Keep Onizuka memory alive at Kona airport
I read with great sadness about the closing and dismantling of the Ellison Onizuka Space Center at the Kona airport.
I have a suggestion that can help keep his memory alive. How about changing the name of the airport from Kona International at Keahole, to “The Ellison Onizuka International Airport at Keahole.
The airport can keep the “KOA” designation (ICAO and IATA designations are PHKO/KOA, and those would remain unchanged).
Since the airport would keep the same KOA designator, the name change will cost pennies, and Ellison’s memory would carry on forever (as it should), instead of just for “30 years.”
Airport name changes have taken place all over the United States to honor individuals, just to name a few, Stephens Anchorage International Airport, John Wayne Orange County … the list of honoree’s is long, and the Onizuka heritage should be carried on here in perpetuity out of respect for such a special person from our island.
I also read with interest Gov. Ige’s $50 million dollar plan to build out a new international terminal at the Kona Airport. The report states that the money can only be used for the build out of the international terminal. Are you kidding me? Has anyone used the lavatories at the Kona Airport? They are in a disgusting state of disrepair (same at HNL airport). Got priorities? How about fixing, and maintaining what we have, before we spend more money on something we don’t have?
Hank Putek
Keauhou
Boots on the ground needed
We do need “boots on the ground.”
Let’s go back to World War II when every able-bodied person was drafted, but at this time all Muslim Americans must register for the draft. Expect to be drafted up to the age of 35.
During WWII, African Americans and Japanese Americans turned out to be our most courageous and decorated troops. Because of recent global chaos that has been called a jihad by the Taliban, al-Qaeda and now ISIS, to show responsibility for their religious brethren all our troops should be Islamic. Step up and fight for your country.
Let’s put a top notch Islamic American fighting division in place to finish the job once and for all.
Bob Wetmore
Honokaa