Workman’s comp for vog-related issues?
Here in our little corner of paradise we’ve been outraged over the Hawaii Supreme Court’s recent decision that allows workman’s comp to be paid for vog-related health issues. Not that we all shouldn’t receive compensation for having to endure the volcano’s emissions, but who should pay? The state or the party responsible?
The Hawaii Supreme Court should have thrown out the case and directed the plaintiff toward the true offender: Kilauea volcano.
I know what you’re thinking … what about the goddess Pele? Isn’t she the “President Barack Obama” in this controversy? Well, yes, Pele is the one truly responsible for vog, but you can’t sue a goddess, can you?
I may be wrong about this but aren’t the gods, like senators and congressmen, immune from lawsuits? I don’t know the answer to this question because I am not a constitutional lawyer, but I think we need to find out if suing Pele is possible. And I, for one, I am willing to contribute to a “Sue Pele and Kilauea Volcano Fund” should some enterprising lawyer decide to take up the case.
I know. I know. Some of you are thinking why don’t we just arrest Pele and Kilauea volcano for their vog misdeeds? Agreed, but I wouldn’t want to be the officer serving the warrant.
Edward McShane
Naalehu
Manta ray legislation a stupid idea
Isn’t this a wonderful country when our esteemed legislator can submit bills regulating manta ray dives based on their expert experience “because I heard from many people”? It appears Rep. Cindy Evans only functions on what someone says. Has she ever thought about getting on a boat and observing what really goes on out there before disrupting people’s lives?
I thought you were elected to help the economy not take away our local dive operators’ livelihood.
Typical Democrat: regulate, regulate, regulate.
Dick Peterson
Kailua-Kona