Wille fighting for zero waste
Thank you, Margaret Wille, for fighting so hard to get green waste bins at the transfer stations. The other day it was full of green debris and people were commenting how good they feel about having a place to deposit their green waste in a recycle bin instead of the garbage dump bin.
I know that you have worked very hard for a long time to create opportunities to reuse, recycle and reduce our waste resources toward our goal of zero waste.
Thank you for your hard work. It is making a big difference.
Joyce Oconnor
Kamuela
Hawaii not doom and gloom
I have to respond to Mike Reimer’s letter (“A clean slate,” July 19), which paints a picture of Hawaii Island teetering into a despair of Biblical proportions.
Yes, we have our problems — he pointed out the examples of homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. But, Mr. Reimer, we are so far from being destroyed by fire and brimstone. Life is good for most on this island, populated by hardworking people filled with aloha, studded with majestic snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes and blue oceans, and blessed with days that are warm and comfortable, and air scented with the fragrance of abundant flowers.
Its current leaders? Maybe they are imperfect, but who is perfect? As you said, they kept our families and friends safe through tsunami, hurricane and lava flow. They kept us economically sound despite the worst economic crisis since the great depression. They reduced the size of government while increasing services. They protected the most vulnerable in our community — our keiki and kupuna — by expanding programs and dramatically increasing county parks. They stood up an affordable workforce housing project and built transitional housing to aid families down on their luck. They also probably built more county roads than any other administration since statehood. I’ll take that kind of imperfection any time.
Mr. Reimer says the large number of people running for mayor reflects the widespread disgust of the populace for the way things have been operated. I would say it is more likely a promising surge of interest in public service that shows there are good people still willing to participate in our representative form of democracy. Rather than indict, we should celebrate anyone who cares enough to respond to the call of public service.
And among those who wish to serve, there is a single candidate who was a leader in the current administration, and who knows how hard he must work to be the leader of the next. His name is Wally Lau. Join us in voting for him.
Mark Travalino
Kailua-Kona
Wally gets this guy’s vote
It appears a few angry residents have already made up their minds about the pCard issue. Regardless of what anyone speculates or prognosticates, a trial has been set, and a judge and jury will decide the outcome. It is up to us as responsible Americans to allow the process to take place in a fair and impartial manner, and to have faith in a judicial system that is the best in the world.
That being said, an election is on its way and voters should reassure themselves that Mr. Lau, in addition to being the best candidate for the job, is also a candidate with integrity. I asked Wally, a well respected Hawaiian man, if he acted in a pono way during this time in question, and his answer was a resounding “yes.” From everything I know about Wally, his word is gold, so I have no reason not to trust him.
Therefore, I support Wally Lau for mayor.
Tom Whittemore
Kailua-Kona
Shame on media
This is unbelievable. Hawaii should revolt against the media and Democratic Party. Really, after years of Democratic Party rule, what do Hawaiians have to show for it?
What I’m really upset about is the bias media attention. The ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates are all running the DNC convention line, cutting out normal broadcasting. They did not run the RNC convention. How obvious does it have to get that these media outlets are just leading Hawaiian residents by the nose.
Come on people, wake up!
William Coleman
Kailua-Kona
Smoking, driving far more dangerous than GMO
It continues to amaze me that the most vocal in their risk concerns have no concept of risk assessment. Usually while inhaling the smoke from smouldering plant leaves deep into their lungs, which actually does have a health risk.
The riskiest thing most people do is drive their auto. One is hundreds of times more likely to die in an auto crash rather than some perceived risk from glyphosate or GMO, and if you text and drive make that thousands.
The link below to EPA evaluates health and environmental concerns regarding glyphosate. I suggest reading it, or you can skip to page 34 of 70
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/glyphosate-417300_2015-06-29_txr0057175.pdf
Richard Johnson
Kailua-Kona
Slept just fine, thank you
I am writing in response to Rev. Marian Hughes letter to the editor dated July 24.
I have to ask what world is Reverend Hughes living in, the wonderful world of Disney?
Contrary to the reverend, millions of Americans slept just fine after Donald Trump’s acceptance speech. We heard a candidate who acknowledges the problems facing our nation and is determined to do something about them. For many, national security is a big concern. Maybe Americans wouldn’t be losing sleep or living in fear of the next terrorist attack if President Obama’s easy going Hawaiian mindset was balanced with the heart of a warrior.
The reverend’s comment regarding Hawaii people living in peace and acceptance of each other isn’t quite true. Sure, we aren’t on the same level as the mainland. But prejudice and intolerance of different races and beliefs in Hawaii is a problem; a problem often passed down from generation to generation. The reverend’s reference to “Those old prejudiced white men” is a glaring example of perpetuated intolerance. That isn’t the aloha the Hawaiian people taught us.
The truth is America has become weak at home and globally thanks to President Obama and Secretary Clinton. Americans can’t afford four more years of failed policies and partisan leadership. As Sanders and Trump supporters know, Hillary Clinton lives above the law with her rigged system and phony excuses. Denying the seriousness of our situation because it makes us fearful is a poor excuse for inaction. Yes reverend, Jesus said “fear not.” He also said the “truth” will set you free.
Carrie Moore
Kailua-Kona