Letters to the Editor: 7-28-17

Bravo to performing arts festival

How lucky the Big Island has been to have the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival! In various venues around the island, though mostly in Waimea where HPAF is headquartered, we have been treated to wonderful musical programming this summer. Opera — Don Giovanni, The Mikado, and the short but superb Suor Angelica — that even non-opera fans (like myself in the past) could truly enjoy. Marvelous and stirring brass concerts, a full symphony orchestra, cabaret songs, chamber music with much more than just violin, viola and cello. In all, 22 performances from June 25 to July 24. Many full-fledged professionals, but also professionals in the making, including singers as young as the pre-teen years, performed. Artists were from many parts of the world, including Hawaii.

If you were fortunate enough to have attended any of the many events, you know firsthand how wonderful HPAF is. If you couldn’t attend, or, somehow had not heard about it, you should put HPAF in mind for next year when it will be back. HPAF is simply an opportunity that should not be missed. Really good music by top-notch performers is always a pleasure, and HPAF delivers fully on that pleasure. Look for HPAF next year and treat yourself to a wonderful experience.

Paul Dahlquist

Waikoloa

Put TMT to vote

Here’s an idea, instead of wasting money and court time for the next two years why don’t we have a voluntary vote for or against TMT and have both parties agree?

They each could put up a bond for it and if they default on agreement, they would lose the bond. Simple solution.

Jim Mezzasalma

Kailua-Kona

Truck ramp needed over guard rail

Traveling on Mamalahoa Highway, I notice that vehicles are regularly unable to stop and smash into the guard rail at the Saddle Road intersection.

It would save lives and property if the state would put a runaway truck ramp there instead of a steel guard rail. More flashing lights won’t do it.

Tom Pyne

Kona