retirement?

We own two modest properties. We live frugally, and earn an average income.

Our rental generates just enough to help us break even. We don't expect much, if any, tax relief to come our way, but we always hope for a little more consideration and fairness.

RELIEF SHOULD BE FOR TRUE OWNER-OCCUPANTS

There was a very interesting editorial in The Advertiser on Jan. 2 regarding property tax relief for owner-occupants.

If Maui and other islands have implemented this plan, we should definitely use it here on O'ahu.

The key word is "owner-occupancy," residents who live in their homes 365 days a year.

The tax relief would not apply to owners who rent their homes, part-time residents, time-share owners or owners who use their homes as vacation rentals.

MITIGATION

MANOA FLOOD CONTROL IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Your Jan. 8 editorial, "City should move on short-term flood fixes" misses the mark.

Contrary to your statement that "drainage is, by and large, the responsibility of local government," the Manoa issue is not drainage, but flood control, which is a shared responsibility. The statutes designate the state Department of Land and Natural Resources as the State Flood Control Agency.

While the Army Corps of Engineers study of the Oct. 30, 2004, flooding in Manoa provides valuable technical information, it was admittedly limited in scope. We remain concerned about fixing anything without knowing the impact to surrounding neighborhoods and others downstream.

The city has/is taking active measures to address the relatively small portion of Manoa Stream that it owns.

These include debris removal; co-sponsoring a study with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to develop intermediate flood mitigation initiatives in the Manoa Watershed; completed repairs to the damaged East Manoa Bridge invert; and doing likewise for the Kahaloa Drive Bridge when funds become available.

Regarding the report's preferred alternative of constructing a drop structure under the Woodlawn Bridge, almost all of the project would be to state-owned portions of the stream above and below the bridge. The city is more than willing to assist the state in its efforts to address their areas of responsibilities.

MAKALI'I

POLYNESIAN CANOE SAILED TO MICRONESIA

An article in the Jan. 3 Advertiser ("Hokule'a set for Micronesia trip") stated that Hokule'a would soon be sailing to "places where no Polynesian canoe is ever known to have gone."

While this is a true statement regarding the portion of the voyage to Japan, it is incorrect regarding Micronesia.

In 1999, the Polynesian voyaging canoe Makali'i sailed to Micronesia.

The voyage was called "E Mau — Sailing the Master Home," and its purpose was to honor grandmaster navigator Mau Piailug by sailing him home to his island of Satawal.

Na Kalai Wa'a Moku o Hawai'i — the same group that built the new voyaging canoe, Aligano Maisu, that will be a gift to Mau during this current voyage to Micronesia — successfully carried out the 1999 voyage, with Shorty Bertelmann as navigator and a committed Makali'i crew.

Hokule'a and Makali'i have both accomplished important voyages throughout the Pacific. As Hawai'i's voyaging canoes prepare to embark on a new voyage, we should remember and honor those earlier voyages accordingly and accurately.