[April 18: “Rail: Not a Done Deal”] Countless others and I continue to question our representation on all things going on in our state. This is not in the best interest of the people of Hawaii or our ‘aina.

Why does HART need so many staff? Why pay them so much?

If 20 percent of the cars that create the congestion during the West Oahu to Honolulu commute wanted to use rail, is this logistically possible? Does the system have the capacity to move them during the time frame that they need to move?

[April 11: “‘Aina vs Econ”] The legislature should be applauded for coming up with a solution to address ways in which the process can be improved and our economy can be stimulated; if one is to carefully read [SB755], environmental safeguards exist. The measure is temporary, meaning that the effects of the measure will address the stalls in the process for projects either already in motion or close to being ready.

[April 11: “Chinatown no piece of cake”] I find it silly that the downtown police go out in force on ticket patrol whenever an embarrassing story comes out for them. It’s so transparent.

[April 11: “Home for 1 percenters”] Mufi’s, and now Carlisle’s, rail needs to be stopped. We can’t afford it.

[April 4: “Water for Thought”] I support increased funding for watershed management; however, one must acknowledge the fear-mongering throughout the first half of this article and the statements that threaten the credibility of the bill. In forests where access is less difficult, hunters could easily be encouraged to reduce animal numbers, allowing groundcover to increase, thus improving ground water infiltration.

[April 4: “Cell phone, laptop … smart meter?”] As far as I know, there’s not yet any proven case of a person who got

[Feb. 22: “Gambling Your Own”] Aren’t lotteries like the stock market–many people giving money so that a very few can get rich?

[April 11: “Rebirth: ‘Ohana Waa”] Photos of Hokulea’s relaunch were taken by Karen Holman and printed with authorization of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, which holds the trademark to the canoe and its image. The 1995 portrait of Nainoa Thompson is by Monte Costa.

[March 28: “Water for Thought”] The East Maui Watershed Partnership is proud to be the first watershed partnership formed

What about tapping into federal stimulus money to hire people to work on protecting the watershed? It seems like it is a labor-intensive job requiring a lot of workers.

[April 11: “Chinatown No Piece of Cake”] The events this week show that Chinatown merchants are concerned and frightened by the drug culture that has remained in control of the streets. Like Otto, many of us have felt threatened by the addicts and their suppliers, but we have been met with indifference and a seemingly helpless attitude by the police.

Please keep the Haleiwa Farmers’ Market open, as it is the only way my children and I can afford to eat. We look forward to every Sunday, as that is our main stop; it is also very educational about many things: sustainability, living healthy and much, much more.

I was surprised and dismayed by the decision of DOT to close the Haleiwa Farmers’ Market. The market has become an important part of the fabric of life in our town.

I am a vendor and supporter of the Haleiwa Farmers’ Market. It is by far the best market in the state of Hawaii, and, compared to many on the mainland, it reigns supreme.

I am saddened to hear the DOT has shut down the best thing Haleiwa had going. I went every week to shop for food and gifts.

The entire North shore of Oahu relies on the farmers’ market as a means of employment and a place to purchase healthy, locally grown foods and goods. It is astonishing to me that in this economic crisis the DOT would rather find ways to eliminate jobs versus creating.

[April 4: “Cell phone, laptop … Smart meter?”] Facts and measurements here in California prove that these meters are broadcasting with a much greater frequency than you have stated. They communicate with each other and, depending on the grid location, put out 10,000 to 190,000 pulsed radiation bursts in 24 hours.

[March 28: “Honolulu Overture”] It’s awesome to see the symphony return. Notice the chorus in the background: It’s the Oahu Choral Society’s Symphony Chorus.

[March 21: “Energy Vampire”] I have noticed that no matter how much I cut back on my energy use, HECO rates go up and up! They are a greed-driven monopoly, and, eventually, you and I will pay $260 dollars per month to watch our TVs, take a shower and wash a few dishes every day.

[March 28: “Water for Thought”] According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Hawaii Association of Watershed Partnerships manages roughly 2 million acres in aggregate. The sidebar “Watershed Saving Partnerships” listed acreages that the DLNR Rain Follows the Forest plan indicates as near-term projects proposed by watershed partnerships.

[March 28: “Bag Beefs”] Why is it so hard to get a bill with overwhelming community support passed in the state of Hawaii? Affectionately known as the Bag Bill, SB2511 died on Rep Oshiro’s desk this week.

[March 21: “Feds Still Heart HART”] This letter is not designed to participate in the current emotional craziness that is turning good neighbors against each other, but rather to offer some hard evidence that will profoundly affect Hawaii’s future. Individuals from Hawaii were sent to Vancouver, BC, on our tax dollars to study the city’s rail system.

[March 28: “Smart Update”] For the millions of us with EMF sensitivity, these smart meters are causing all kinds of health problems. San Francisco has legal battles because of them.