New Saddle Road efforts commendable
The Central Federal Lands Highway Division and Hawaii Department of Transportation, among others, should be commended for their efforts to improve Saddle Road. The recently opened segment between mile markers 41 and 51.27, along with the previous phases (mile markers 11 and 41), is a huge improvement over the old Saddle Road.
The latter roadway was riddled with potholes and serious design deficiencies, which caused an immeasurable number of accidents and fatalities. In addition, the realignment and reconstruction of Saddle Road to a full fledged highway has resulted in a huge savings in commute times.
I was able to drive between mile marker 6 (top of Puainako Extension) and mile marker 51.27 on the Kona side in 56 minutes. My overall time savings was about 26 minutes, so I can’t wait until the last east side Saddle Road phase is complete. It will reduce commute times even more.
I know there are challenges acquiring the right of way for the final SR200(3) phase. However, I’m confident these challenges will be overcome. It is imperative that Sen. Dan Inouye’s legacy project is finished.
Aaron Stene
Kailua-Kona
Students questions mature, remarkable
The precocious nature of the students in Rebecca Marsh’s U.S. History class is truly a reflection of her skills and talent. Well done, well done. Questions about the failure of the Patriot Act and questionable practice of Department of Homeland Security purchasing copious amounts of ammunition (in turn, creating a shortage and artificial price inflation of ammunition) were very mature and remarkable.
Why Congress has not impreached President Barack Obama for violating the U.S. Constitution took the words right out of my mouth. The questions were far better than the answers.
Great job, Kealakehe High School, Ms. Marsh and her U.S. History students. It is indeed refreshing to hear debate on controversial and questionable laws crossing the line.
Brad Thor wrote: “I live in America. I have the right to write whatever I want. And it’s equaled by another right just as powerful: the right not to read it. Freedom of speech includes the freedom to offend people.”
Thank you America, for free speech.
Jay Tomokiyo
Holualoa