Use cameras
While living in Portland 10 years ago, I received a notification in the mail by the police department that I was in fact speeding through this intersection, and an automated radar device had not only clocked my speed, but had in fact taken my picture as well.
Sure enough, it really was me behind the wheel, and I was caught red-handed, so I had no choice but to pay my fine.
Having made a trip over to Hapuna Beach recently, I was amazed at how many impatient drivers were passing me up, all of which were obviously breaking the law. Supposedly, the people who get caught speeding on that road are subjected to rather hefty fines, but unfortunately it takes a police officer with a radar gun to catch them.
With another recent fatality on the Saddle Road, why aren’t automated radar pictures being used here on this island? The money generated by the speeding violations would probably more than pay for the hardware (radar and cameras), and our roads would be a lot safer.
Isn’t it about time we got up to speed with this technology?
Reed Vallance
Hilo
Carbon tax
Hawaii’s Climate Commission is pushing for a carbon tax. One of the commissioners commented that having a tax was more practical than having our roads under water. Unfortunately, if Hawaii was completely “carbon free” tomorrow, it would have absolutely no impact on the possibility of our roads being under water in the future.
If carbon reduction is a priority, shouldn’t Hawaii’s government be leading the way? Give it credit for having a hydrogen program and a fledgling electric vehicle program, but the current fleet of governmental vehicles leaves much to be desired when it comes to carbon emissions. Do as I say, not as I do?
We can expect a few things to happen when it comes to carbon-related fees (which sound better than taxes): the government will undoubtedly play favorites through credits and allowances, fees will not be equal for John Q. Public, and prices will be higher across the board for practically everything — gas, transportation, goods, food and electricity.
One final note. The electric company recently petitioned for a rate hike, partially due to the cost of investing in clean energy. Just another example of “damned if we do, and damned if we don’t.”
It wouldn’t surprise me that in the future there will be fees for not using governmental services like power, sewer, water and garbage pickup. (We’re already well on the way.)
Fred Fogel
Volcano