Hilo
HELCO’s rates
Let’s get one thing straight: Lower profits are NOT a loss. They are just less profits than previously earned.
If HELCO is considering raising rates on all of us because some of us have decided to use greener energy, and their rationale is that they are not making as much in profit as they have in the past (which usually means an ever-increasing profit margin), they are NOT SERVING THE PUBLIC.
I believe, in light of this fact, we need to have a state-owned or county-owned utility company that will operate with the best interests of the public, not its shareholders, in mind.
Francine Pearson
Hilo
Trash explained
I have read in your excellent paper many letters complaining of the obvious increase in rubbish by the side of the road. Many of these writers may be unwittingly contributing to the problem.
If you examine the debris, you will conclude that the majority of the rubbish is recyclables that have blown out of the back of trucks on the way to the dump.
On my last trip to the dump, three trucks in front of me were blithely scattering this type of rubbish, no doubt cursing the chap in front of him, but not looking behind.
Bravo to all who recycle, yet remember these items are very light. If everyone would cover their trucks with a tarp, the problem would solve itself. There will always be a cad or two, but most people dislike litter and care about the ‘aina.
G. O’Connor
Ola’a
Kenoi’s money
The contribution figures to the mayor’s race are quite striking and say a lot. Mayor Billy Kenoi has out-raised his opponent about 288 to 1 — 95 percent of which came from off island. This says several things.
First, the people who don’t live here and don’t vote here (and have to put up with him) like the mayor a whole lot better than the people who do live here.
Second, the good ol’ boys in Honolulu are convinced you can buy an election.
If they like him so much in Honolulu, maybe he should move there.
Money does talk, but you might not like what it says.
William Wade
Kehena Beach
Bill will spur layoffs
I can only assume it was the employee unions’ idea to have government expand the sick leave for all workers (Tribune-Herald, Feb. 8). The state and county workers already get two weeks of sick leave yearly, and if you add all of their time off with pay, it runs from one to nearly two months.
The businesses that can afford it already give sick leave, and if they can’t afford it, they will lay off people. This is another one of those things that is not the government’s business.
Do you suppose there is a connection with our state Senate being a bit liberal, with one Republican and 24 Democrats?
Virgil Wheatley
Hilo