Oahu’s homeless sit-lie ban a bad idea ADVERTISING Oahu’s homeless sit-lie ban a bad idea I was listening to National Public Radio the morning of June 15 on the way to Hilo. Some public representative wants to make an islandwide
Oahu’s homeless sit-lie ban a bad idea
I was listening to National Public Radio the morning of June 15 on the way to Hilo. Some public representative wants to make an islandwide ban against homeless people living on Oahu, since if they just ban it in certain areas, the homeless will move to other places. The bill(s) are coming up to a vote soon.
So, this is my advice to all elected officials in regards to this bill: Before you vote on it, take a night or two away from your cushy homes, go out into the city or the beach or somewhere and spend some nights. Do not take any comfort items with you, and do not sit or lie down anywhere.
Sara Steiner
Pahoa
Use green waste to generate power
Everywhere I go I see piles of green waste, slowly decomposing into pollutants, CO2, methane; plus, eventually a little dirt. It is obvious that the 110,000 tons a year of green waste collected by environmental services is less than half the total generated.
We get preached to constantly about sustainability, yet this valuable resource equivalent to billions of gallons of oil is wasted, rotting by the side of the road.
A properly designed waste-to-energy plant could dispose of both man-made combustible waste and this free resource while generating power.
Selling the power would generate cash flow to enable the county to buy the waste instead of charging to accept it. When you have a lot of anything, there is a way to profit from it.
Sustainability does not have to be limited to growing your own veggies.
Ken Obenski
Kaohe, South Kona
Charge the hikers for rescuing them
Finally, Kauai County has come to its senses. All islands should do the same and charge hikers who disregard signs and go where they know danger lurks.
Why should the county pay for these people’s lack of common sense? Everyone should be accountable for what they do. If they want to take chances and go where signs say it is dangerous, then they can pay to be rescued. Those without money can do community service or repay their rescuers in some other way but pay they should.
Colleen Miyose-Wallis
Kailua-Kona
