What do you think of Hong Kong's electric car? When I read about an electric car developed in Hong Kong, I knew I would like to have one ('HK regulations pull the plug on electric car', March 3). Electric cars are not expensive, so I wonder why we don't see more of them on our roads. I think one of the reasons is the difficulty owners would have when it came to recharging the car. Where would you find places to enable you to do that? Unlike other cities, space is strictly limited in Hong Kong. Many people would not have the space to keep a car. I would like to see the government doing more to make it feasible for people to get electric cars. Even if it does become easier to get one and a bit trendy to have one, I do not think we will see too many wealthy people in electric cars. Rubisa Chiu Wai-shan, Ho Man Tin What should be done with the Seaview Building? The Hong Kong government has a good track record when it comes to developing museums. Take, for example, Flagstaff House in Hong Kong Park. Originally it was the residence of the commander of the British forces in Hong Kong, and the government has done a good job of preserving this building. Therefore, I think the Seaview Building could also be converted into a marine museum. People could learn about marine ecosystems, and the entry fees and income from the museum's souvenir shop would help pay for the maintenance of the building. Cheng Cheuk-hei, Tsuen Wan On other matters ... I read with amazement that Cathay Pacific has offered compensation to the woman who had a hysterical episode when she missed her flight ('Cathay apologises over YouTube clip of tantrum', March 5). How can Cathay possibly reward this woman [through 'upgrades to business class' on her next flight to San Francisco] for her ridiculous outburst? Ultimately, it is we the consumers who bear the cost of her flight upgrades. Cathay staff were correct to record the incident to protect the interests of both Cathay Pacific and individual staff members against any possible action by this woman. The woman could have claimed that Cathay employees were rude. Instead the video shows polite and calm staff dealing with an extraordinary situation. Granted, the video clip should not have made it on to the internet, but the event took place in a public place, therefore the woman left herself open to public scrutiny. It is reported that the Cathay employee did not upload the material, and perhaps more care should have been taken with the video, but the woman should have thought about the consequences of her disproportionate actions in a public place. Unfortunately Cathay Pacific has chosen to reward the woman's behaviour. If a two-year-old threw a tantrum, would a parent reward them? No. In future, I think I might selfishly arrive at the departure gate late, delay 200-plus passengers while Cathay offloads my baggage, then have a tantrum. Perhaps I, too, will be rewarded with an upgrade. Sharon McCarthy, Tung Chung I am amazed that Cathay Pacific rewarded the customer who decided to make a complete fool of herself after missing her flight ('Cathay apologises over YouTube clip of tantrum', March 5). Her exhibition was indeed embarrassing, as her 5 million audience would agree, but totally brought upon by herself. Cathay should be ashamed for being seen to tolerate such behaviour, never mind rewarding it. What message does this send to other customers and beleaguered staff? Free first-class tickets for best air-rage incident of the month? Robert Karlson, Central The Association of Geoconservation, Hong Kong, would like to express its serious concern over the eco-vandalism in Shui Mong Tin ('Mystery work wrecks island's shell beach', March 4). What has happened shows the government's inability to stop unauthorised developments in rural areas. There is clearly a lack of co-ordination, and communication between various government departments and officials appears to be indifferent to the damage being done to our invaluable Special Area - Ma Shi Chau. When we suspected there was unauthorised development of Shui Mong Tin, Ma Shi Chau, on September 21 last year, we immediately reported in writing to the Lands Department and to the Sha Tin, Tai Po and North District planning office and asked them to launch an investigation. The Lands Department replied that the site belonged to private land for agricultural usage. It had not received any submission of a development plan and had referred the case to the Planning Department for a follow-up. It was unfortunate that our complaint was not closely followed up, given the current development in Shui Mong Tin. Trees were felled and cleared, the shell beach was levelled, various levels of platform were built, and concrete retaining and boundary walls and drainage connections were constructed. During high tide, the construction blocks geo-appreciation walking. It is ridiculous that encroachment on government land went unnoticed until our report on January 29. This development is a serious environmental nuisance. We are disappointed and frustrated that since our January 29 report, no government departments, including Lands, Planning, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Environmental Protection, Buildings, and Drainage Services, have given us a satisfactory reply about what can be done to repair the damage. Ma Shi Chau is one of our Sites of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area. It is an invaluable part of our geological heritage. It was also a proposed site, announced by the government, for a geopark. Any destruction or damage that might be irreparable to the scientific, educational and aesthetic values of our geological heritage must be prevented. The association urges the government immediately to resolve the problem of government land being used in this way and unauthorised developments. Penalties must be imposed when the law has been broken and existing measures must be improved to provide better protection of our assets. The relevant departments must step up law-enforcement action and enhance their environmental awareness, and there has to be better co-ordination. Cindy Choi, convenor, Association for Geoconservation
