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Letters

Extra runways option would slash costs
I refer to Peter Lok's letter in which he writes that there is a requirement for a 2,000-metre separation between two in-line runways ("Four runways not feasible at Chek Lap Kok", September 14). There are, in fact, no international air regulations governing the layout of in-line runways.
I, however, was also incorrect in asserting in my letter ("Four runways option cheaper than Airport Authority's proposal", September 8) that such a proposal for Heathrow had been abandoned. I have since been corrected by the promoters of this Heathrow proposal, who have pointed out that, in fact, far from being abandoned, their proposal for an additional in-line runway is one of those shortlisted by the authority.
If the proposal for Heathrow was also adopted for Chek Lap Kok, one north runway would be used for landing and the other for departures. There would be a similar arrangement for two runways on the south side.
How is it possible for the reclamation to be cut back to land only required for third and fourth runways? Simply because the new passenger terminal shown on the website of the Airport Authority is no longer required. The additional capacity generated by the new runways is already provided for by the two new terminals currently under construction as the Midfield Development and West Apron Expansion. These two new terminals together almost double the existing capacity.
Before committing to expenditure of HK$130 billion on a scheme that will only result in one runway and a reclamation that is significantly larger than justified, the Airport Authority really should have a rethink about cheaper and more attractive alternatives.
R. J. F. Brothers, Sai Kung
 
Internet radio could be a bad influence
I am writing in response to the article ("Dynamic digital duo's next goal: a mass audience", September 15).
The number of internet radio stations is increasing rapidly. As a Hongkonger, I welcome the increased choice. However, as a father, I have a concern.
These radio stations are delivering information to the public, especially teenagers, and should comply with the Broadcasting Ordinance. Many internet radio stations, excluding D100, allow foul language.
Adolescents are easily influenced and may repeat what they hear. The government needs to regulate these internet radio stations to restrict improper content.
We should put quality before quantity, and not gamble with our children.
Leo Tsang Cheuk-lung, Tseung Kwan O
 
Public should be consulted on transport
I refer to the article regarding plans for seven new railway projects from 2018 to 2026 ("HK$110b blueprint to extend railways", September 18). As passengers, we are grateful to hear that the railway network will be enhanced in the future. We may find it convenient to travel around and commute.
Without a doubt, it is hoped that a high level of both stability and reliability can be continuously ensured in the proposed line, as excellent service is increasingly expected.
Another concern is the effect on the future transport system of the latest railway development strategy. Bus companies wish for a balanced plan to allow space for their development. At the same time, sufficient choices between various means of transport can be provided. In view of this, a wide range of public consultation is needed.
A comprehensive transport planning strategy can only be beneficial to all citizens in our community.
Charlie W. Chan, Sha Tin
 
Hong Kong can improve on gay rights
I am writing in response to the article ("72 years together, and gay couple can finally say 'I do'", September 11).
I am glad to see that same-sex marriage has been legalised in many countries. This is something that most gay couples would not have thought possible only a few years ago.
However, after great efforts by gay rights campaigners, things have changed. Newly implemented gay rights include prevention of sexual orientation discrimination by setting up laws to legalised same-sex marriage.
The changes have come about slowly over a long period of time, and the main driving force behind gay rights activists' persistence is love. Through campaigners' efforts, respect for same-sex couples is growing. That is truly a great achievement for the campaigners.
When will the time be right for the Hong Kong government to move forward on gay rights? It seems to be a mystery.
Rising global awareness of gay rights has resulted in less discrimination in Hong Kong. Even so, there is still much room for improvement.
Charile Chau, Tseung Kwan O
 
Workers must be allowed to take a sick day
I am writing in response to the article ("Hong Kong's street cleaners being deprived of basic employment benefits", September 21). I cannot believe that the city's street cleaners are being treated this way.
The article highlighted the plight of a hard-working street cleaner, Fok Mei-sung, who was not allowed to take a single day's sick leave even though she had a doctor's certificate. Street cleaners must be given the right to take a day off if they are ill.
Fok has never had eight days of annual leave as her contracts have never lasted more than two years. She gets up at 5am to start work, cleaning Fuk Wing Street, Fuk Wa Street and Apliu Street, and she never receives long-term employee benefits.
This story clearly shows that there is an overwhelming need for the law to be changed to better protect workers and for the government to review its subcontracting policies.
Because of rising inflation stagnating wages, more and more people are being pushed into the low-income group. Their lives are really hard if the government cannot provide them with sufficient basic employment benefits.
Scott Lam, Tseung Kwan O
 
Sneering at city's student protesters
Alex Lo, whose columns I often enjoy, continues his recent rather sneering approach to pro-democracy protests ("Beijing shifts from indulgence to hard line on Hong Kong", September 22) when he mocks arrested students for complaining at the lack of food and drink in detention, suggesting that they are therefore too "soft" to challenge Beijing.
Another way to look at this is that they complained because it was a violation of the rights that those detained by the police (and not yet convicted of anything) should expect to be accorded in a civilised society.
In that sense, it is part and parcel of what they were demonstrating about.
Students' class boycotts by themselves will of course not shift Beijing, but student actions in the past - in May 1968 in France and actually in China around the June 4 movement - prompted other groups to take action, for example, through strikes and workplace occupations.
If the students here succeeded in sparking other sections of Hong Kong society into similar action, that could have the tycoons who run this place on the phone to their friends in Beijing pretty quickly suggesting some compromises.
Even the PLA would be hard put to run the MTR as well as the buses, the docks, the ferries, waste collection, telecommunications, air traffic control and the banks.
I suppose I could add the property sector, but we might all decide we were better off with that closed down.
Sue Sparks, Sha Tin
 
Lifeguards need to be trained better
I refer to the letter, "Lifeguards not doing their jobs properly" (September 15). I am a regular swimmer in Kwun Tong and I feel that the lifeguards there do not really pay attention to the swimmers.
They often just sit there with their eyes fixed on one spot. During shift changes, they spend time talking to co-workers instead of watching the pool. I agree that they should learn to do their jobs properly before they can expect to earn more money.
The government should take responsibility for training lifeguards. Just as drivers need to pass a written examination and pass a practical test to gain a licence, lifeguards should also be tested.
Lifeguards don't just need to be physically fit and have first-aid skills. They also need to be trained by more experienced lifeguards who can impart knowledge about the possible dangers of swimming in pools and open water, to help prevent accidents.
Although we need more lifeguards in Hong Kong, the standard of those employed must be maintained.
Allen Chong Shing-fung, Lam Tin


Letters to the Editor, September 27, 2014

Cleaners are being denied benefits. Photo: Edward Wong

Australia has legalised same-sex marriage. Photo: AFP

Letters to the Editor, September 14, 2014

Ho Tung Gardens should have been saved. Photo: Sam Tsang

Internet radio pair aiming for a mass audience

Morris Ho is building an audience of mobile users.Photo: Bruce Yan

Plans for HK$110b expansion of Hong Kong rail network unveiled

One of the planned new lines will link the West Rail Line and the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line. Photo: Bloomberg

They finally said 'I do': gay couple marry in Iowa after 72 years together

The Reverend Linda Hunsaker presides over the wedding of Vivian Boyack (left) and Alice "Nonie" Dubes at the church in Iowa they have attended for 66 years. Photo: AP

Hong Kong's street cleaners being deprived of basic employment benefits

Fok Mei-sung has been a street cleaner for 12 years. But when she applied for her first sick leave she had few rights as her contracts had always been short-term. Photo: Felix Wong

Opinion

I refer to Peter Lok's letter in which he writes that there is a requirement for a 2,000-metre separation between two in-line runways.


Letters to the Editor, September 27, 2014

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}I refer to Peter Lok's letter in which he writes that there is a requirement for a 2,000-metre separation between two in-line runways.

I refer to Peter Lok's letter in which he writes that there is a requirement for a 2,000-metre separation between two in-line runways.