Letter for Feb. 20, 2016 Council-manager system would bring results Monroe Richman is correct in his letter (TGI, Feb. 18) “Voting is best way way to achieve change” that Kauai government would be improved by the election of better (or
Letter for Feb. 20, 2016
Council-manager system would bring results
Monroe Richman is correct in his letter (TGI, Feb. 18) “Voting is best way way to achieve change” that Kauai government would be improved by the election of better (or as he says more prudent) council members and mayors.
The traffic congestion and road condition problems we are experiencing are complex subjects with numerous causes. Much of the concerns arise from the county’s inability to obtain adequate state and federal assistance for widening and new roads. As he noted, funds needed for roadways are spent on bike paths for which he holds the council accountable. That is unfair because frequently bike lanes are conditions required in federal funding.
Road maintenance is an issue. The $6 to $8 million in funds annually from motor vehicle taxes are intended to meet these requirement, Typically the funds are appropriated by the council in the budget, but most is diverted by the mayor so that only a minor fraction is actually applied in paving.
A council–manager system would provide a better result. The manager would be accountable for the proper spending of the appropriated funds.
Walter Lewis
Lihue
Can’t afford tax hikes
The Hawaii Legislature wants to raise the tax on gas and the Kauai group wants to increase our 4 percent general excise tax and we are against both.
If our tax money was put to use how it was intended, neither would be needed. Everyone wants more money. But we live on a small pension (which as not gone up this year) and Social Security (which has not changed for this year).
So all you folks in both groups can do the same. This is a choice of a good number of folks in the samne boat. We just cannot afford any raises, just do with what you have. FYI, I don’t see anyone in either group suffering. As for blaming it on roads, use another tactic.
Bob King, Stan Buduan
Hanapepe
Do something about barbecue smoke
I am very disappointed that not one member of the council responded to my concern about the smoke from pau hana pit stop barbecue truck in Kalaheo. Once again today, I had respiratory problems and blurred vision from the smoke his “commercial barbecue” generates toward the Kalaheo Neighborhood center.
Isn’t there anything we can do to prevent this serious health hazard? Many of the players today complained of headaches and burning eyes. Barbecue smoke is known to cause cancer and we as taxpayers should not have to recreate in an environment that is polluted by one individual.
Kathy Sheffield
Kalaheo
