Remove highway
Hilo’s Bayfront Highway is frequently closed because of high surf, and the world does not come to an end.
The need for the Bayfront Highway has declined in recent years with the new Saddle Road, which has reduced traffic on the Hamakua Coast that once had to travel through Waimea to get to Kona. Isn’t it time to seriously consider removing the Bayfront Highway and opening up Mo‘oheau Park all the way to the bay?
Along with that, a traffic circle at the Kamehameha/Waianuenue/Highway 19 intersection would improve traffic flow, pedestrian and bicycle safety, serve as a “traffic calmer” and finally allow for legal and safe access to the beautiful Kaipalaoa Landing Park, which cannot be reached because the state will not provide a crosswalk at that location.
Bob Alder
Hilo
Makes no sense
I just don’t get it. The state Legislature is looking to make tougher DUI laws, especially after the deaths of three pedestrians in Honolulu a few weeks back. However, Hawaii also is looking to legalize recreational marijuana.
Colorado’s vehicle accident rate has increased by almost 50 percent since legalizing marijuana for recreational use, with many drivers being under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. If Hawaii allows pot as a recreational thing, would there still be zero drug tolerance of employees in the workforce? Would random drug testing on first responders, commercial pilots, heavy equipment operators, school teachers and even our elected officials be implemented?
So, increase DUI penalties, but allow recreational pakalolo? I just don’t get it.
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
Confiscate vehicles
The letter from Tom Beach concerning drunken driving (Tribune-Herald, Feb. 13) presents some very good ideas. Here’s another: If anyone with a drunken driving citation on their record is found behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, the vehicle will be confiscated by the state and sold, the proceeds going to a fund to assist surviving victims of drunken driving deaths and injuries.
This would apply regardless of the ownership of the vehicle. The only exception would be if the vehicle was reported stolen prior to the event.
One problem with many drinking drivers is that they continue to drive even after their licenses were revoked. This law would make it much more difficult for them to do so, as renting or borrowing a vehicle would be much more difficult if the car’s owner knew it would be seized if the borrower/renter were stopped by a police officer.
Let’s suggest this to our legislators.
Dan Lindsay
Hilo
