Crime Crime ADVERTISING Violence is horrifying I am increasingly saddened and horrified by the headlines I now read in our local newspaper about violent crimes on our island — especially murder. It hasn’t been that long ago that you would
Crime
Violence is horrifying
I am increasingly saddened and horrified by the headlines I now read in our local newspaper about violent crimes on our island — especially murder. It hasn’t been that long ago that you would rarely find anything more serious than a purse snatching,
Over the past several years, as my friends on the mainland have become increasingly frightened and began putting bars on their windows and installing alarm systems, I have often said what a peaceful and gentle place the Big Island is, and how fortunate we are to be somewhat insulated from the insanity in the rest of the world.
But yesterday, I counted no fewer than eight homicides reported in the local newspaper. Tourists are being accosted at knifepoint or beaten up and robbed; homes are being invaded and occupants murdered; drunk drivers are killing on the roadway more than ever; domestic disputes are erupting into crimes of passion where family members vow revenge on those they profess to love.
I look at the eyes in the mug shots in the newspaper and see chilling vacant stares, caused by much more than simply a bad photograph.
What has happened to us? How can we continue to call our island home paradise with this type of devastating violence occurring around us?
I want my paradise back.
Rev. Lona Lyons
Kailua-Kona
Traffic citations
There’s a reason
In response to J.R. Galloway’s letter about getting tickets at the airport: I would like to first let him know there’s a reason for the posted speed limits at the airport.
I am employed at the airport and many people employed there have to park our vehicles in parking lots away from the terminal areas. We have to walk and cross the streets to get to our jobs.
There have been numerous times where people will not slow down, and, on several occasions, nearly hit pedestrians as they try to walk across the street — even though there are signs posting the speed limits and signs letting them know there are pedestrian crosswalks ahead. They seem to not see the signs and just continue to drive over the speed limit, putting us in danger.
In certain areas the posted speed limit is 25 mph and then 15 mph. Would it be that difficult just to obey the signs and slow down, even though you don’t seem to know why?
I would like to thank the airport police who ticket the speeders who choose to speed. Yes, it is a choice. And while Mr. Galloway thinks the officer is not spreading the aloha, he is doing much more than that, he is possibly saving a life.
The airport is open seven days a week, and we have to deal with the speeders daily, so please Mr. Galloway, if you decide to come back to visit, let up off the pedal, slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Michelle Tomas
Kailua-Kona
Cultural respite
A classical pleasure
Help is on the way. Bless our popular musicians. They keep many local residents and visitors happy.
But for lovers of classical music, the scene has been somewhat limited in Kona. But the times are a- changing. Opera with live transmission from the Met at the Makalapua Cinema is here in Kona. And last Tuesday, a beautiful classical concert, violin and keyboard-piano at the library. Another concert is coming to the library on March 19: a string quartet with musicians from the Kamuela Symphony.
Go, enjoy, and show your support for classical music in Kona.
Ronald Shelden
Kailua-Kona
