Letters for Monday, February 11, 2008

• Intermediary alternative solution

• Much ado about nothing

• Very different futures, indeed

• ‘Nuts’ over barking

• Support Coco Palms bill

Intermediary alternative solution

I am writing in response to John Patterson’s letter (“KIUC should help customers access alternative energy,” Letters, Jan. 27):

I was glad to hear a plan rather than just complaints.

Recently it has been brought to my attention of an environmentally safe product on the market that has been tested in EPA and CARB approved laboratories and proven to substantially reduce emissions, decrease fuel consumption and increase octane ratings. My question is, “Why doesn’t KIUC explore the advantages of this product as an intermediary solution?”

KIUC currently uses 15 million gallons of diesel fuel and 15 million gallons of Naphtha (primary ingredient in lighter fuel or charcoal lighter) per year. That is 30 million gallons per year at a cost of around $90 million. If the savings was only 5 percent (most testing and implementation of the product show 10 percent and above) KIUC could save $3.6 million (after cost of product 1 percent) which equals 1.5 million gallons of fuel not consumed.

I think we the people who are members of this “coop” should demand higher standards of operation as well as keeping the movement toward alternative resources alive. This is not the 1900s and this is not a “snake oil.” This is 20th century technology that is proven to clean air pollutants, increase fuel efficiency and boost production.

You can go to Visconusa.com and read for yourselves the advantages of this product. This would also work for the noxious emissions coming from the cruise ships.

Kimberly Stornetta

Hanalei

Much ado about nothing

There are many problems we face here on Kaua‘i. The letters to the editor column is a forum to point out problems, offer solutions and share comments on the issues concerning Kaua‘i. It seems in the past few months to have turned into a place where a few grumpy people write every day with topics that have nothing to do with Kaua‘i. Several write concerning religion. Others offer their opinions on national politics and even “bashing” candidates.

Tourists, who don’t live here and never will, sharing their comments on how we should run the island.

The Garden Island editors should start doing a better job of editing these needless and not welcome letters. Let’s keep our eye on the ball here and start printing letters that matter, not someone with nothing to do but write on whatever is on his/her mind.

Eye on the ball, head in the game … please.

John Humphrey

Hanalei

Very different futures, indeed

Yes, we should all definitely be voting by party this election. However, I think the Republican chairman is missing a few words from his comparison (“Very different futures for America,” Letters, Feb. 9).

Republican’s View:

• Endless war with Iraq

• Tax rebates for the wealthy

• Healthcare except for the poor

• Secure Borders

• Terrorism as an excuse for war

• Environment — Huh?

• Foreign Diplomacy — Huh?

Democrat’s View:

• Plan to end war in Iraq

• Tax relief for workers

• Secure borders

• Terrorism — war with diplomacy

• Environment — reduce dependency on foreign oil and reduce CO2 pollution

• Foreign diplomacy — renewed dialog

Yes, please register to vote as the stakes are indeed high.

Linda Silva

Kalaheo

‘Nuts’ over barking

Is there nothing that can be done about barking dogs?

I have called everyone and they all pass the buck while I pay big rent, extreme electric bills, etc., etc.

Every day and night I have to listen to my neighbor’s dog non-stop. My son is 11 and does not sleep sound for school because these dog owners are young and don’t respond to any attempts to stop the barking. I am going nuts. As we speak the dog has been barking since 6:45 a.m. and the owners hang out and do nothing to stop the barking. I have called all appropriate parties 25 times and recived no help. Can someone help?

J.B. Scopacasa

Kapa‘a

Support Coco Palms bill

I humbly ask your support of Senate Bill 3221(Coco Palms) introduced by Sen. Gary Hooser. The Coco Palms area is part of an ancient and sacred area consisting of fish ponds, heieaus, village area and taro patches. If a park were made on the site of the old hotel, locals and visitors alike would enjoy the spirit of old Hawai‘i visually. Too often we overlook what is at our feet, a great resource of history for generations to come. Kaua‘i needs new parks, as Kaua‘i grows. Please revitalize the belief of the people on Kaua‘i in our political system and restore Hawai‘i’s dignity by supporting this bill.

Sherwood Conant II

Kilauea