Hawaii County workers on it
A group of early morning dog walkers noticed that the Waimea Police Department’s facility was growing a veritable garden in its gutters. One of the walkers, Sue Moss, emailed a photo of the gutters to the Department of Public Works noting that this might be a safety issue — a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying dengue fever.
Within the hour of sending the email request, Barrett Otani, information specialist with the county DPW, called and said he had notified both the county DPW and Civil Defense about the issue and hoped they would have the gutters cleaned within a few days.
Within three days of the request for cleaning, Neil Azevedo and his highways crew, who volunteered to take on the task so that it could be addressed immediately, were on site with trucks and cranes cleaning out the gutters. They are also busy assisting Civil Defense and the Department of Health with other dengue related hazards.
What a great job they did not only making the facility look good but also removing a health issue from our community.
Susan Moss
Waimea
Think vegan in the new year
Once again, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, particularly those to improve our diet and exercise routine.
Although gun violence and traffic accidents remain the leading causes of death among young people, the most dangerous weapon for the rest of us is still our fork. Well over 1 million of us are killed each year by high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other chronic diseases linked to our meat-based diet.
But times are changing. According to Gallup, 22 percent of American consumers are avoiding meat and 12 percent are avoiding dairy products. Supermarket chains offer a growing selection of delicious and healthy plant-based meats and dairy products. Animal meat consumption has dropped by 8 percent in the past decade.
Hundreds of schools, colleges, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias have embraced “Meatless Monday” and vegan meals. Fast-food chains are rolling out vegan options.
Let’s make this New Year’s resolution about exploring the rich variety of plant-based entrees, lunch meats, cheeses, ice creams, and milks, as well as the more traditional green and yellow veggies. The Internet offers tons of recipes and transition tips.
Washi Hamada
Kailua-Kona
Vets, Dems not mutually exclusive
In the letters section on Dec. 26 regarding Ms. Gabbard, Frank Dickinson wastes half the column insulting most of the people in this state, i.e. ”Bragging about being a lifelong Democrat and voting the party line is revolting.”
Frank you might want to think of changing states as well over 60 percent of the voters here are Democrats. If you are angry about the situation that Republicans find themselves in now just wait until the next election! Also your comment about not understanding how vets could be Democrats is ignorant.
Semper Fi
Lt./Col. Tommy Tinker
USMCR
Kapaau