Hawaii already fraught with fraud
It looks like bad timing for all-mail voting since corruption in local Hawaii politics might be at an all-time high (Rail, Kealoha’s state bribery federal investigations). In a climate of widespread government corruption, voter fraud becomes too easy and inviting.
The theory that we would improve Hawaii’s embarrassingly, rock bottom last place voter turn-out rate is questionable. It may be that with all-mail voting, you would simply increase the amount of voters largely by fraudulent ones and votes by people who don’t even care enough to vote otherwise.
All-mail voting simply means that we will trust local government officials to verify the legitimacy of each ballot. How confident are we of this? It should be noted that the ones under federal investigation are the very ones who are supposed to protect us from fraud and corruption.
Remember when they said how cheap and under control the Rail would be?
Leighton Loo
Mililani, Oahu
Golf? How about start with basics
Mayor Harry Kim and the County Council, how about no golf subsidy for the east side or west side until you can provide a 100% reliable bus system so poor citizens can make it to work and on time?
It is time to rethink your priorities and keep it simple. Maybe work on a trash system next and leave any thought of raises to last.
John Olson
Kailua-Kona
Dump another example of west side shaft
Many of us remember the transfer stations without fences and hours and locks. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week you could take your junk to the dump. The fences were added by the previous mayor to ensure a number of patronage workers. That is, it guaranteed the need for jobs.
Obviously, the workers don’t care so much about this mayor. Open the dumps now or maybe we should caravan our trucks and bring the trash over to Hilo to create a new dump at 25 Aupuni St.!
The closed transfer stations, the time to repair our water pumps, the outrageous percentage of West Hawaii tax dollars to fund East Hawaii pet projects … we have two choices: A west side mayor who treats the island equitably or revisit the idea of dividing the island into multiple counties.
Ken Love
Kealakekua
Dump issues shows poor management
Regarding the closing of greenwaste and transfer stations, this is a management problem, which should be addressed.
Before moving here, I worked for solid waste and recycle for four years. My boss, Sondra, always had a backup plan. This is not the case here. If six employees call in sick then there is a lack of commitment.
I was 77 years old and only missed one day even if it was 10 degrees below zero. I notice lots of recyclable items going into solid waste because of lack of attention of employees. Should not the transfer stations be emptied when closed so they are ready for the days they are open? If a staff shortage is at one station and they bring in from another station would that not create a problem there?
Roger George
Captain Cook